COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted are recognizing Oct. 4, 2024, as Manufacturing Day to acknowledge recent progress and successes in one of Ohio’s most important and innovative industries, while shining a spotlight on modern manufacturing careers.

Ohio ranks third in the nation for the number of manufacturing jobs, with more than 687,000. The state produces more than $134 billion in manufactured goods annually.

"In Ohio, we build, we create, and we produce items that make people’s lives better, all across the country,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio is a great place to do business, and our thriving manufacturing sector is a big part of the growth we are continuing to see in our state’s economy. Manufacturing is fueling success in our businesses and growth in our communities.”

“In Ohio, we make the things that people need to live and thrive. From the cars you drive to the chips that power our devices, you can’t do ‘Made in America’ without ‘Made in Ohio,’” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The future of manufacturing is happening right now in Ohio because we are investing in Ohioans and supporting their innovation.”

Manufacturing Day Proclamation

Ohio ranks first in the nation for glass, plastics, and rubber product manufacturing employment and ranks second in the nation for paper manufacturing, primary metal manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing employment.

“Ohio’s manufacturing sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, employing thousands of hard-working Ohioans and building on the many successes that have made the industry a backbone of our state’s economy,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “The manufacturing industry doesn’t just create products; it builds communities and sustains livelihoods, a fact that’s important for Ohio’s next-generation workforce to see as a viable option.”  

Training for some manufacturing careers can be obtained through apprenticeships. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) manages the state’s ApprenticeOhio program, which registers programs that meet national criteria for quality and safety. Of the 39 new ApprenticeOhio programs added in the last year, 21 were for manufacturing-related occupations. In-demand manufacturing occupations with apprenticeship opportunities include industrial machinery mechanics, industrial engineers, electricians, maintenance machinery workers, maintenance and repair workers, computer numerically controlled tool programmers, mobile heavy equipment mechanics, and heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.

“Manufacturing jobs are plentiful in Ohio, and they don’t look like the manufacturing jobs of old,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “Opportunities are available for computer programmers, engineers, electrical technicians, industrial machinery mechanics, and many more. There are jobs for every level of education, from high school through four-year, or even advanced degrees. All of them pay well and have promising futures.”

Ohio ranks third in the nation and first in the Midwest in the number of apprentices, with more than 23,000 enrolled. ApprenticeOhio programs offer a combination of paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and mentoring for skilled occupations. Apprentices earn while they learn, avoid student loan debt, and get pay increases as they master new skills. To learn more, visit Apprentice.Ohio.gov.

To search for manufacturing jobs or to research manufacturing careers in Ohio, visit OhioMeansJobs.com or your local OhioMeansJobs Center.

For a look at hundreds of locally made products ranging from apparel to home goods and food products, visit?Ohio.org/MadeInOhio.

About Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day is celebrated nationally on the first Friday in October. It represents an annual opportunity for manufacturing industry members to build excitement about manufacturing careers to help their communities and future generations thrive.

Learn more about the manufacturing industry by visiting mfgday.com. The website also includes celebratory events being held in Ohio and across the country on Oct. 4.