With over 10,000 square feet of workshops, laboratories, and demonstration space, the Manufacturing Technology Experience allows companies to interact with, experience, and understand the business value of cutting-edge innovations. Combined with MAGNET’s workforce development efforts – including the Workforce Connect Manufacturing Sector Partnership (in collaboration with Greater Cleveland Partnership) and Early College, Early Career youth apprenticeship program – MAGNET’s Cleveland headquarters now offers holistic consulting services across new products, improved processes, and stronger workforces for local companies.
“The world is changing. The nature of work is changing. The nature of the economy is changing. We live in a tech infused economy,” said Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted during the ribbon cutting. “Every aspect of our economy is technology and you have to innovate to stay on top. It takes civic, government and business leadership to do that and that’s what MAGNET is about.”
Those in attendance represented a full spectrum of manufacturing. From more established companies like Lincoln Electric and Jergens, to numerous startups, including WorkBench Technologies, SwiftRec, SmartTools, and five other entrepreneurs working with MAGNET’s Iterator program. The event also included representatives of Lordstown Motors, the electric vehicle company currently retooling its former namesake General Motors plant to produce an EV pickup truck.
“To have something like this, right in our own backyard – it’s the kind of support that draws people to Northeast Ohio,” said Cherie Dimmerling, a vice president for Lordstown Motors. “When you talk about what it takes to build the foundations of a cutting edge manufacturing operation, that’s all here in Ohio. We are believers.”
“I’ve never been more excited about what is possible here in Ohio,” said Ohio Manufacturer’s Association President, Eric Burkland. “There are a number of policy initiatives being put in place right now to support community collaboratives. I really do believe that MAGNET and the manufacturers in this community, by tying technology development to talent development, can become the premier site for industrial talent development in the country.”
“We are creating an ecosystem by which to propel manufacturers, small business, and the hard working men and women in this region back to the top of the world stage,” said MAGNET CEO Ethan Karp. “The Manufacturing Technology Experience is an important tool to encourage innovation and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Along with our commitments to developing the local workforce necessary for success, the Manufacturing Technology Experience will position our manufacturers for a bright future.”
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