Built to Last: How Manufacturing Works Began in Cleveland
Interview with John Colm, First Executive Director | WIRE-Net
In the 1980s, Ohio was grappling with widespread plant closings, and many small and mid‑sized manufacturers — particularly those embedded in Cleveland neighborhoods — lacked a clear voice in economic development conversations. At the time, John Colm was working with organizations closely connected to Governor Richard Celeste’s administration, where plant closings had been a long‑standing concern.
What emerged was a simple but powerful idea: manufacturers needed to be organized.
With support from the state, a pilot project launched to engage small and mid‑sized manufacturers in several Ohio cities, including Cleveland. What began as a time‑limited initiative quickly gained momentum. Companies responded with energy and interest, signaling that the need was deeper and more durable than originally expected.
That early state funding became the seed that allowed WIRE‑Net to form as a permanent organization, with additional support from the Cleveland Foundation and other partners. When Mayor Michael White took office, the City of Cleveland helped expand the effort beyond a portion of the west side to a citywide model focused on industrial retention and problem‑solving.
At the heart of the work was a highly relational approach. Manufacturers were engaged door to door, much like a neighborhood block club. The goal was to understand shared challenges and connect companies directly with city departments and council members who could help address them.
Security quickly surfaced as a major concern. In some industrial areas, arson and property damage were real threats. WIRE‑Net helped organize collective responses, from coordinating with the fire department to pooling resources for shared private security services, making solutions affordable and effective.
One of the organization’s most lasting community impacts came through its role in the development of the new Max S. Hayes High School. When land originally intended for industrial use became critical for a new school facility, WIRE‑Net supported the transfer, recognizing the long‑term value of investing in manufacturing education and workforce development.
Over time, WIRE‑Net gained national recognition as a model for how cities, community organizations, and manufacturers can work together to address complex urban challenges. The organization demonstrated that strong manufacturing economies depend not only on businesses, but on healthy neighborhoods, responsive public services, and sustained collaboration.
As Colm later reflected, the work endured because it was mission‑driven. Manufacturers were treated as essential stakeholders in their communities — not just employers, but partners in building a stronger city. And 40 years later, Manufacturing Works is still connected and relevant, thanks to the work of our partners and the vision of our leaders.