The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) marked a major milestone with an open house event at its new headquarters in Innovation South, Tennessee. The celebration honored a decade of advancements in composite materials and manufacturing while showcasing the organization’s cutting-edge laboratory and expanded facilities.
A Decade of Progress
Since its founding in 2015, IACMI has been a driving force in composites innovation, bringing together industry, academia, and government to develop lightweight, high-performance materials for automotive, energy, and aerospace applications. The open house highlighted key achievements, including advancements in carbon fiber recycling, wind turbine blade development, and next-generation vehicle components.
“Over the past 10 years, IACMI has played a pivotal role in accelerating composites technology,” said Dr. Bryan Dods, IACMI CEO. “Our collaborations have led to breakthroughs that enhance sustainability, reduce costs, and improve manufacturing efficiency.”
New Headquarters & State-of-the-Art Lab
The event also introduced attendees to IACMI’s newly established headquarters at Innovation South, a growing hub for technology and advanced manufacturing in Knoxville, Tennessee. The facility features a state-of-the-art composites laboratory equipped with advanced tools for materials testing, prototyping, and large-scale production research.
Guests toured the lab, observing demonstrations of automated fiber placement, thermoplastic composites processing, and 3D printing of composite structures. The new space is designed to foster collaboration, allowing partners to work side by side on real-world challenges.
Industry & Government Support
The open house drew representatives from leading companies, universities, and federal agencies, underscoring IACMI’s role as a national leader in composites innovation. Speakers included U.S. Department of Energy officials, who highlighted IACMI’s contributions to clean energy and advanced manufacturing initiatives.
“IACMI’s work is critical to achieving national goals in energy efficiency and industrial competitiveness,” said a DOE representative. “Their research helps bridge the gap between lab-scale discoveries and commercial deployment.”
Looking Ahead
As IACMI enters its next decade, the organization is focused on expanding its impact through new partnerships and research programs. Key priorities include sustainable materials development, workforce training, and supporting small manufacturers in adopting composites technologies.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Dods. “With our new facilities and strong network of collaborators, we’re poised to drive even greater innovation in the years to come.”
The open house served as both a reflection on IACMI’s achievements and a glimpse into the future of advanced composites—a future built on collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to solving global manufacturing challenges.
For more information on IACMI’s initiatives, visit iacmi.org.