Steve Hillman

The MI Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Community and Worker Economic Transition Office is excited to introduce the MI Hub for Manufacturers. This free, centralized platform aims to connect Michigan-based manufacturers with various programs, services, and funding opportunities that foster business growth, innovation, and resilience. Key features of the MI Hub include: - Over $17 million in available loans and grants - More than 60 partner resources and tools Explore the opportunities that can support your manufacturing business at the MI Hub for Manufacturers. Visit: https://lnkd.in/ghE6SfC8

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Happy Friday! Springboro-based American Battery Solutions Inc. partners with TICO (Terminal Investment Corporation) for $132M+ to power their electric terminal tractors. Boosting range & flexibility for logistics in Dayton and beyond. Great to see local innovation driving the EV revolution! #EV #CommercialEV #Batteries #TICO #ABS #Dayton #Springboro #Ohio #GoElectric #ElectricVehicles #Trucks #Tech #Innovation #Sustainability #FutureIsElectric #CleanEnergy #ElectricMobility #GreenTech #EVRevolution #OhioTech https://lnkd.in/gBx9RS9i

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Ohio Manufacturing: The Numbers Don’t Lie (But Tell a Story) Ohio’s manufacturing sector continues to be a cornerstone of our economy — here are some stats that show where we’re at and where things could go: 📊 Key Data As of July 2025, Ohio had about 688,400 people employed in manufacturing (seasonally adjusted). (FRED) Throughout 2023, Ohio’s manufacturing jobs averaged around 690,000. (The Ohio Manufacturers' Association) Despite this, inflation-adjusted average weekly wages in manufacturing have dropped ~2.2%. (Policy Matters Ohio) 💡 What This Means Demand for talent is still strong — Ohio remains a major manufacturing hub. But compensation isn’t keeping pace with inflation (especially for production & hourly roles). Companies who invest in upskilling, better compensation, and retention are WINNING ! 👉 How is your company balancing wage pressures with investment in training or tech?

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According to a recent Crain's Detroit Business article Michigan is entering a “labor recession” as jobs become harder to find, especially for younger and less‑experienced workers. Unemployment remains elevated, hiring has cooled across sectors, and workers face stiffer competition for fewer openings. 📊Key data highlighted in the article include: 🔹 8,403 new unemployment claims in Michigan during the week of Sept. 6, a 55% increase from the week before. 🔹 1.44 unemployed people per job opening in Michigan, the highest ratio in 5 years. 🔹 Michigan ranks 9th lowest in job openings rate, just 4% in June. 🔹 900,000+ layoffs nationwide in 2025 so far. 🔹 Unemployment duration averages 24.3 weeks nationally, the longest since 2021. 🔹 Michigan unemployment rate up to 4.5% in August, rising for the third straight month. 🔹 AI influencing both sides, job seekers use tools like ChatGPT and Swooped; employers use AI to screen applicants, slowing hiring.

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Indiana is having a moment. Last week Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation celebrated a February of major investments and growth across advanced manufacturing, defense, life sciences and technology sectors, resulting in the commitment of more than 5,700 new jobs. February alone saw thousands of new high-wage jobs announced across the state alongside major new investment from global companies. A few highlights: • ResMed investing $30M in Greenwood • Hanjung America choosing Indiana for its first U.S. facility (300+ jobs) • Continued expansion across advanced manufacturing and logistics For life sciences and complex manufacturing, this matters. When companies invest at this scale, it creates demand across the entire ecosystem — from manufacturing and supply chain to quality and engineering talent. Indiana is quickly becoming one of the most attractive places in the U.S. to build and scale. And that means the demand for experienced talent is only going one way. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/giFDvHnZ 

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🚗💰 Big moves from General Motors! GM just announced a $4 billion investment into U.S. manufacturing, including key expansions at plants in Michigan and Texas. This isn’t just a win for GM—it’s a clear signal of confidence in the future of American manufacturing and a positive boost for the economy. The investment is aimed at ramping up production of next-gen ICE and electric vehicles, creating jobs, modernizing facilities, and strengthening the U.S. auto supply chain. 🔧 This kind of commitment to innovation and infrastructure is exactly what our industrial economy needs right now—especially amid ongoing global supply chain uncertainties and tariff concerns. It’s encouraging to see one of the world’s top automakers betting on U.S. talent, technology, and capacity. Whether you’re in manufacturing, automation, engineering, or supply chain—this is good news. What are you hearing from your clients or colleagues? Are we seeing more signs of long-term growth or cautious optimism? #manufacturing #automotive #economicgrowth #supplychain #advancedmanufacturing #automation #hiring Capstone Search Advisors

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Detroit automotive is in a “prove it” year. Not because the industry is shrinking, but because the rules are changing at the same time: Electrification plans are getting re-scoped and re-sequenced Cost pressure and program risk are forcing sharper commercial decisions The talent market is splitting into two lanes: legacy execution and next-gen capability (electronics, software, automation, EV systems) If you’re a Tier 1 or Tier 2 leader in Michigan, the question isn’t “Are we investing?” It’s “Are we building the team that can win the next 24 months?” The hiring pattern I’m watching most closely: Strong demand for customer-facing leaders who can protect margin, manage OEM complexity, and translate technical value into commercial outcomes Less patience for “relationship-only” sales profiles without numbers, program wins, and cross-functional leadership

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Indiana’s Economic Shift—Big Cuts, Bold Bets Indiana is pivoting. Some long-standing programs are out. New, high-stakes incentives are in. What’s changing: ❌ End of Manufacturing Readiness Grants ✅ New tax credits in nuclear, rail, and quantum sectors ✅ 10% property tax credit for homeowners ✅ Increased oversight of IEDC + transparency reforms Infrastructure remains a focus—but policy leadership battles raise questions. Indiana businesses must adapt fast to keep up. #IndianaPolicy #SiteSelection #TaxCredits #Innovation #Infrastructure #AdvancedManufacturing #AshmoreInsights https://lnkd.in/gfm7x2wi

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I’m a glass half full kind of person. And at least among Ohio’s manufacturing leaders, I’m not alone. In our new MAGNET report, Tariffs and Turbulence, despite tariffs and a lingering cloud of political and economic uncertainty, a full 66% of leaders project growth in 2026. Regardless of how tariffs are hitting their business, the outlook is stubbornly optimistic. Here’s how manufacturers plan to unlock that growth: • 60% are growing sales with existing customers • 57% are pursuing new ones • 50% are entering new markets Yes, economic turbulence is a barrier. But Ohio manufacturers are not retreating. They’re building resilience. That confidence is exactly what this moment demands. Because the leaders who adapt under pressure today will write the next chapter for American manufacturing. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/ef5vWh5e MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network #manufacturing #tariffs #supplychain #China #makeitbetterohio #smartmanufacturing #ohio

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CyrusOne is planning a 600mw campus in Illinois, which would be one of their largest developments in the region. They have filed to build a new campus in Talkington Township, Sangamon County, in an agricultural zone near Thayer & Clark Roads They aim to develop a $500m campus on 280 acres, with six facilities, each roughly 250,000 sqft. Construction could kick off next year, with first phase coming online in 2027. The application will be considered by the Sangamon County zoning board of appeals on 20th Nov and by the county board on 9th Dec. Keep a close eye on this one! DatacenterDynamics

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