Results
Though the Center to Advance Manufacturing is still in its infancy, it is already impacting manufacturing in Northwest Ohio. We welcome the opportunity to help solve the challenges facing manufacturing today. Here are some of our successes so far.
ESOL Program Thriving In Findlay
When considering challenges in manufacturing, communication may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Center to Advance Manufacturing has observed an increase in non-English-speaking associates across Northwest Ohio manufacturers and is actively working to bridge language barriers. In collaboration with Raise the Bar Hancock County and the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, a Findlay-based manufacturer has seen significant success with an ESOL program established through local education providers.
Through personalized support, such as placement tests, customized workbooks, and weekly classes, non-English-speaking employees are gaining valuable language skills. This initiative is a positive step toward improving communication, with the company setting a strong example for others in the region. In Northwest Ohio, where many native languages are represented, such efforts are crucial to supporting the workforce and enhancing manufacturing operations.
Supply Chain Analysis to Determine Feasibility of Re-shoring
The Center to Advance Manufacturing in partnership with the Bowling Green State University Schmidthorst College of Business and College of Technology Architecture and Applied Engineering, completed a supply chain analysis for a Northwest Ohio automotive Tier 1 supplier. The supply chain analysis reviewed every component imported to North America. The study evaluated the components based on costs, timing, geography, tariffs, and geo-political factors to identify the highest priority components to consider for re-shoring. The study further identified companies in North America that could produce the components (re-shore) as well as developed processes to vertically integrate the components into the company’s production. The study identified up to $20 MM in savings for the company if the recommendations were implemented.
Digitizing Manufacturing Process to Improve Efficiency
The Center to Advance Manufacturing worked with a regional plastics producer to digitize their manufacturing process. The company reached out to the Center to address their unplanned downtime, overall production, and waste. The Center worked with a company called Operation Feedback Systems (OFS) to place programmable logic controllers (PLCs) on the production equipment and implemented interactive monitors for each machine operator. The company can now track each time a plastic piece is made, any downtime (planned or unplanned), and waste. The company is utilizing the data to improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and develop operator skills. As an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) business, the employees have an invested interest to continually improve the company’s bottom line and the Center was able to assist.
Providing Students Real-life Experiences
The Center to Advance Manufacturing coordinated site visits to manufacturing and logistics companies for the University of Findlay Supply Chain students. The companies were able to demonstrate real-life scenarios and processes to students, such as purchasing materials, shipping them to sites, handling supplies, and ultimately shipping to the customer. The exposure for the students introduced them to companies in the region looking to hire.
Making Sure the Workforce of Tomorrow has what it needs Today
The Center to Advance Manufacturing identified a need for welding students to have access to production grade steel. After a site visit to Werk-Brau and a Werk-Brau visit to the Owens Community College Findlay campus, Werk-Brau agreed to donate scrap steel for students to utilize in training. “Area employees have a unique skill set. It is important that the students learning the skill of welding not only understand concepts but are prepared for the real world. We are pleased that Owens Community College in partnership with the Center to Advance Manufacturing are working together so that training offerings are a reflection of the regional economy,” said Jeri Steinbrook, Center to Advance Manufacturing Workforce Training Coordinator. It is important that the students learning the skill of welding not only understand concepts but are prepared for the real world. I am pleased that Owens Community College in partnership with the Center to Advance Manufacturing are working together so their training offerings are a reflection of the regional economy.”
Grant Awarded to Advance STEM based Talent
The U.S. Economic Development Administration announced an investment of nearly $333,000 to support Bowling Green State University in its efforts to create an ecosystem to transform smart manufacturing curriculum and training by engaging industry professionals in work-related learning modules and hands-on activities.
Goals of the project include:
- Support competencies of smart technology-enabled manufacturing graduates and technicians with courses, certificates, and badges
- Create pathways to local industry jobs at local high schools and community colleges
- Attract minority and female students to smart manufacturing careers
- Collaborate with industry partners and economic development agencies to align the program outcomes with local workforce needs