In August 2021, MAGNET began demolition and renovations on our new Manufacturing Innovation, Technology and Job Center located at Chester Avenue and 63rd Street in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. We’re taking it from an abandoned school building to a high-tech manufacturing center that will become MAGNET’s new headquarters.
Much more than a building, the Center will engage and prepare the workforce of tomorrow through interactive tour experiences, promote smart manufacturing and innovation for Northeast Ohio’s small and medium-sized manufacturers, and help build thriving, equitable communities who see manufacturing as part of their future.
The Great Lakes Science Center-designed curriculum for students in sixth, ninth and 12th grades includes age-appropriate, hands-on activities to help understand modern manufacturing and create awareness about future career opportunities. The building will include a dedicated wing for Cleveland Metropolitan School District and other area students. We expect more than 1,500 students to visit each year – something MAGNET can’t do today because of space limitations!
From virtual reality goggles to cobots to sensors, the manufacturing technology floor will be home to many new and evolving Industry 4.0 technologies to help manufacturers identify what will help them grow locally and compete globally. The building will also feature a dedicated light manufacturing space for startups where our incredible engineers and New Ventures team can offer them guidance!
We’re not just updating the inside of the building, though. We’re also completely renovating and expanding the playground to be a STEM-themed space for neighborhood use. We’ll welcome all Northeast Ohioans to come and play by lifting a set of bowling balls via a large lever, flying across the zipline, doing some 3D sand “printing” and shooting some hoops on the sensor-enabled basketball courts -- just to name a few activities!
A HUGE thank you to the supporters who have stepped forward already to make donations of all sizes to help make the building a reality. Our lead donors include: Cleveland Foundation, Lozick Family Foundation and Swagelok, The George Gund Foundation, Lincoln Electric, Nordson and Parker-Hannifin.
If you'd like to add your name to the supporters, join us as we complete the STEM-themed park and playground.
With construction just over halfway complete, please save the date for our Grand Opening on Friday, October 7, 2022 – National Manufacturing Day! More details to come.
