Business Growth and Development

Driving Growth Through Connection, Education, and Training

We advocate for manufacturing company employees, creating safe spaces for learning while providing access to ecosystems where opportunity lives. This work is transformative, driven by the manufacturers themselves.

 

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Our Perspective: Collaborating for Success

At Manufacturing Works, business growth is about creating community so manufacturing professionals can learn from each other, seize opportunities, and strengthen their capabilities. Whether it's connecting into new supply chains, advancing operational excellence, or exploring emerging industries, we help manufacturers imagine what's possible and chart a path forward.  

What we provide:

Community

Community

A place for every manufacturing professional in our region

Advocacy

Advocacy

Championing manufacturers' needs with partners, funders, and industry

Opportunity

Opportunity

Real business growth through supply chain, innovation, and collaboration

 

Why It Matters: Building Long-Lasting Economic Resilience

Manufacturing is the economic backbone of Northeast Ohio. When manufacturers thrive, entire communities prosper through job creation, tax revenue, and supply chain multiplier effects. For nearly 40 years, Manufacturing Works has been the trusted catalyst connecting manufacturers to growth opportunities. We don't just serve individual companies and we don't sell anything; we architect regional economic ecosystems that attract investment, retain talent, and position Northeast Ohio as a global manufacturing hub.

 
 

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ManuFuture NEO

A Community for Learning and Problem-Solving

Manufacturers face challenges too big to solve alone. That's where ManuFuture comes in.

ManuFuture is a peer-to-peer learning network where manufacturers come together in cohorts to tackle real-world problems—like workforce, supply chain, operational efficiency, and growth strategy.

It's not a classroom. It's not a sales pitch. It's a safe space for guided learning and collaboration, where companies share best practices and build solutions that stick.

The value grows as more people participate. Each manufacturer brings unique knowledge and capabilities, and the entire community benefits.

 

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Advanced Air Mobility

Building A New Industry Together

We're helping to shape the future of flight through a public-private partnership ecosystem around Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

This growing network includes:

  • Universities like Baldwin Wallace
  • Partners such as the Aerozone Alliance, Nottingham Spirk, and Critical OPS
  • Public organizations including county agencies and park systems

Along with our partners, we're advancing projects in drone cargo delivery, emergency medical flights, and drones as first responders. For manufacturers, this means access to one of the most promising emerging industries. For our region, it means growing capabilities that build strong communities.

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Supply Chain Connections

Turning Networks Into Opportunities

Supply chain is more than logistics; it's business opportunity.

We create defined connections between manufacturers that lead to contracts and partnerships, not just handshakes. For example:

  • Helping local suppliers align with Airbus's surge in aircraft production
  • Connecting companies like Parker Aerospace, precision parts builders, and other regional manufacturers into global programs

Through initiatives like the Supply Chain and Workforce Alignment Program (SWAP), funded by Cuyahoga County, we're building ecosystems that link manufacturers with commercial and military demand. These opportunities make membership invaluable—because they open real doors.

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Manufacturing Excellence

Raising Performance Across The Plant

Growth also comes from within. Our Manufacturing Excellence programming helps companies run their plants better by improving quality, performance, cost, and efficiency.

We support members as they:

  • Adopt continuous improvement and Lean practices
  • Strengthen process control and efficiency
  • Build marketing and visibility into their capabilities
  • Explore digital transformation through relevant, practical learning

Through strategic roadmaps and trusted facilitation, we give manufacturers the tools and guidance to turn capabilities into growth. With structured assessments and a supportive ecosystem, companies can identify gaps, set priorities, and align their investments for the future. 

 

 Join the Community

Be part of a network where your capabilities are seen, your voice is heard, and your business can grow!
 
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Manufacturing Works For You

Our Business Growth and Development approach proves that when we connect manufacturers to opportunities, the benefits extend far beyond factory floors. Every successful partnership, every capability built through ManuFuture, every contract secured through our supply chain connections creates jobs, attracts investment, and strengthens the economic foundation that supports families, schools, and neighborhoods across NEO.

Manufacturing's Multiplier Effect

Economic Impact

Every manufacturing job supports 2-3 additional jobs in the community, creating ripple effects that strengthen entire regions

Strategic Positioning

Positioning manufacturers to capture emerging opportunities keeps the region competitive in next-generation industries

Ecosystem Building

Connecting manufacturers to global supply chains brings outside investment and contracts into our regional economy

Why Support Manufacturing Works? 

We combine four decades of manufacturing expertise with deep regional relationships and a proven track record of connecting opportunity to capability. We understand that sustainable economic development happens through connection, education, and training—not just funding. Our approach creates lasting infrastructure that continues generating value long after initial investments.

When funders invest in Manufacturing Works, they're investing in a multiplier effect that strengthens entire industries, communities, and futures.

Our mission is to strengthen manufactuturing through connection, education, and training. If you're interested in supporting our organization, please connect with Brianna Schultz, Vice President of Learning and Development, at 216.920.1967.