TO BE KNOWN AS 47G UAMMI INSTITUTE
Brice Wallace
Two industry associations are joining forces, aimed at boosting Utah’s economy, speeding the development of advanced technologies, and strengthening the state’s role in national security.
47G, representing Utah’s aerospace and defense industry, and the Utah Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI) have merged under the name 47G UAMMI Institute. In a news release, 47G said the combined organization will strengthen the ability to win federal investment for workforce training, industry development and research, and it will be tasked with growing a critical minerals consortium in the Intermountain West.
“This collaboration allows us to syndicate resources and bring attention to an industry with a rich history and promising future,” said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G. “We appreciate Gov. [Spencer] Cox, the Utah State Legislature and the Utah System of Higher Education for their support and leadership. We are fortunate to work in unison with common goals guiding our efforts.”
“With more than 80 percent of Utah’s advanced materials industry supporting aerospace and defense manufacturers, UAMMI welcomes the merger with 47G,” said Tulinda Larsen, president of the 47G UAMMI Institute. “The institute will be uniquely positioned as an award-winning organization to secure critical funding and contracts, catalyze innovative technologies, and generate a greater impact for Utah’s thriving aerospace and defense industries.”
The 47G UAMMI Institute will be headquartered at 47G’s base in downtown Salt Lake City, with offices at Weber State University’s Miller Applied Resource Solutions building near Hill Air Force Base.
47G, focusing on aerospace, defense and cyber companies in Utah, features an ecosystem of more than 120 companies and 20 academic institutions. It was known as the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association until it switched its name to 47G in October 2023. The name is a reference to both the Utah pioneers who arrived in the region in 1847 and to the airplane test pilots who set the record for acceleration at 47G, or 47 times the force of gravity.
UAMMI was established in 2013 as a public-private partnership, nonprofit, non-fee membership organization to elevate the Utah advanced materials and advanced manufacturing industries.
Under the consolidation, 47G will continue to convene, promote and advocate for companies critical to national security. In addition to aerospace, defense and cybersecurity, the organization’s efforts will now include critical minerals, advanced materials and energy. Those areas of focus align with the U.S. Department of Defense’s 14 critical technology areas designed to address challenges facing the United States.
The combined organization says Utah potentially could offer up to 40 of the 50 minerals designated by the U.S. Geological Survey as critical to the economic health and national security of the United States. Those minerals are core to advanced materials and manufacturing.
“We celebrate the growth and development of our aerospace and defense industry which contributes to our vibrant workforce and expansion of critical infrastructure,” Cox said. “This consolidation of resources between two great organizations will enhance 47G’s ability to elevate Utah’s status as a premier hub for industry and destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.”
Chris Stewart, former Congressman and 47G’s chair, said the merger is “a huge win for Utah and for the country.”
“As a former Air Force pilot and member of Congress who served on the House Intelligence Committee, I have seen firsthand how advanced materials in the aerospace and defense industry enhance our economy and protect our national security,” Stewart said.
“Working for a full-service engineering and manufacturing company and a small business that produces large composite parts for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, I understand how important this merger is for Utah’s aerospace and defense industry,” said Marshall Hagen, senior manager of strategic programs for Janicki Industries and former UAMMI board chair. “The merger aligns industry resources and connects Utah companies, small and large, to advance our common interests and grow the advanced manufacturing base in this great state. I wholeheartedly support it.”
In a letter to partners, UAMMI noted that Larsen would remain as president of the 47G UAMMI Institute. Guy Letendre is now vice president of manufacturing, minerals and materials for 47G. KC Sanders is now director of marketing and channel partnerships at 47G. Melissa Larsen is handling events and sponsorships for both 47G and the 47G UAMMI institute. Cathy Blomquist is director of operations with 47G and will work with UAMMI cluster members and the Return-to-Work program. David Beckerman will continue to work on proposal development and thought leadership. Cara Winthers will provide administrative program support for the 47G UAMMI Institute. Jeff Edwards, Brent Strong and Scott Stephenson will continue to serve as senior advisors to the 47G UAMMI Institute.