Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), an institution synonymous with innovation in advanced manufacturing materials, processes, and technologies, has recently made a significant executive move. Emphasizing the strategic importance of manufacturing to the nation's economic and security interests, ORNL named Craig Blue as its Chief Manufacturing Officer. With his extensive background and notable achievements in the field, Blue is set to drive forward the laboratory's manufacturing agenda. This update comes directly from an announcement on the official ORNL website.

In his new role, Blue aims to seamlessly integrate the laboratory's vast capabilities and resources to further elevate the U.S.'s positioning in the competitive manufacturing arena. Craig Blue is no stranger to ORNL, having previously served as the Director of Defense Manufacturing Programs. It's worth noting that he has been instrumental in the establishment of the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at ORNL. According to Moe Khaleel, associate laboratory director for National Security Sciences, “Craig Blue has made a career out of manufacturing excellence," he continued with, "He is a leader who knows how to bring people together, build programs from scratch and, most importantly, deliver results.” These attributes seem to exactly fit the laboratory's requirements to spearhead the strategies that aim to sustain and enhance the nation's manufacturing prowess.

The selection of a Chief Manufacturing Officer signals ORNL's concentrated focus on reinforcing the manufacturing sector — a critical component of the nation's economic strength and global competitiveness. Such an appointment is aligned with the overall objective of harnessing innovative technologies that have the potential to transform industries and bolster economic security.

Blue's track record at ORNL is nothing short of influential. His leadership in creating the MDF illustrates a commitment to advancing manufacturing technology which is expected to continue shaping the future of the sector. The expectation is clear: under Blue's guidance, ORNL is set to not just continue, but to rapidly expand its impact on the manufacturing sector, keeping American innovation firmly planted at the forefront of technological advancement.