Leadership

Supply Chain Shows More Signs of Recovery

OMA Connections Partner RSM reports that its U.S. Supply Chain Index was back to normal for a second straight month in August. The firm says it’s too early to tell whether supply chains have completely rebounded, but the improvement should provide some inflationary relief.

Meanwhile, orders for manufactured goods slipped in August, the second consecutive monthly decline. Global steel output is flat and falling, apparently due to weaker industrial demand. And lower manufacturing output led to a 0.6% drop in real GDP during Q2 2022. 9/27/2022

Oct. 4 Webinar Will Address New 3D Printing Standards

Manufacturers can register now for an Oct. 4 webinar, hosted by the American Petroleum Institute, to address two new standards on additive manufacturing.

One standard relates to metallic components; the other pertains to polymer-based components. Learn more and register. 9/26/2022

Events to Enhance Your Business’ Cybersecurity

To help ensure that employees are properly skilled in cybersecurity, the OMA has partnered with the MEP at Columbus State to offer a discounted cybersecurity course for OMA members.

Thanks to grant funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, this virtual, 31-week program is open to manufacturing employees across Ohio. Spots are limited. Email the OMA’s Rebecca Andriani to register.

Also, the National Association of Manufacturers will host a day-long, in-person cybersecurity learning event in Cleveland on Oct. 17. Programming will cover the changing cybersecurity landscape, trends, and new regulations — and spotlight how companies are protecting themselves. Learn more and register. 9/23/2022

Oct. 19 Event: Thriving in International Markets

OMA Connections Partners Clark Schaefer Hackett and Thompson Hine have teamed up with U.S. Commercial Service to offer an Oct. 19 learning event aimed at helping businesses thrive in international markets. See the agenda here. Attend virtually or in person in Dayton. 9/26/2022

Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Husted Join OMA Board Dinner

On Sept. 19, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted joined the OMA board for dinner in Licking County, where directors convened for the association’s Q3 board meeting. (See separate story.)

In his remarks, the governor discussed the administration’s efforts to recruit Intel, while celebrating Ohio manufacturing’s overall momentum. “This is Ohio’s time to shine,” he said.

Recalling some of Ohio’s earlier policy battles in which the OMA was engaged — like tort reform, tax overhaul, and workforce development — Lt. Gov. Husted said the administration counts on the OMA for its expertise and strong statewide network. 9/21/2022

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted addressed members of the OMA board on Sept. 19 in Licking County. Pictured in the top photo (from left) are OMA President Ryan Augsburger, Gov. DeWine, OMA Chairman Dale Laws, vice president of manufacturing operations for Whirlpool, and Lt. Gov. Husted.

OMA Board Meets in Heart of ‘Silicon Heartland’

The OMA board of directors held its Q3 meeting Sept. 20 at the historic Granville Inn in Licking County, just a few miles from the site of Intel’s massive semiconductor project.

In addition to updates on public policy, workforce services, and the 2022 election, board members heard from JobsOhio President J.P. Nauseef, who provided an in-depth look at the state’s recent economic development successes — including major manufacturing projects in all six regions of the JobsOhio network.

Additional guest presenters were Kevin Hoggatt, Intel’s director of state government affairs for Ohio, and Rick Platt, president of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. 9/21/2022

Magazine: Ohio’s Most Influential Manufacturing Leaders

Ohio Business magazine has published its “Ohio 500” list of the “most powerful and influential” people in the Buckeye State. Compiled with the help of surveys, feedback from community leaders, and the magazine’s own research, the list is segmented by industry.

Among those making the Ohio 500 in the manufacturing sector were OMA President Ryan Augsburger and key leaders from several OMA-member companies. 9/22/2022

Study: Ohio a Top 20 State for Infrastructure

Ohio is ranked No. 19 for its infrastructure, according to a new comparison from SmartAsset. The financial site considered eight key areas such as road, bridge, and public transportation quality; internet coverage; water systems; and electric grid reliability. Roughly 83% of Ohio’s roads are in good or fair condition, the study found. 9/21/2022

Manufacturers’ Q3 Outlook Survey

The National Association of Manufacturers has published its Q3 2022 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. Among the key findings:

• 78.3% of manufacturing leaders listed supply chain disruptions as a primary business challenge.
• Workforce (76.1%), raw material costs (76.1%), and transportation and logistics costs (65.9%) were also top concerns.
• In addition, 53.7% noted that higher prices were making it harder to compete and remain profitable.

Roughly 75% of respondents felt either somewhat or very positive regarding their company outlook, down from 82.6% in Q2. 9/20/2022

Report: China Using Mexico to Circumvent U.S. Tariffs

Manufacturers in China are dodging U.S. tariffs by sending operations and personnel to Mexico, according to OMA Connections Partner Plante Moran.

China’s investment in Mexico — which isn’t subject to U.S. tariffs due to the North American trade pact — have grown from $154 million in 2016 to nearly $500 million last year, according to reports. 9/19/2022