Ohio manufacturing took center stage in Washington this week as Ned Hill, a longtime voice on manufacturing policy and frequent contributor for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship during a hearing tied to America 250 and the rise of small manufacturers.

Hill’s testimony highlighted manufacturing’s central role in Ohio’s economy, noting the sector accounts for $137.9 billion of Ohio GDP and more than any other private industry. He also emphasized that Ohio’s manufacturing strength depends not only on major anchors, but on the thousands of smaller manufacturers that make up the state’s supply chains.

“Ned Hill understands what makes Ohio manufacturing work,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “As America prepares to mark 250 years, his testimony reinforced a core truth: manufacturers of every size are driving Ohio’s economy, strengthening American supply chains and building the next generation of industrial growth.”

Ohio’s manufacturing strength is not accidental. It depends on policies that help companies invest, innovate, grow and compete. 5/13/2026