Rep. Ryan hails complete manufacturing transformation at America Makes open house

YOUNGSTOWN

Rick France, a teacher of 40 years in industrial technology, remembers the start of his teaching days when they used to use paper and pencil to draft ideas.

Now, his students are on the cusp of the newest technology and what is considered the transformation of manufacturing.

That technology is 3-D printing.

“It’s a good thing,” France said. “It’s a sign of life and innovation.”

France was one of the hundreds of attendees at the finale for the four-day Youngstown Maker-City Initiative where about 12 local makers showcased products, the nationally recognized 3-D printing hub, America Makes, opened its doors to the public and where U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, called on the citizens of the Valley to “figure out some way, shape or form we can convert our economy to fuel this next movement.”

“The reality of what we are experiencing not only in the Valley ... is a complete transformation of manufacturing,” Ryan said. “And the epicenter of that is right here [in Youngstown].”

Both Ryan and Ralph Resnick, founding director of America Makes, signed a Maker City pledge at the event.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and Vindy.com.