U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded over $3 million to the America Makes manufacturing hub in Youngstown.

The grant will provide funding for additive manufacturing of a prototype N95-level non-woven filter materials for respiratory PPE that meets National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and FDA requirements.

The funds were made possible by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which Senator Brown helped write and pass.

Senator Brown says Ohio has a rich history in leading the U.S. in manufacturing innovation, and thanks to the ARP, that legacy is being built on by making new manufacturing hubs. 

"We know the Valley has some of the best manufacturing talent in the country and with investments like this, Ohio is burying the term 'Rust Belt' by leading the next generation of U.S. economic growth and manufacturing and putting people to work at good paying jobs," Brown said.

America Makes Executive Director, John Wilczynski says America Makes is honored to receive this grant to help further develop technology that can be deployed for the point of need production.

America Makes was the country's first manufacturing and innovation hub and served as inspiration for legislation passed by Senator Brown in 2014 that created a network of 15 manufacturing innovation hubs across the country.