The Domino Effect of Seeking Local Support for Grant Funding
The Challenge
6K hired Mary Cronin, a seasoned executive to lead their government affairs program to create and foster key relationships at both the federal and state level. In addition to relationship building at the highest levels of congress one of her responsibilities was to expand and increase grant activity. As she began researching state and federal grants, Mary discovered the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) offered by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the MassTech Collaborative. The grant provides funding to help Massachusetts organizations transition their technologies from concept/lab scale to manufacturing. The timing was ideal for 6K as M2I2 helps bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization which was exactly where 6K was for the battery sector. She took the opportunity to 6K’s CEO Dr. Aaron Bent, as she had identified that the grant could pay for their first UniMelt system that would be used at 6K’s Battery Center of Excellence for the 6K Energy division.
The Solution
As 6K prepared to apply for the M2I2, they were introduced to MassMEP by MassTech. The grant requires applicants to partner with a nonprofit for administration of funds when awarded. As a result 6K also worked on their workforce development plan with MassMEP and got $160,000 to fund and implement that plan. The M2I2 grant was also the catalyst for 6K to develop local support. As the grant process moved forward, local support turned into momentum for state support which then leveraged federal support. It took 8 months of continued communication with MassTech, while bringing in local supporters that included local communities and Gateway cities, UMASS Lowell, Northern Essex Community College, WPI, Merrimack Valley planning commission, as well as a visit from their state representative and more.
The supporters hadn’t known of 6K at the time and that this “diamond in the rough,” transformative company could make such an environmental impact for all types of materials while creating a value stream for things that would have normally gone to landfill. Today, 85% of the world’s battery material comes from China using old, dirty processing technology. By contrast, 6K’s technology and processes use 90% less energy, 90% less water, and produce zero hazardous waste versus battery materials coming from China. With this as the backdrop, 6K was awarded an M2I2 award for $1.5M to setup their first UniMelt system in their BCE. The company has since expanded this to four systems and have expanded the facility. 6K’s accelerated growth in Massachusetts goes beyond its own facilities as they have partnered with 3 local manufacturing companies to scale production of the UniMelt systems. Governor Baker visited the company and toured their North Andover campus. He immediately saw the potential and subsequently introduced 6K to the White House as well as a few cabinet officials. The continued relationship building at the town, state and federal levels combined with dedication and hard work have resulted in their successful awards of over a $100M in federal grants in the last 12 months.
$3.5M
Total Project Investment
$1.5M
In cost savings due to state grant funding
$5M
In New Processes
$250K
in New Systems
WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT US
The MassMEP has been a critical partner in 6K’s growth and expansion. In helping to amplify our story, MassMEP brought a variety of local and national partners to our facilities for tours, which were followed by recommendations for technical support and relevant grants to consider. Further, they continued to deliver internal resources and partners to 6K to help increase our chances of success when applying for those grants.
Mary Cronin,
SVP Government AffairsAbout 6K Inc.
6K produces and innovates with their UniMelt® microwave plasma technology for the production of critical materials. 6K’s UniMelt technology is applied across a vast range of markets, from additive manufacturing (6K Additive) and essential battery materials (6K Energy) to future growth sectors (6K Next). 6K tailor-makes the purest, best-in-class materials all with sustainability as a focus regardless of the industry they serve. For battery cathode materials, they’ll transform production into seconds with their UniMelt systems versus a conventional plant that takes days, also reducing energy consumption by 2/3 and creating no wastewater. For additive manufacturing, they can create premium powders from certified millings and turnings leveraging sustainable input streams with as much as 92% less CO2 and 91.5% less energy use than conventional methods.
6K has assembled a team of material, process and production experts to deliver materials for today, tomorrow and beyond. Whether it’s in their innovation labs and Battery Center of Excellence (BCE) in Massachusetts, their additive manufacturing production facility in Pennsylvania, or the full-scale PlusCAM™ battery material manufacturing plant under construction in Jackson, TN, their patented 6K technology and sustainable processes enable an near infinite combination of materials that accelerate ideation and enable limitless possibilities.
With MassMEP
MassMEP along with Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) provided training resulting in a transformational, company-wide training program that went way beyond just the shop floor. The customized training program changed the mindset within the company from reactionary to one with a clear business model and strategic goals. The training provided the company with clear training goals and objectives. Now, all new hires go through a whole week of training. New employees spend at least 30 minutes with each department, plus lunch with the owners. They also conduct a 30-60-90 day check in periods with new employees.