A transformative collaboration, including the University of Wyoming, is elevating
the manufacturing sector in southeast Wyoming.
The High Altitude Manufacturing Partnership (HAMP), initiated in 2018 by the Wyoming
Workforce Development Council, is a pioneering Next Generation Sector Partnership
tailored to meet the distinctive requirements of local manufacturing companies.
“As co-chair of HAMP for three years, I’ve seen firsthand the power of these partnerships,”
says Mandy Davis, human resources manager at HIVIZ Shooting Systems and HAMP co-chair.
“By gathering partners from industry and the public sector, we can address challenges
and collaborate on solutions.”
HAMP already has led to new manufacturing training programs at Laramie County Community
College (LCCC).
“We look forward to driving more workforce development and innovation to support this
vital sector,” Davis says.
Manufacturing Works, a partner organization that assists manufacturers, is eager to
see HAMP expand its collaboration.
“HAMP gives us direct insight into the needs of industry leaders,” says Sean Schaub,
account and project manager for Manufacturing Works. “This ensures our services provide
maximum value in helping companies compete locally and globally.”
Manufacturing Works is supported by UW, the National Institute of Standards and Technology
and the Wyoming Business Council (WBC). Next Generation Sector Partnerships, an initiative
of the Institute for Networked Communities, are industry-led, community-supported
partnerships that strengthen regional economies and connect people to jobs.
The core philosophy behind HAMP is that manufacturing leaders themselves play a key
role in guiding the sector’s success. Companies drive the agenda and priorities, while
government, colleges and nonprofit organizations provide support. This puts industry
expertise in the driver’s seat.
Christine Munoz, a CNC Bootcamp participant from Fort Collins, Colo., left, listens
to instructor Jac Corless during a class in the new Advanced Manufacturing and Material
Center (AMMC) at Laramie County Community College (LCCC). The High Altitude Manufacturing
Partnership, including representatives of the University of Wyoming’s Manufacturing
Works, advised AMMC faculty on curriculum and equipment for the facility. (LCCC Photo)
Membership in the collaboration comes at no cost, allowing businesses to focus resources
on operations. By working together, the community can overcome shared obstacles and
capitalize on emerging opportunities.
HAMP welcomes any local manufacturer to join, whether an experienced leader or promising
startup, by visiting www.highaltitudemfg.org.
“The continued growth of Wyoming’s manufacturing base is crucial for diversifying
our economy and creating good jobs,” Schaub says.
HAMP “played a critical and influential role” in the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing
and Material Center (AMMC) at LCCC, says Maryellen Tast, dean of outreach and workforce
development.
“Industry partners from HAMP provided facility tours to help AMMC staff better meet
demands and industry needs, reviewed our curriculum and made recommendations so it
aligned with industry skill demands, and provided input on the equipment purchased
for the AMMC,” Tast says. “With support from several industry partners in HAMP, Manufacturing
Works, Cheyenne LEADS and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Laramie Workforce
Office, along with numerous other industry and workforce partners, the AMMC was able
to ensure a successful launch. A huge debt of gratitude to HAMP and those other partners.”
In addition to Manufacturing Works, UW, the WBC, Cheyenne LEADs, Wyoming Department
of Workforce Services and HIVIZ, other HAMP members are Albany County School District
1, the city of Laramie, Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Laramie Chamber Business
Alliance, LCCC, Laramie County School District 1 and Wyoming Construction Coalition
Inc.
