Welcome Remarks During President Biden's January 28 Visit to Mill 19
Good afternoon! On behalf of the entire Carnegie Mellon community, it is my pleasure to warmly welcome you to Mill 19, CMU’s advanced manufacturing facility here at Hazelwood Green.
Thank you all for joining us on this extraordinary day as we welcome President Joe Biden back to Pittsburgh.
Mill 19 is a fitting location for President Biden’s address on strengthening the national supply chain and revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.
This iconic structure represents both the storied past – and the reimagined future – of American manufacturing.
Decades ago, more than 5,000 workers produced more than 1 million tons of metal per year right here, helping to power Pittsburgh’s – and the nation’s – economic engine. Today, Mill 19 is where CMU and its partners are catalyzing discoveries in the essential components of 21st century manufacturing, including robotics, additive manufacturing, 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
It might seem that the work taking place here is vastly different than the work of those who forged steel decades ago. Yet I would offer that, in many ways, it is exactly the same. Both are rooted in deep pride, a tenacious work ethic, and the spirit of a community that is helping to power a nation.
Mill 19 is also a showcase for the power of public-private partnerships. This building – and the 178-acres that surrounds us – represent a remarkable alignment of support and commitment from civic, public, and private leaders to advance this region’s renaissance and pursue new approaches to community development, skills training, and education.
At this inflection point for U.S. competitiveness, the nation is at the cusp of building an innovation-based economy through historic investment in our talent and workforce, in our research and development enterprise, and in our national infrastructure.
While this moment is powered by technological innovations, it must also be driven by our shared humanity and by a common resolve to ensure that transformative economic opportunities reach all Americans.
I am excited and grateful to see so many elected officials and so many community and foundation partners here today. You are embracing this mission every day through your service and leadership.
Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for your passion. And once again, welcome to Carnegie Mellon!