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New Digital Manufacturing Complex Opens On Goose Island

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new high-tech opportunity for Chicago opened on Goose Island on Monday, as a cutting-edge research and development complex was officially unveiled.

The 94,000-square-foot Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute could be the manufacturing equivalent of a tech incubator.

It will be managed and run by Chicago-based UI Labs – a nonprofit research and development group led by the University of Illinois.

The $320 million facility brings together more than 40 manufacturing and technology firms with universities, and government partners in a collaborative setting.

The aim of the institute is to create cutting-edge technology, and help the city and country regain some of the past manufacturing glory that has moved to the Pacific Rim in recent years.

"We're in the midst of an exciting moment, where UI Labs is helping to reestablish Chicago as a rightful hub of innovation in the United States. By focusing our energy and resources on high-value areas, UI Labs is poised to make significant contributions to economic development across the region, and our nation," said UI Labs Chairman Warren Holtsberg.

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Gov. Bruce Rauner, and several other political, civic, and business leaders were on hand to celebrate the grand opening.

"The best and brightest from all across the world are coming to Chicago to research cutting-edge digital technologies that will shape the world, and the future of manufacturing," said U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) who helped cut the ribbon on the facility.

DMDII executive director Dean Bartles said the institute will help find better ways for companies large and small to make their products.

"This is not just about the big companies. It's very important we get the small companies involved. The big companies are keenly interested in having their supply chain connected to this digital fabric," he said.

Gov. Bruce Rauner said it's all good for Illinois.

"Manufacturing is core of our economy," he said.

The U.S. Department of Defense kicked in $70 million to help build the center, while the remaining $250 million in financing came from private sources and state funds.

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