(PRNewswire) The DoD-sponsored Next-Generation Manufacturing Technology Initiative (NGMTI) launched its plan for transforming the nation's manufacturing sector with a kickoff meeting in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), NGMTI will develop a national manufacturing technology investment strategy to accelerate the transformation of the U.S. industrial base. NGMTI seeks to energize a national consensus for investing in high-leverage, high-impact manufacturing technologies that enable faster delivery of affordable systems for defense while at the same time improving the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the Initiative will develop a "strategic investment plan" for manufacturing technologies, launch an industry/government forum of the nation's top manufacturing leaders to help guide NGMTI, and establish a broad implementation program. The program will also establish a national manufacturing test bed network to evaluate new technologies and promote rapid deployment of high-impact solutions.