Advanced Manufacturing Builds a Strong Future for Cincinnati

Industrial advances form the foundation for a competitive, resilient economy.

The Cincinnati region has a proud legacy as a manufacturing powerhouse, anchored by industry leaders like Procter & Gamble, which began operations here in 1837 and helped establish the region’s standard of manufacturing success. The Cincinnati region is uniquely positioned to excel in mass production and distribution, supported by robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Homegrown innovators like Cincinnati Incorporated, a build-to-order machine tool manufacturer with over 125 years of experience, continue to drive the region’s reputation for manufacturing excellence.

Manufacturing is just good business, with a proven track record for well-paying jobs and positive regional economic impact. But if you haven’t visited a manufacturing plant recently, you might not realize how many innovative technologies and processes have made their way into the industry, with cutting-edge technologies like automation, artificial intelligence and robotics increasing efficiency, reducing necessary resources, improving performance, and more.

Technologically advanced manufacturing is definitely the name of the game nationally, with the sector representing $748B in gross domestic product, a number that reflects growth of 19% over the five-year span of 2019 to 2024. And that number is actually projected to grow another 6% in the coming five years, which is especially positive in light of the 3.2M advanced manufacturing jobs that exist in the U.S.

Ohio holds a powerful position in the advanced manufacturing industry, ranking No. 2 in the nation for general manufacturing jobs and No. 5 for advanced manufacturing employment. More importantly, Ohio ranks third in employment concentration, meaning advanced manufacturing jobs make up a significant share of the state’s workforce—demonstrating the depth of talent and specialization in this critical sector.

In the Cincinnati region, that strength is amplified. With a central location at the intersection of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, the region benefits from a tri-state manufacturing ecosystem. Indiana and Kentucky rank No. 10 and No. 20 respectively for total manufacturing jobs, reinforcing the Cincinnati region’s role as a national hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.

In the Cincinnati MSA, advanced manufacturing holds strong, too, with the industry touting $6.3B in gross regional product (GRP) and 33% growth. There are 818 businesses in the sector regionally, that number is growing at a rate of 17%—with $5.8B demand, 27% of which is met locally. Advanced Manufacturers operating in Cincinnati include Siemens, Modula, Bosch, Festo, Cliffs, L3Harris General Tool Company and many more.

Moreover, the industry represents a strong labor pool with 31K jobs and above-average demand (459 postings versus the national average of 267); the number reflects a 1% growth over the last five years, and the same growth is expected in the coming half-decade. Regionally, earnings per advanced manufacturing jobs are about the same as the national average: $98,980.

The Cincinnati MSA is, in fact, seeing significant growth in areas that are on the decline nationally. A prime example of that is iron and steel manufacturing, an industry in which the state of Ohio ranks No. 2, after Indiana (No. 1) and Kentucky being in the top 10. This sector saw an employment decline of 1% on a national level over the past five years but saw a whopping 43% increase for 1,000 jobs added locally. The iron and steel employment concentration is 6.28, and the Cincinnati region is predicted to see 11% growth in associated jobs and a growth toward a 7X employment concentration over the next 5 years.

Case Study: Cleveland-Cliffs—Proven Manufacturing Success in Cincinnati

Overview
Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America, serving major sectors such as automotive, appliance, and industrial equipment. The company operates a critical facility in Middletown, Ohio, strategically located within the Cincinnati-Dayton corridor, playing a strategic role in the region’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Challenge
To remain competitive in a global market, Cleveland-Cliffs needed to modernize operations, ensure product quality, and support evolving customer demands, particularly in the automotive and appliance sectors. This required ongoing investment in technology, talent, and quality systems.

Solution
Cleveland-Cliffs is a fully integrated steelmaking facility that handles every step of the process—from melting and casting to rolling, pickling, and finishing. Its proximity to major manufacturers and transportation networks enhances supply chain efficiency and customer responsiveness.

The company also operates a 135,000-square-foot Research and Innovation Center adjacent to the plant. This facility supports advanced materials development, particularly for lightweight, high-strength steels used in next-generation vehicles.

Outcomes

• Industry Certifications & Recognition: Middletown Works is IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified and has earned multiple supplier quality awards from General Motors, Toyota, and others.
• Skilled Workforce: The facility employs thousands of workers in high-skilled roles, contributing to Ohio’s strong employment concentration in industrial machinery and fabricated metal manufacturing.
• Innovation Pipeline: Ongoing R&D supports product evolution in areas such as coated steel and specialty alloys, reinforcing Cleveland-Cliffs’ leadership in advanced materials.

Impact on the Cincinnati Region
Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works underscores the Cincinnati region’s status as a proven ground for advanced manufacturing. Its integration of production and innovation, combined with strong workforce and infrastructure assets, makes it a cornerstone of the regional economy, a model for modern manufacturing operations, and a true asset for the growth we continue to see in this sector.

The Cincinnati region also saw growth in industries such as electrical equipment manufacturing (employment concentration of 2.11, up 106.9% from 2019), petroleum products (1.17, up 69.5%), glass and glass product (1.91, up 44.7%), industrial machinery (3.40, up 4.3%), and fabricated metal manufacturing (1.45, up 7.4%).

New technologies like green manufacturing, automation, and AI are transforming industry and with that change comes opportunity. These advancements can lead to safer, higher-paying jobs, especially for workers with in-demand skills like blueprint reading, welding, and precision measurement, all of which are growing in our region.

Local educational institutions are also stepping up to meet future workforce needs, training talent in areas such as materials engineering, data analysis, vehicle maintenance, and technical support, ensuring a strong employment pipeline for advanced manufacturing.

The Cincinnati region is proven ground in advanced manufacturing. With a deep-rooted history in the industry, a highly skilled workforce, and a strong pipeline of talent supported by responsive, well-regarded educational institutions, our region has everything it takes to lead, and keep leading, in this dynamic sector.

Let us show you how your business can succeed in advanced manufacturing in the Cincinnati region.

Connect with our team to see why industry leaders continue to choose and grow right here.