On Monday, the White House announced that President Barack Obama will sign several new executive actions to help the continued growth of the United States' manufacturing industry. The actions follow the latest recommendations of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which were published this month under the title "Accelerating U.S. Advanced Manufacturing."

The announced package includes four actions: investing more than $300 million in emerging manufacturing technologies, expanding manufacturers' access to Department of Energy national laboratories, launching the $100 million American Apprenticeships grant competition and beginning a $130 million, five-year support program for innovative small manufacturers.

According to government data, the U.S. manufacturing sector has added more than 700,000 jobs since 2010 following years of contraction. The Administration is taking measures to spur this growth and keep the U.S. competitive as modern technology becomes a more important part of the manufacturing process.

The DoE has 17 national labs across the country and, together with NASA and the National Science Foundation, will allow greater access to the private sector and universities in an effort to encourage innovation.

The $300 million investment is focused on three emerging technologies: advanced materials, advanced sensors and digital manufacturing. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership, under the aegis of the Department of Commerce, will help small manufacturers adopt new technologies in their facilities. Although still in the pilot stage, officials hope to expand it nationwide.

Manufacturing software is a technological solution that is already available to small companies. The software helps them lower costs and streamline business by keeping track of every step of the manufacturing process, from inventory planning to distribution.