As the official JobsOhio Network Partner for Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties, Lake to River partners with industry leaders to align sites, talent, and resources for long-term growth in Advanced Manufacturing.
Advanced manufacturing uses innovative technology, digital software, and engineered materials to transform how products are designed, built, and brought to market — moving beyond fixed production lines toward data-driven, flexible systems. It’s not one technology, but several working together:
This shift also drives more sustainable production with less material waste, greater energy efficiency, and smarter processes without sacrificing precision. Economically, advanced manufacturing jobs pay well above the regional average, making the sector a driver of resilient, long-term growth rather than just job count.
For manufacturers evaluating expansion, relocation, or new investment, the Lake to River region offers jobs in the sector 214% above the national average. With expertise in metal fabrication, plastics, and industrial machinery, combined with unparalleled access to markets and infrastructure, the region supports innovation and growth for businesses of all sizes.
Advanced Manufacturing is one of JobsOhio’s identified sectors of competitive advantage for the state, and the Lake to River region, alongside our work in Automotive & Electric Vehicles and Advanced Aerospace & Defense, is where that advantage is most concentrated.
Source: Lightcast, 2026.2
A major win for the Mahoning Valley, the newly announced Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense in Youngstown strengthens Northeast Ohio’s role in these high-growth sectors.
Led by America Makes and the YBI, the hub will serve as a catalyst for research, talent development and national defense innovation. From an economic development standpoint, this new asset enhances the broader ecosystem we collectively rely on to attract investment, support business expansion and create opportunities throughout the entire four-county Lake to River region.
Rising Tides is a collaborative initiative designed to help manufacturers thrive in today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. By partnering with regional experts, industry leaders, and educational institutions, Rising Tides delivers resources, training, and connections that strengthen innovation, expand opportunities, and build a more competitive manufacturing ecosystem in Ohio.
A third-generation, family-owned leader in sand cores and molds since 1959, Humtown revolutionized casting with its 3D sand printing (binder-jetting) technology. As the first conventional core shop to commercialize this process, they now offer hybrid production—tooling and tooling-free—enabling faster turnaround, reduced costs, and no tooling delays. Recognized as the 2020 Manufacturer of the Year by the National Association of Manufacturers.
Based in Youngstown, JuggerBot designs and builds industrial-scale 3D printers using pellet- and filament-fed extrusion systems. Their large-format "Tradesman" series supports production-level additive manufacturing, including advanced materials like carbon-fiber polycarbonate. Undergoing rapid expansion (acquiring a 24,000 sq ft facility) and backed by a $4M military contract, they are scaling U.S. manufacturing capabilities.
Vallourec North America operates a fully integrated, Made-in-America seamless tube facility in Youngstown. Suppliers of premium steel pipes to energy, industrial, automotive, and construction sectors, their Youngstown plant leverages scrap recycling and strong R&D ties. As part of a global €5.1B company with ~17,000 employees, they continue Youngstown’s legacy in precision steel production.
The Lake to River region leads the way with:
Lake to River offers businesses in the Advanced Manufacturing sector robust resources, including:
Incentives and Grants: Programs to support investment, expansion, and retention.
Technical Expertise: Assistance with process optimization and technology implementation.
Market Connectivity: Access to 12 of the top 30 largest U.S. markets within one day.
Site Selection Support: We connect you with development-ready sites and buildings across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
The data backs it up: jobs in advanced manufacturing here are 214% above the national average. Add America Makes (the nation's leading additive manufacturing institute, headquartered in Youngstown), BRITE Energy Innovations, and the YBI ecosystem, and you have genuine innovation infrastructure few regions can match.
Lake to River supports advanced manufacturers with site selection assistance, connections to state and local incentive programs, workforce recruitment and training resources, and guidance on expansion, retention, and permitting — all backed by our access to the JobsOhio network.
Yes. Retaining and growing the manufacturers already here is just as central to our mission as attracting new ones. We work with existing operations to identify expansion sites, secure the right incentives, and connect with regional workforce resources as they scale.
Lake to River helps advanced manufacturers navigate incentive opportunities through our role as the JobsOhio Network Partner. Our team works directly with your project to identify which programs fit your specific expansion or relocation.
Yes. Established manufacturers tap into supply chains and shared infrastructure. Startups benefit from the YBI accelerator, America Makes resources, and BRITE Energy funding. The ecosystem supports companies at all stages, from pilot production to scale-up.
The region has evolved from commodity steel mills to advanced, specialized manufacturing including 3D printing, aerospace components, precision metal casting, and hybrid production methods. Companies like Humtown and JuggerBot exemplify this shift toward high-margin, innovation-driven output.
The region offers certifications and degrees in CNC machining, welding, 3D printing, quality control, and industrial automation. More specialized training can be developed through partnerships with community colleges. The Rising Tides initiative specifically connects manufacturers with workforce development tailored to your skill gaps.
