DeWine budget aims to boost manufacturing capability, training and investment in Ohio
Experts say this could be the most important time in Ohio’s manufacturing history. Data collected by The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) reinforce that claim. Our report, “2023 Ohio Manufacturing Counts” (at ohiomfg.com ), found manufacturing leads the state’s private sector, with annual GDP of more than $130 billion. Ohio is third in the United States for manufacturing employees (more than 690,000) and manufacturing payroll ($44 billion). With 1,568 manufacturing establishments, Cuyahoga County is No. 1 among Ohio counties in the number of manufacturing businesses. Those businesses employ nearly 65,000 individuals. To maintain this strength (and take advantage of ongoing reshoring), Ohio must continue to enhance its competitiveness. Recently, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled his new budget. It includes greater investment in Ohio’s career-technical education, workforce training (like Ohio TechCred), new innovation hubs, and infrastructure to attract economic development – while continuing to focus on fiscal responsibility. The budget would also boost Ohio’s industry sector partnerships – like the Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership in Cuyahoga County – thereby allowing manufacturers to implement regional talent strategies. Continued investment in Ohio’s workers is critical as we keep adding 21st-century manufacturing jobs. The OMA urges our state policymakers to seize the opportunities now before us. Ryan Augsburger, Columbus Ryan Augsburger is president of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
