As 2024 draws to a close, I am honored to reflect on a year of progress, collaboration, and innovation for Manufacturing Works.

This year marked both new beginnings and sustained growth for our organization as we continued to support and strengthen the Northeast Ohio manufacturing community.

2024 was a transformative year for Manufacturing Works, beginning with a significant leadership change.

I am humbled to step into the role of President and Executive Director, following in the footsteps of Ken Patsey, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for much of our success.

Together with our incredible team, we have achieved several key milestones this year:

Strengthening Our Team

This year, we welcomed or promoted several talented new leaders who have already made a remarkable impact:

Our Director of Accounting and Budgeting has enhanced our financial operations, ensuring transparency and sustainability.
Our Program Coordinator has provided invaluable support that has enabled all teams in the organization to work smarter and more effectively.
Our Director of Strategic Marketing has elevated our communications and outreach, positioning Manufacturing Works as a leader in advancing the region's manufacturing sector.
Our Manager of Industrial Outreach and Development has strengthened ties with member companies, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Our Director of the Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership (LCMSP) has driven impactful initiatives in one of Northeast Ohio's most vital manufacturing hubs.
Our new Vice President of Workforce Development has played a critical role in expanding programs, securing funding, and addressing workforce needs.

These additions to our team have not only strengthened our capacity but also enabled us to achieve key milestones across all areas of our work.

We deepened our partnership with Lorain County JVS, launching a robust pre-apprenticeship program that introduces students to hands-on manufacturing opportunities.
Our collaboration with Cuyahoga Valley Career Center is paving the way for students to explore advanced manufacturing careers while developing critical skills.
We proudly became an Apprenticeship Ambassador, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor for our commitment to diversifying and expanding Registered Apprenticeships.

A $2.4 million workforce grant secured this year will help us further strengthen the manufacturing talent pipeline and address workforce challenges.
Our Workforce Development team, along with other team members, participated in the OEDA Summit, sharing insights on economic development and workforce initiatives.
We partnered with NIMS to offer a discount on Mentor Training and employer incentive funding through the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, providing our manufacturing member companies with valuable resources for talent development.
The LCMSP, powered by Manufacturing Works, was endorsed by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association (OMA) as an Industry Sector Partnership (ISP).
The continued success of our pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship model demonstrates the impact of combining classroom learning with real-world experience.
Alongside a coalition including OMA and other ISP grantees in our region, LCMSP achieved national recognition for leadership in training and placement outcomes for the Good Jobs Challenge grant. Learn more about Opportunity Works.

Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration

Our Leadership Institute graduation ceremonies honored diverse cohorts of individuals poised to lead the next generation of manufacturing businesses.
Several Supervising for Success programs were conducted, equipping frontline supervisors with skills to cultivate team growth and retention.
Our participation in the ESCNEO Manufacturing Bootcamp for Educators helped bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing teachers to guide students into rewarding manufacturing careers.
From the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) events in June and November to the highly anticipated MX.0 Midwest event in September, we brought together leaders and innovators to discuss the future of manufacturing.
We launched ManuFuture NEO, our members’ peer-to-peer collaboration and innovation network, strengthening the problem solving and knowledge sharing of area manufacturers.
At the Cleveland Women’s Summit, our Vice President of Learning and Development delivered an inspiring talk, showcasing the critical role of women in driving manufacturing forward.
We were featured, along with one of our apprentices, on Production Pulse, Industry Week's bi-weekly livestream, highlighting the transformative impact of apprenticeship programs.
The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative highlights the critical need for skilled workers in occupations such as process engineers, robotics engineers, and quality assurance professionals. Our organization acts as a bridge, connecting disparate elements of the Ohio AAM ecosystem, facilitating the flow of ideas, funds, and innovations from the drawing board to practical application.

Building Connections and Showcasing Excellence

We expanded our Ownership Transition Program, providing business owners with the expertise and resources to navigate one of the most critical decisions of their professional lives.
A new video tour of Keystone Threaded Products highlighted the incredible work of one of our key sponsors while showcasing real-world manufacturing excellence.
Events like our networking evenings and plant tours provided opportunities to connect, celebrate, and share best practices with our partners and members.
We helped several manufacturers create their own strategic Smart Manufacturing roadmap and define the role, value, and fit of modern smart technologies in their operations, readying them to build their digital capabilities for the future.
We launched our first-ever Manufacturing Works merch store, giving our members and supporters another way to show their pride in manufacturing.
Hosting Max Hayes students at Mayfran International and Rockwell Automation created opportunities for young talent to explore the field firsthand, underscoring our commitment to promoting creative and effective workforce solutions.

This year, we also began speaking differently about our work—acknowledging the economic development impact of what we do and how it strengthens our communities. Manufacturing is a driving force behind regional prosperity.

With the launch of the "Manufacturing Works for You" campaign, we united around a powerful idea: every program, every service, and every initiative we lead breathes life into the manufacturing sector in Northeast Ohio. This impact is not only measurable—it is immeasurable.

Manufacturing builds communities, creates opportunities, and sustains a legacy of innovation.

We rely on you to do what we do. You make all of this possible. To learn more about how you can support our mission, visit this page to explore all the ways you can get involved. At our signature event, the Nuts & Bolts Bash, we raised $95,550 in sponsorships—an increase of 50% over last year! This is a testament to the belief and trust you have in our work, and we appreciate your generosity.

As we look to 2025, I am grateful for the partnerships and talent that have made this progress possible. In collaboration with all of you, we are building a future where manufacturing thrives, careers are cultivated, and innovation drives growth.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared mission of strengthening manufacturing through connection, education, and training.

Sincerely,

Adam Artman

President & Executive Director, Manufacturing Works

2024 Highlights and Impact

A letter from our president & executive director

Dear Friends of Manufacturing Works,

Strengthening Our Team

Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Development

Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration

Building Connections and Showcasing Excellence

Manufacturing Works for All of Us

JOIN MANUFACTURING WORKS

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