One big thing
Weber State University’s MARS Center (Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center) is revolutionizing advanced manufacturing with world-leading composite technology and creating a unique ecosystem where businesses, particularly small ones, can access cutting-edge equipment they couldn’t otherwise afford.
Why it matters
This public-private partnership model is transforming how Utah approaches manufacturing innovation and workforce development, creating a powerful multiplier effect for state investments.
“We are really at the forefront here… in terms of what we’re doing at the capacity manufacturing side,” says Dr. Benjamin Garcia, MARS Center executive director, highlighting the center’s global leadership position.
Perfect partnership
“Weber State has been working for years with Hill Air Force Base to make sure it can be successful, not only for local economic development reasons, but also because it’s so critical to our national defense,” said Brad Mortensen, president of Weber State University. “That gives us the opportunity to do things that other institutions can’t do because of those agreements and our proximity. So it just makes all the sense in the world for us to be fully invested in making this ecosystem successful.”
In addition to the state of Utah, Weber State also partners with Hill Air Force Base, 47G, the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation.
By the numbers
- The center houses one of only four machines of its kind globally
- They’re producing some of the world’s first structures using this advanced technology
- The facility is expanding with 4 major equipment installations planned in the next 6-12 months
Go deeper
The MARS Center stands out for three key innovations:
- Next-generation manufacturing equipment focusing on high-temperature composites
- Advanced composite machining capabilities rare in the industry
- A “neutral playing playground” where businesses can access both equipment and expertise
The bottom line
Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Mike Schultz emphasizes the center’s efficient use of resources: “It’s a way we ought to be looking at education as a whole, not just in high school, not just in trade schools, but obviously at our higher ed institutions and universities as well. The more we can align workforce development with classrooms with on the job training with industry partners. We will then set up success for kids in the future and our economy in the future, and for the citizens of our state as a whole. There’s a lot of outside money being invested here. This isn’t just state money. This isn’t just Weber State University’s money. They’re bringing in industry partners that are helping fund this and financing, which then leverages those dollars and makes them go further because we’re bringing in private money to help finance it as well. So we get a double bang for our buck.”
This innovative approach to manufacturing and education creates a win-win scenario: businesses get access to cutting-edge technology, while students receive