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.
Northwest Ohio Language Resource Guide
In response to ongoing feedback from employers, educators, and workforce partners, the Center to Advance Manufacturing developed the Northwest Ohio Language Resource Guide to improve access to English language learning opportunities across the region. As workforce diversity continues to grow across Northwest Ohio’s 17 counties, language barriers have increasingly impacted workplace communication, training participation, safety, and long-term retention.
The guide provides a centralized, county-by-county reference to English language learning classes and programs available throughout the region, helping employers, individuals, and community partners more easily connect to local resources. By consolidating these offerings in one place, the guide supports clearer communication, stronger workforce participation, and more inclusive pathways to opportunity across Northwest Ohio.
Equipment Investment Expands Safety Training at the University of Findlay
The Center to Advance Manufacturing supported an equipment investment at the University of Findlay to enhance hands-on safety training for manufacturing employers, workers, and students across Northwest Ohio. The equipment is utilized by the University’s All Hazards Training Center (AHTC), which delivers industry-focused instruction in confined space entry and rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency preparedness.
The equipment has expanded the AHTC’s training capacity through mobile training units and on-campus instruction, supporting safety training at multiple professional locations and reaching more than 200 trainees within the first few months of use. This investment strengthens access to practical, real-world safety education and responds directly to needs raised by manufacturers as facilities adapt to new technologies and increasingly complex safety requirements.
Supporting Employers Through Ohio TechCred
The Center to Advance Manufacturing has supported employers across Northwest Ohio in navigating Ohio’s TechCred program, which reimburses companies for upskilling current and prospective employees through short-term, industry-recognized credentials. Through one-on-one advising and guided support, Workforce Training Coordinator Jeri Steinbrook has assisted 59 companies with TechCred eligibility, credential selection, application requirements, and submission.
By serving as a regional resource for employers, the Center helps reduce administrative barriers, increase participation in TechCred, and support workforce upskilling aligned with industry needs and employer demand.
Northwest Ohio Automotive Analysis
With funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Center to Advance Manufacturing partnered with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the automotive manufacturing sector in Northwest Ohio. This study covered the 17-county region served by the Regional Growth Partnership and was developed in close collaboration with each county’s economic development organization. Together, we built a detailed inventory of over 230 automotive facilities employing approximately 43,000 people and assessed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
The study evaluates risk and opportunity across key areas such as electrification, automation, workforce readiness, and federal policy. It also includes actionable recommendations developed through company surveys, management interviews, and stakeholder focus groups. View the Executive Summary here.
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