Manufacturing

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The economic well being of Portage County depends on the well being of existing businesses, especially local industrial firms, which includes manufacturing, distribution, publishing and printing. This sector employs over 14,000 workers and continues to lead all sectors within the county in new investments, total employment and job creation.

Once noted for the high quality of its manufactured glass and for the output of its more than 50 cheese plants, Portage County’s growing business base now hosts a range of industry using today's technology to produce an array of products, from toys to lamp bulbs to aircraft components. Metalworking, Plastic & Rubber Products and Printing/Publishing lead the county’s manufacturing sector.

In addition to name brand products manufactured in Portage County, many well known consumer products are packaged in containers designed and manufactured by Portage County firms.

In 2004 the Portage County Department of Economic Development teamed up with area chambers and representatives from local manufacturing firm to create the Portage Manufacturing Alliance.

The Portage Manufacturing Alliance consists of representatives from area manufacturing and distribution companies. The Portage County Department of Economic Development and area chambers of commerce provide support for the Alliance, which includes Aurora, Kent, Ravenna and Streetsboro.

Mission: Enhance the Competitiveness of Manufacturers in Portage County.

Objective 1 - Identify mutual concerns and cooperative activities that result in cost
savings and increased productivity for manufacturers in Portage County.

Objective 2 - Improve the image of manufacturing in general and more specifically,
manufacturing occupations as a career choice.

Objective 3 - Explore logistics related to doing business in Portage County.
Highways/public transportation; current/future plans and the impact business operations.

Objective 4 - Meet the training needs of employees by developing and sharing the costs
of technical forums, seminars, & workshops.

Objective 5 - Improve communications between manufacturers, public officials and support organizations by conducting manufacturing networking events.