Recent federal data show modest gains in manufacturing output and capacity utilization in December, signaling steadier production conditions heading into 2026. National factory output rose slightly and operating rates edged higher, offering signs of stabilization after a period of uneven performance.

Those trends matter in Ohio, where manufacturing remains the backbone of the state’s economy. Ohio manufacturers generate nearly $140 billion in annual output, account for more than 16% of private-sector GDP, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide. Even incremental improvements in utilization and production can translate into meaningful economic impact across the state’s supply chains.

While capacity use remains below long-term historical averages, the latest data point to continued resilience and adaptation. Ongoing investments in workforce development, advanced equipment, and operational efficiency position Ohio manufacturers to build on these early signs of momentum as demand conditions evolve in 2026. 1/20/2026