Laurie McCormick

Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI)

As West Virginia's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, the non-profit Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) serves as an innovative catalyst for economic development by providing manufacturers, entrepreneurs and workers access to the 21st century equipment and skills they need to compete in today's global marketplace. RCBI's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers in Huntington, Charleston, Bridgeport and Rocket Center (near Keyser in the state's Eastern Panhandle) offer leased time on state-of-the-market, computer-controlled manufacturing equipment and a wide variety of technical training (general and customized on-site training) and workforce development initiatives. Cutting-edge technologies available at RCBI include reverse engineering, 3D printing and prototyping, laser cutting, EDM, Swiss turning center, and waterjet technology. Services offered include quality certification/implementation, business development and the 21st Century Manufacturing Network, a computerized database linking West Virginia manufacturers and providing them up-to-the-minute information on contract opportunities. RCBI is home to West Virginia's Composite Center of Excellence which offers for lease a five-axis router, six-axis filament winder, autoclave, oven, cleanroon and state-of-the-art CMM.