A York County biz looks to change manufacturing. This quarter million dollars can help
A Lake Wylie business looking to transform the way manufacturing happens just got a quarter million dollar investment.
The South Carolina Research Authority and SC Launch announced a $250,000 investment for New Forge. The company utilizes augmented reality software and hardware in manufacturing and healthcare.
Digital glasses allow New Forge users to interact in real time. Someone in maintenance or operations can see what’s happening on a manufacturing floor without being there.
New Forge received grants totaling $37,000 the past two years from the research authority. The most recent grant recognizes the company’s ability to increase productivity, safety and efficiency for manufacturers.
“What New Forge has developed is an evolutionary step for how manufacturing companies can interact on the manufacturing floor with suppliers, internal trainers and support, and customers,” SC Launch director Matt Bell said in the grant announcement.
New Forge founder Javier Ortiz said the company allows users to capture and transfer knowledge, with step-by-step instructions, to factory floors from anywhere.
“With more time, people, and skills shortages than ever, industries are pressured to do more with fewer resources,” Ortiz said.
SCRA Executive Director Bob Quinn called the partnership with New Forge an exciting one.
“The digital transformation in manufacturing is producing higher qualities products and services,” Quinn said.
SC Launch began in 2006 as an independent, nonprofit corporation to provide loans and investment for in-state companies. South Carolina Research Authority began in 1983 as a public nonprofit corporation.
This story was originally published February 7, 2023 at 11:29 AM.
