U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno visits The University of Akron to support polymer industry collaboration

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno visited The University of Akron on June 2 to learn more about the region’s growing Polymer Industry Cluster and the University’s central role in advancing polymer research, education and industry partnerships. Moreno met with University leadership and members of the Polymer Industry Cluster to discuss current initiatives, future goals and collaborative efforts to ensure Ohio remains a national leader in polymer innovation.

The visit included a roundtable discussion on progress related to the federal Tech Hub and state Innovation Hub designations, with an emphasis on the future Polymer R&D and Production Facility. Moreno toured the National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC) and viewed the site for the planned scale-up facility on campus.

Moreno is backing a $5 million congressionally directed spending request to support equipment for the new facility — an investment expected to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline and innovation capacity.

Participants included leaders from the Greater Akron Chamber, Bridgestone Americas and the University of Akron, among others. Together, they highlighted how business, industry and academia are working hand-in-hand to secure the future of Ohio’s polymer economy.