Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 - Tom Kelly, Automation Alley - #MPC26

Chris Holman speaks with Tom Kelly, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference. Tom Kelly, CEO of Automation Alley, joined host Chris Holman at the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss Project DIAMOnD, a distributed manufacturing network that equips small manufacturers in Southeast Michigan with 3D printers. The network currently connects 550 manufacturers across Oakland and Macomb Counties, with Wayne County set to add 250 more, and has recently secured an $8 million Department of Defense contract to validate the network as a surge capacity mechanism for military parts. Kelly emphasized that the distributed model allows manufacturers to share production capacity across the network, enabling small shops to fulfill large orders without massive capital investment. He also called on the Michigan legislature to pass funding to take the initiative statewide, noting that the DoD contract proves the concept is ready to scale. Kelly expressed optimism that combining distributed manufacturing with AI and additive technology could transform Michigan into a 21st-century manufacturing powerhouse. » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/