MAGNET: Regional Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network Launches Their Plan in 2006

Approximately 75 manufacturers from fifteen Northeast Ohio counties, as well as representatives from the Greater Cleveland Partnership, CAMP, Team NEO, NorTech and many others, spent more than a year developing a plan of action for manufacturing in Northeast Ohio.  The endeavor was called the Global Roadmap for Manufacturing project.

The process began early in 2004 and progressed over most of two years. It began with the combined impetus of seven top Northeast Ohio manufacturing executives and an initial investment of $100,000 from the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Cleveland Foundation.

Manufacturing executives from large, medium and small firms formed teams to identify problems and recommended courses of action (solutions) in five areas of immediate concern: innovation, productivity, manufacturing education and training, the ability to compete in global markets, and government advocacy on behalf of manufacturers.

The Global Roadmap for Manufacturing is not a study; it is a plan that charts the course for the creation of a “one stop” organization focused on service and advocacy for the 9,000 manufacturers in our region. 

Northeast Ohio has a strong legacy as a manufacturing hub and manufacturers continue to thrive in our region.  The Roadmap set out to enhance the competitiveness of the region, explore the best practices to sustain growth and provide manufactures with the assistance they need. 

McKinsey & Co. provided significant pro bono support to this effort.  The initiative was co-chaired by James Griffith, President and CEO of the Timken Co. and Brad Roller, President and CEO of Swiger Coil Systems.

Based on the governance criteria established by the final presentation of Roadmap recommendations, CAMP, Inc. was determined to be the entity best able to meet the criteria and serve as the organizational platform for advancing Roadmap priorities. The creation of this platform required significant change to CAMP’s structure to address needs for expanded reach, elevated stature and a clear regional focus. The resulting organization was called to order on Monday, February 27, 2006 when the Board of Directors for MAGNET: the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network convened for the first time.

MAGNET encourages Northeast Ohio manufacturers to adopt the most modern manufacturing strategies and techniques by: Providing a clearinghouse for individual manufacturers seeking assistance from service providers in the region. Organizing opportunities for manufacturers to network in Northeast Ohio. Scheduling tours of manufacturing companies who exemplify best practice models in the region. Conducting conferences, seminars and workshops on best practices in manufacturing.

Magnet’s Board of Directors are: