Northwest Ohio Automotive Manufacturing Sector Study – Executive Summary

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Northwest Ohio Automotive Manufacturing Sector Study – Executive Summary

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR), in collaboration with the Center to Advance Manufacturing (CTAM), undertook an initiative to identify automotive manufacturing organizations in Northwest Ohio and analyze their key business needs. This work aims to support strategic efforts to support and expand the region’s automotive sector.

To maximize stakeholder engagement and deliver actionable insights, CAR implemented a collaborative and ground-proofed approach:

1. Awareness: Partnering with Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) representing the 17 counties and, where appropriate, several municipalities comprising the study region, CAR developed a collective summary and map of the automotive manufacturers in the area.
2. Assessment: Utilizing a tried and tested CAR-developed risk profile, areas of risk and opportunity were identified linked to facility production. This analysis incorporated industry externalities, such as federal policy, electrification trends, energy and grid resilience, automation levels, and workforce preparedness.
3. Actionable Recommendations: Informed through assessment and input from industry, EDOs, and subject matter experts through surveys, interviews, and discussions, CAR developed a set of recommendations to consider in development of business retention, attraction, and job-growth strategies in this region.