Construction has officially commenced for the Green Energy & Materials (GEM) Factory of the Future – an innovative research facility at the University of Maine focused on revolutionizing manufacturing through AI-enabled, large-scale bio-based additive manufacturing. The new facility, designed by Grimshaw in partnership with SMRT and Thornton Tomasetti, is a place of production where the manufacturing process itself is a central focus to drive continuous innovation.

The design of the GEM FoF is central to its identity, combining flexibility and adaptability to accommodate technological advancements over time. Its robust, industrial aesthetic reflects its purpose, with a mass timber structural frame and durable composite panels contributing to its functionality and resilience. The two-level GEM Gateway serves as the entrance to the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) campus while acting as a communal hub for the University and its visitors. This dynamic space functions as a “mixing valve,” bringing together students, faculty, researchers, and industry affiliates creating a true interdisciplinary coworking space. Its design emphasizes visibility and transparency, showcasing the center’s activities and fostering the free exchange of ideas.

Adjacent to the Gateway, the facility features student-centered spaces designed to foster innovation and collaboration. Learning labs are located at the building’s rear, while a multipurpose space on the second floor serves as a hub for capstone projects, offering expansive views of both the Gateway and the manufacturing bays. A standout feature is the Mini GEM, a workshop and digital twin of the full-scale manufacturing spaces that allows students to prototype and test ideas at a desktop scale before scaling them for production. At the heart of the facility are two expansive high-bay spaces, each with 40-foot clear heights and 120-foot lengths. These bays, purpose-built for advanced bio-based manufacturing, can fabricate components up to 60 feet wide and 100 feet long. This innovative setup not only supports groundbreaking product development but also enables the university to refine manufacturing processes, driving more sustainable, efficient, and forward-thinking production models.

By placing the manufacturing process at the forefront and creating a space that fosters collaboration and innovation, the GEM FoF, scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026, is poised to make a significant impact on both the state of Maine and the broader global community.

Client: University of Maine

Architects: Grimshaw in collaboration with SMRT

Consultants: Thornton Tomasetti, Goodhead, Consulting Engineers