Partnership
The partnership between EWI and the City of Lynchburg is the only one of its kind, enabling the Office of Economic Development & Tourism to work hand-in-hand with EWI, an advanced engineering service provider with applied research and development (R&D) capabilities, to connect Lynchburg manufacturers with resources and talent to innovate and streamline operations.
“The unique partnership between the City of Lynchburg, Campbell County and EWI is generating great energy and excitement in companies seeking continuous improvement, the application of new technologies and streamlined operations,” said Marjette Upshur, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Lynchburg. “We are deepening the bench for our manufacturers to innovate.”
The advanced manufacturing and nuclear markets in the City of Lynchburg are leaders in their respective fields; and access to cutting edge technology, research and development and innovative practices are crucial to keeping them at the top of their game. By providing access to EWI’s vast array of data, industry experts and unique white papers and research not found elsewhere, this partnership is providing the business community with the ability to ‘test drive’ innovative new practices.
“By awarding EWI memberships to local manufacturers, we are helping them to continually innovate and push the boundaries of what they can achieve,” said Upshur.”
What is EWI?
EWI is a premier nonprofit engineering and technology company that was founded in Columbus, OH, in 1984. For 35 years, it has partnered with a wide variety of businesses across the country that need to enhance and reinvigorate productivity and production, offering engineering and research expertise in order to accelerate progress. In a world in which rapidly evolving technologies generate novel product fabrication techniques, EWI helps manufacturers overcome technical barriers and finds advanced solutions to make their products more quickly and efficiently. EWI identifies needs, develops solutions, and facilitates implementation to enable companies to innovate and flourish in a competitive global marketplace.
EWI has practical experience in many industries including aerospace, transportation, defense, heavy manufacturing, medical devices, packaging, consumer products and electronics, oil, advanced energy and more. With expertise across many technical capability areas – materials processing, welding, joining, metal forming, additive manufacturing, automation, structural integrity, testing, and nondestructive inspection — EWI specialists are able to help their clients achieve the breakthroughs required to achieve production efficiencies and get ahead of the competition. By approaching challenges through a process development focus and guiding clients from start to finish, EWI provides companies with the full range of engineering support they need to innovate and advance.
Memberships
EWI has a long history of innovation in the Lynchburg area, having longstanding partnerships with anchor employers such as BWXT and Framatome. Recently, the organization has been focused on expanding membership opportunities and innovation audits for local businesses; within the last year – even in a pandemic – EWI has expanded its local membership and companies continue to improve and innovate. New members include NovaTech, an engineering services company primarily supporting the nuclear industry; AMG, a contract manufacturer of machined components and fabrications; and American Hofmann, who provides development, production and assembly of universal balancing machines, vibration measuring instruments, monitoring and sensors, field balancing devices and consulting and support services.
“The City of Lynchburg has been a creative and energetic partner in helping EWI to elevate its profile with local manufacturers,” said Henry Cialone, EWI President and CEO. “We look forward to growing this relationship and eventually establishing an EWI presence in the community.”
The Office of Economic Development & Tourism has partnered with the Campbell County Office of Economic Development to engage EWI since 2015. This cooperative approach – the only one of its kind in the country – is designed to integrate with and enhance the company’s current capabilities and resources rather than competing with existing ones.
Innovation
The Office of Economic Development & Tourism is the local channel through which all incentives and programs are administered, from small local grants like the Local Redevelopment Program, to larger programs like the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.
“As the intersection between local government and the City’s business community, our office is the perfect conduit for EWI to connect to the local business community, and to layer EWI’s expertise and assistance with other possible incentives,” said Upshur. “It is providing the momentum needed to keep our economy dynamic, innovative and moving forward toward the future.”
If you are interested in learning more about benefits for your business through the partnership with EWI, please contact us at info@opportunitylynchburg.com.