Detroit City Wire

Apple has opened its first manufacturing academy in the United States, choosing downtown Detroit as its location. The initiative is a partnership with Michigan State University and aims to help small and medium-sized businesses across the country improve their operations through smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The academy is housed in the First National Building in downtown Detroit. It offers courses and hands-on training sessions, bringing together experts from Apple and Michigan State University to work directly with businesses on implementing new technologies.

“Detroit is a great place. There’s a rich history of manufacturing in Detroit,” said Jamie Herrera, director of product operations with Apple.

The program currently runs for two days and is free for participants. Organizers say additional courses will be introduced in the future to expand offerings.

“These are the things that can really help you from efficiencies to improve your operations. So as companies are starting to advance, these are the things that will help them advance,” Herrera said.

Michigan State University staff emphasize that the goal is not only to provide practical skills but also to foster connections among business leaders. “We’re hoping to build a community as we go through those teachings together,” said Sarah Gretter, who works with the Office of the Provost at Michigan State University.

Participants have already seen potential benefits from joining the academy. “They’ve proven success over and over again, and I hope to use those same tools to help me exceed as well,” Ross said.

Later this year, virtual courses will be added to increase accessibility for more businesses nationwide.

Apple has committed more than $600 billion in investments across the United States over the next four years as part of its broader strategy.