The products of the future are being made right here in Ohio — here's why

Axios

01-04-2025

Ohio has a rich legacy of manufacturing goods across the state — and as 2025 continues, major companies are beginning new projects in the Buckeye State.
Here's why: Ohio's central location is one of its greatest assets for manufacturing companies.
With easy access to 60% of the U.S. and Canadian populations, an Ohio location can keep a company's supply chain running quickly and smoothly.
Ohio offers companies quick and easy access to shovel-ready sites throughout the state.
Companies benefit from partnerships with Ohio's educational institutions and workforce development network including universities, technical centers and community colleges, creating a robust pipeline of skilled workers for manufacturing and technology roles.
Why now: With supply chain disruption top of mind, C-suite manufacturing leaders value Ohio's strategic approach to reshoring vital technologies, including semiconductors, EVs and related technology, and other products.
The proof: Ohio has the nation's third-largest manufacturing workforce with 687,353 jobs — 5.3% of the total national manufacturing workforce.
Ohio's manufacturing GDP in 2023 was $131 billion, making it the fourth largest in the U.S.
What you need to know: JobsOhio is a company's competitive advantage — the team is available as a resource to guide the long-term growth and success of next-generation manufacturers looking to locate or expand in the state.
A nonprofit economic development corporation with its own private funding, JobsOhio can provide companies with financial assistance more quickly than publicly funded models.
How it's done: The organization helps companies leverage the state's manufacturing expertise, innovation and workforce to make the products of the future.
From site selection to workforce development, JobsOhio helps companies meet the needs of global manufacturers with its best-in-class business climate, superior workforce and vast manufacturing supply chain.
Some examples: Since 2022, major companies have partnered with JobsOhio to grow operations in the state, including:
Intel, which selected Ohio to manufacture semiconductors.
Honda and LG Energy Solution, which came to the state to build next-generation battery technology for electric vehicles and other products.
Joby Aviation, which selected Ohio to manufacture the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis of the future.
Plus, plus, plus: In January, Anduril Industries chose Ohio to build an advanced manufacturing facility — "Arsenal-1" — in Pickaway County to build cutting-edge military drones and other national defense products.
The project will create 4,000+ new jobs over 10 years, making it the largest single-job creation project in Ohio's history.
Arsenal-1 is projected to add nearly $1 billion to Ohio's GDP.
In other words: JobsOhio's expert guidance and access positions Ohio as the premier state for a company's next major manufacturing project.