The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association this week told state lawmakers that Ohio must move aggressively to capture more defense and aerospace manufacturing investment as national security needs reshape supply chains and industrial strategy.

The testimony comes as a new national report shows defense manufacturers are increasingly looking to resilient regional supply chains, skilled workforce, infrastructure and research partnerships to strengthen readiness, with 98% of surveyed U.S. manufacturing executives saying they are preparing for supply chain localization or reshoring.

Testifying before the Senate Workforce Development Committee, Eric Jenkusky, founder and CEO of T.J. Clark International, urged support for House Bill 292, legislation that would create the Ohio Defense and Space Commission and help position Ohio for more defense and aerospace work.

Jenkusky said Ohio’s defense industrial base is already a major economic asset, with military and federal activities generating nearly $55 billion in total economic impact and supporting 418,000 jobs statewide. The bill would establish a statewide defense and aerospace strategy, strengthen coordination among industry, academia and the military, and create targeted support for contract development and facility improvements.

“House Bill 292 is smart, targeted public policy that would help Ohio compete for high-value defense and aerospace work while strengthening the small and mid-sized manufacturers that form the backbone of the defense industrial base,” Jenkusky said. “At a time of growing national security challenges, Ohio should be leaning into its manufacturing strength, not leaving opportunity on the table.” 6/2/2026