Leadership

U.S. Auto Sector Invests Heavily in Robotics

While robot installations across the U.S. grew 10% last year, they increased 47% in America’s automotive industry. The sector installed 14,472 units, according to this report. 10/3/2023

Intel Suppliers Now in Nearly 40 Ohio Counties

Since announcing its Ohio project in 2022, Intel has grown its Ohio supplier footprint from around 150 to more than 300 suppliers. Those suppliers are in every region of the Buckeye State and include businesses from nearly 40 counties, as identified in this map published by the DeWine-Husted administration. 10/5/2023

Manufacturing Sentiment Improved Last Month

U.S. manufacturing in September expanded for the first time in 10 months due to the strongest production growth since last summer, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

In this summary, OMA Connections Partner RSM predicts the sector is on an upward trend — but that a prolonged UAW strike could erase recent gains. 10/2/2023

Strategies for Inventory Optimization

With many manufacturers facing elevated inventory levels, OMA Connections Partner RSM has published this guidance. It offers three key strategies to help companies better align supply with demand while improving working capital. 10/4/2023

Ken Poland Joins OMA Staff

Ken Poland has joined the OMA staff as a director of workforce services.

A native of Southeast Ohio, Ken previously taught at The Ohio State University while pursuing his Ph.D. in public policy and management. His research focuses on successful cross-sector collaboration — specifically the formation, growth, and management of Ohio’s manufacturing industry sector partnership network.

Ken will be working closely with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and regional partners to help further develop and coordinate statewide and region-specific EV workforce development strategies.

Ken graduated from Muskingum University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. He earned master’s degrees at OSU before entering the doctoral program.

In his free time, Ken enjoys gaming, reading, and practicing outdoor survival skills. Email Ken to say hello. 10/3/2023

New Bipartisan Legislative Districts Approved

The Ohio Redistricting Commission this week unanimously passed a bipartisan House and Senate map after lengthy negotiations — meaning the state’s legislative districts are now set through 2030. See this story by the Statehouse News Bureau.

Under the new maps, Republicans are expected to have a 61-38 advantage in the House and a 23-10 advantage in the Senate. Here’s the House map and the Senate map.

Meanwhile, Democrats and former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor (R) are pushing for a citizen-led constitutional amendment to create an independent commission that would determine district boundaries. So far, Attorney General Dave Yost (R) has rejected proposed language for that effort. 9/27/2023

OMA Weighs in on Insurance Coverage Case

The OMA has filed an amicus brief regarding a significant insurance coverage case before the Supreme Court of Ohio. Several large insurers are asking the court to adopt broad rules that could threaten general liability insurance coverage for businesses, leaving Ohio manufacturers substantially more exposed to uninsured tort liability for their products.

Here’s a summary of the case. The court has scheduled oral arguments for Oct. 24.

The OMA was joined by several partners, including: Avient, Cleveland-Cliffs, Eaton, Gojo Industries, Goodyear, Greif, Lincoln Electric, Materion, Owens Corning, Steris, TimkenSteel, and Worthington Industries. 9/28/2023

Ohio’s Early Voting Begins Oct. 11

Election Day, Nov. 7, is just around the corner. The deadline for Ohioans to register is Oct. 10; early voting begins Oct. 11. This voter toolkit provides helpful resources employers can share with employees.

Two high-profile issues will appear on the 2023 general election ballot. State Issue 1 addresses reproductive decisions. State Issue 2, which is opposed by the OMA, would legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to the 2024 election year, the polling average published by RealClearPolitics indicates a tight presidential race. 9/28/2023

10 Strategies for Using AI in Manufacturing

The race is on to embrace new technologies in manufacturing — and many eyes are on AI. Check out this list of strategies for using AI in manufacturing, published by OMA Connections Partner CliftonLarsonAllen. 9/26/2023

100 Things to Do in Ohio This Fall

Fall is fantastic in Ohio. TourismOhio has published its list of 100 things to do in the Buckeye State — as well as this checklist. Also, see the fall color report published by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 9/25/2023