Tester Secures $2 Million to Boost Manufacturing, Create Jobs in Montana

Funding for Montana’s Smart Manufacturing Technologies Outreach Initiative will come from the Senator’s bipartisan infrastructure law

Continuing his efforts to boost manufacturing and create good-paying jobs in Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester secured $2 million to support small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the state and accelerate the implementation of smart manufacturing technologies in their operations. This funding, which will be awarded to Montana’s Smart Manufacturing Technologies Outreach Initiative, comes from the Senator’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Tester negotiated the bill with five Republicans and four Democrats and was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to vote for it. 

“Getting folks trained up on cutting-edge technology at our small and medium size manufacturers is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to boosting jobs in our state,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured this funding from my bipartisan infrastructure law for workforce training and recruitment to grow local manufacturers and create good paying jobs right here at home.” 

The $2 million will be used to build and deploy a smart manufacturing demonstration and simulation unit to provide on-site demonstrations throughout the state, educating small and medium-sized manufacturers on available smart manufacturing technologies and how they could improve facility operations and efficiency. The program will also create apprenticeship and internship programs and is partnering with Highlands College to develop a Smart Manufacturing Technician certificate program.

Tester has led the charge to support domestic manufacturing and create good-paying jobs in Montana. Just last month, Tester secured a major $41 million investment for the Headwaters Tech Hub, cementing Montana’s leading role in helping America stay ahead of countries like China. Tester led the charge to bring a Regional Tech Hub to Montana after specifically securing a provision in his bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to ensure the program includes rural states. Tester’s successful push to secure a Regional Tech Hub in Montana has opened the door for Montana to lead the nation in critical tech development, bring millions of dollars in federal and private-sector investment, and help America outcompete countries like China.

Congress passed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 to invest in high-tech manufacturing across the country, strengthen technology supply chains, and bolster development of cutting-edge research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Tester was the only member of the Montana congressional delegation to serve on the conference committee that negotiated the bill.