The Greater Dayton Region Celebrates Manufacturing Month
28 Sep 2021
News
The greater Dayton region is home to many global manufacturing companies taking advantage of the talented workforce that is a trademark of Ohio to produce goods using the latest technologies. that are producing goods using the latest technologies and benefiting from the talented workforce that is a trademark of Ohio. Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 1 — and continuing throughout the month, the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association (DRMA) is celebrating these companies for their employment opportunities and innovations that grow the economy.
“DRMA is the voice for our region’s manufacturing industry,” said Kayla Manuel, DRMA Program Coordinator. “Throughout its history, DRMA has helped preserve the vitality of the region’s manufacturing base by fostering cooperation and competition and by adapting to a continually evolving marketplace. DRMA builds on its proud tradition and embraces today’s challenges as opportunities for growth that will partner with manufacturers into the future.”
Manufacturing Day is Important in the Dayton Region
Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. With the theme of “Creators Wanted,” the focus is on building the workforce of the future by educating America’s youth about the incredible career pathways that modern manufacturing offers. Manufacturing creates careers that are full of opportunity for advancement and stability.
“There are over 2,400 manufacturing companies in the greater Dayton region, making this industry one of the most significant contributors to the region’s economic development,” said Manuel. “From 2016 to 2020, regional manufacturing occupations witnessed over 4,000 average monthly job openings (6.6% of all job postings). Dayton region manufacturers serve a wide variety of markets, including aerospace, energy, medical, technology, and defense. Manufacturing is critical to the economic security of not only the Dayton region but the entire country.”
High-tech, High-paying Jobs in the Dayton Region
DRMA is using MFG Day to recognize the many manufacturing companies in the community. These manufacturers are leaders in technology and good workplace practices, produce high quality products, and consistently innovate to keep in step with and progress their industries.
“Manufacturing Day gives our members a chance to show students, educators, and the community what careers in modern manufacturing look like,” said Manuel. “This is a high-tech, high-paying industry with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement and Manufacturing Day is an essential part of growing the workforce pipeline.”
Dayton region companies hosting events for Manufacturing Day include Avery Dennison, BIMAC, Cornerstone Research Group, Crown Equipment, Detailed Machining, Dysinger, FC Industries, French Oil Mill Machinery Company, Hartzell Industries, Henny Penny, McGregor Metalworking, Middletown Tube, Midmark, Nissin Precision, Noble Tool, NOV, Rack Processing Company, Rhinestahl, Select, Staub Manufacturing Solutions, Techmetals, and Wurth Electronics.
“The manufacturing industry offers a wide variety of career paths for every level of education, from a high school diploma to an advanced degree,” said Manuel. “There is also a variety of occupations to choose from — welding, machining, robotics, engineering, research and development, and more! And the average starting salary in this region is higher than other entry level careers; with plenty of opportunity for growth and advancement, careers in manufacturing offer a comfortable living in a thriving industry.”
Growth in Manufacturing Sector in Ohio
Manufacturing’s importance in the Greater Dayton Region and throughout Ohio is due to the sector’s stability and growth. In fact, manufacturing contributed $112.11 billion in 2019 to the Gross State Product, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The export of manufacturing goods from Ohio totaled $40.52 billion, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the state.
There were an average of 668,000 manufacturing employees in Ohio in 2020, and as reported by NAM, the annual compensation for Ohio manufacturing jobs averaged $78,108.27 in 2019. Upon graduating high school or trade school, students can begin working for one of Ohio's manufacturing companies and within a few years, reach a level of income that surpasses the average household income in the United States.
Manufacturing Companies Should Locate to the Greater Dayton Region
The Greater Dayton Region offers several advantages to national and global manufacturing companies. Among them are infrastructure assets such as superior fiber optic options, road improvements, and affordable energy costs. Businesses also benefit from robust logistics and transportation access. By road, rail, or air, it is convenient to reach the entire United States. In fact, 55 percent of the country’s population is within a 90-minute flight from Dayton International Airport.
Sites and buildings are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand, particularly around the airport. Businesses and industry have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. In certain cases, financial incentives can be applied to make the move an even better investment.
Additionally, the workforce in the Dayton region is skilled and plentiful. Montgomery County Business Services has a multitude of training programs and initiatives available including a Workforce Mobile Unit and the many offerings of Talent and Recruitment Services.
To learn more about manufacturing opportunities in the Greater Dayton Region, contact DRMA here or Montgomery County Business Services economic specialists here.
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