MARIETTA — The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition is developing a manufacturing and business support center in the Appalachian region. It will be called the Manufacturing Support Center. The facility will be located in the Broughton Industrial Park (Building 23) located on Route 821 in Marietta, Ohio.

Services at the facility will begin this spring with continued growth in offerings over the next several years. The MSC will provide additional resources to aid in the growth of manufacturing in the region. Manufacturing companies and workforce partners will greatly benefit from the services provided by the MSC. The center will provide custom-ized training programs and help companies innovate and provide technology that com-panies can utilize. AOMC has received grant funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission and the US Department of Agriculture for the project.

The MSC will offer excellent training in the following areas:

∫ Continuous improvement in operational excellence and quality: Exponentially reduce manufacturing cost, product ideation, technology integration, market validation, manufacturing validation, etc. by leveraging AOMC quality system resources;

∫ Advanced Manufacturing: including additive (3D printing), automation, robotics and augmented and virtual reality. Support small to medium size enterprises, entrepreneurs and disadvantaged companies with real-world design to utilize advanced manufacturing and automated production concepts;

∫ Supply Chain Optimization and Sustainability: Utilization of processes and tools to ensure the optimal operation of a manufacturing and distribution supply chain;

— Workforce Pipeline, Internships and Apprenticeships: Housing high-value manufac-turing support resources for K-12. Including providing credentials, teacher education and equipment support. Experienced commercialization staff, and a large student experiential learning program.

Future technical areas within the MSC will include:

∫ Manual Machining and Computer Numerical Machining

∫ Cybersecurity;

∫ Augmented/Virtual Reality;

∫ Additive Manufacturing;

∫ Robotics and Automation;

∫ Welding and Cutting (laser, plasma);

∫ Water Jet Cutting;

∫ Foundry and Mold Making;

∫ Injection Molding and Extrusion.

A ribbon cutting for the MSC will be scheduled in Summer 2023.

AOMC is a manufacturer-led coalition in collaboration with education, social services, and community leaders focused on aligning the learning system with the needs of the manufacturing community to support economic growth and a high quality of life in the Southeast Ohio region. AOMC is an Ohio Manufacturers ‘Association Endorsed Sector Partner.