Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

03/12/2025

People from across the state are visiting our OMA Advanced Manufacturing Center. Thanks for the visit, Shawnee Forward, Inc.

More info on the Center here ... https://www.okalliance.com/advanced-manufacturing-center/

03/10/2025

Kellen Cox has joined the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance as a new Manufacturing Extension Agent. He will work with manufacturers in north central, western, and southwestern Oklahoma, helping them enhance operations, adopt new technologies, and drive growth.

Cox brings hands-on experience in production, most recently working as a manufacturing engineer and the national sales manager at Broce Broom Manufacturing. His background in business development, process improvement, and workforce engagement makes him a valuable resource for manufacturers seeking innovative solutions and operational efficiency.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by manufacturers, Cox is committed to helping firms navigate industry changes, improve processes, and seize new opportunities. His knowledge and expertise give him a unique perspective on best practices and strategies that can benefit companies, especially in rural areas of Oklahoma.

For more information on how the Manufacturing Alliance can support your business, reach out to Cox at [email protected].

02/28/2025

Looking to expand, innovate, or boost production? The Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) is back, offering existing manufacturers funds to offset capital investment costs.

✅ Lower new equipment costs
✅ Strengthen your supply chain
✅ Expand production & reach new markets
✅ Create & support Oklahoma jobs

📅 Applications open March 31 through April 11, 2025

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance will help you develop a plan and work through the application process. Drop us a note at [email protected]

The program is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority. More information here:
https://lnkd.in/dzfTmtz

02/25/2025

Join the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance for this special event hosted by Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation.

The Innovation & Expansion Roundtable is a discussion designed to help manufacturers explore funding opportunities, resources, and strategies for business growth.

In partnership with Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the group will share share details on funding programs available to manufacturers, including the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) and more.

It's a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, ask questions, and learn about the resources available to support your company’s success.

RSVP by 2/28 by sending a message to Bradley Sheofee at [email protected].

02/24/2025

At the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, your vision is our mission. And in the heart of Oklahoma, our Manufacturing Extension Agents are helping drive that mission of successful companies across the state. More than just consultants, they are partners and trusted advisors—working directly with businesses to improve operations, implement new technologies and fuel growth.

Strategically located in communities throughout Oklahoma, these field agents serve as local resources, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each company. Their expertise spans critical areas like process improvement, supply chain optimization, lean manufacturing, and quality management. By helping manufacturers adopt cutting-edge technologies like automation and robotics, these field agents ensure that Oklahoma firms remain competitive in an increasingly complex global economy.

Connect with your MEA: https://lnkd.in/g-HdTC9y

They also play a pivotal role in strengthening local supply chains—connecting businesses to reliable suppliers, reducing costs, and enhancing lead times. And their work doesn’t stop there—they assist in workforce development, offering resources to design training programs that equip manufacturers with the skilled labor needed to operate at full capacity.

Whether it’s developing long-term strategies, navigating state and federal programs or web and marketing needs, Manufacturing Extension Agents are there every step of the way, helping companies meet regulatory demands and securing available business incentives.

For small and mid-sized manufacturers, field agents are essential partners in competing globally. Their efforts lead to job creation, economic growth, and a stronger industrial ecosystem throughout Oklahoma.

Beyond the factory floor, they advocate for manufacturing at the community level. And in times of crisis, like economic downturns, they play a critical role in helping manufacturers navigate challenges and ensure business continuity.

Manufacturing Extension Agents with OMA aren’t just consultants—they’re partners in success, championing and driving the future of Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry.

02/19/2025

📢 Manufacturers in Broken Arrow – this opportunity is for you.

We’re hosting the Innovation & Expansion Roundtable, a discussion designed to help manufacturers explore funding opportunities, resources, and strategies for business growth.

In partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, we’ll share details on funding programs available to manufacturers, including the Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) and more.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, March 5th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Broken Arrow Chamber, AVB Bank Room, 210 N Main St, Broken Arrow, OK

This is a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, ask questions, and learn about the resources available to support your company’s success.

RSVP by 2/28 by commenting below, sending a message, or reaching out directly to Bradley Sheofee at [email protected].

02/17/2025

There are only a couple of days left to complete this survey and provide your insights on federal policy proposals. Your opinions matter. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is conducting a quick, 4-minute survey to better understand how potential changes will affect our industry and domestic supply chains.

Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gAg6dHE8

It will helps us identify emerging challenges in manufacturing, contribute to improving supply chain efficiency, and ensure your business gets the support it needs.

For more information on how OMA can help make your supply chain more resilient and efficient, drop us a note at [email protected]

02/14/2025

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02/14/2025

🇺🇸 Manufacturing is the backbone of America!

✅ Adds trillions to the U.S. economy
✅ Employs millions across the country
✅ Drives innovation, responsible for over half of U.S. patents
✅ Offers higher wages than many other industries

From cutting-edge technology to small businesses powering local communities, American manufacturing continues to lead the world.

h/t Manufacturing Extension Partnership

02/13/2025

Choctaw Defense Manufacturing, a tribally-owned contractor offering services to government and commercial contractors worldwide, has been awarded two multi-million-dollar U.S. Navy contracts for the development of weapon stands and munitions trailers.

Choctaw Defense Manufacturing was awarded a new five-year, $5.4 million contract to produce 350 Improved Weapons Assembly Stands for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCAD) and received a $4.6 million contract add-on for continued production of MHU-230 Small Munitions Trailers.

Choctaw Defense Manufacturing secures $10M in U.S. Navy contracts to produce weapon stands and munitions trailers.

02/11/2025

🚨 Attention Oklahoma Manufacturers!

Your opinions matter. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is conducting a quick, 4-minute survey to better understand how recent policy changes are affecting our industry.

📲 Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gAg6dHE8

💡 It will helps us identify emerging challenges in manufacturing, contribute to improving supply chain efficiency, and ensure your business gets the support it needs.

For more information on how OMA can help make your supply chain more resilient and efficient, drop us a note at [email protected]

02/10/2025

Westwin Elements is leading a groundbreaking project in Oklahoma to build America's first integrated nickel refinery. After producing its first batch of nickel powder in December, the company is now preparing to break ground on a full commercial plant this year, projected to produce 64,000 tons of nickel annually.

“This project is about more than just refining nickel," says Kayleigh Long, Westwin's CEO, "It’s about securing our nation’s resources, strengthening our economy, and leading the way in responsible mineral production.”

This venture supports national security, environmental stewardship, and economic growth, she says, with big plans for job creation and innovation.

Did you know about the groundbreaking new project in Oklahoma? Nestled in the heart of Lawton, Oklahoma, Westwin Elements is pioneering America's first integrated nickel refinery, aiming to reshape the nation's critical minerals landscape. The journey of Westwin Elements began with a vision to local

02/08/2025

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Today marks 88 years since Paul and Lilah Marshall opened the Tulsa operation of Bama Companies!

02/07/2025

Lufthansa Technik Component Services broke ground on a major expansion this week that will relocate its western hemisphere operations to Tulsa International Airport.

Lufthansa is the world's biggest non-American airline group, serving a quarter of the world's commercial fleet. One-third of its aircraft gets parts repaired in the Americas, of which most production is done.

“Currently we have about 360 people right here in Tulsa, and another 160 on the other side of the runway with Lufthansa Technik," LTCS Managing Director Tobias Baumgart told 2 News. "We plan to maybe double this within the next five years, so until 2030. There will be another 500 people, we believe.”

The company plans to move its administration department and avionics workshop to Tulsa from Miami, as well as renovate existing hangars and add 90 workstations. A total of 140,000 sq. feet of new space will be constructed, the company said.

Lufthansa Technik Component Services broke ground on a major expansion Feb. 6 that will relocate its western hemisphere operations to Tulsa International Airport.

02/04/2025

A Claremore manufacturing company is expanding to Sapulpa with help from five million dollars from the state.

AXH Air-Coolers says it plans to break ground on the Sapulpa facility within the next couple of weeks.

AXH Air-Coolers was awarded $5.2 million through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Business Expansion Incentive Program.

The Business Expansion Incentive Program helps Oklahoma companies making investments in items that lose value over time, like machinery, equipment, and buildings.

The State Department of Commerce says to qualify for this incentive, companies need to be investing more than $2 million in their business and $2 million in payroll.

AXH Air-Coolers plans to break ground on a new facility in Sapulpa in a few weeks.

01/27/2025

Is your supply chain ready for the future?

Traditional cost-focused approaches no longer cut it in today’s competitive manufacturing environment. Building strategic supplier partnerships is the key to driving innovation, reducing costs, and creating resilient operations.

In this new whitepaper, *Rethink Your Supply Chain Strategy for Better Outcomes," MEP dives into Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and offers practical tips to:

✅ Improve supplier selection
✅ Build clear, collaborative partnerships
✅ Use KPIs for continuous improvement
✅ Transition to strategic supplier relationships

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is here to help manufacturers optimize their supply chain strategies and build stronger, more agile operations.

📥 Download the whitepaper today and let’s transform your supply chain: https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/rethink-your-supply-chain-strategy-better-outcomes

👉 Contact us for personalized support: [email protected]

h/t Manufacturing Extension Partnership

01/23/2025

State leaders were on hand in Muskogee this week to celebrate the groundbreaking of one of the largest lithium refineries in the country. Stardust Power Inc. is building the facility on a 66-acre site near the Port of Muskogee, which will eventually be able to produce up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium.

The project will not only benefit the state’s economy, but having a lithium refinery in Oklahoma is also an important step toward securing the nation’s supply chain for critical minerals. By onshoring critical mineral manufacturing in Oklahoma, we are reducing reliance on foreign countries, such as China, for the production of critical rare earth elements.

On Wednesday, representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce were on hand in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to celebrate the groundbreaking of one of the largest lithium refineries in the country. Stardust Power Inc. is building the facility on a 66-acre site near the Port of Muskogee, which will eve...

01/20/2025

Clark Lineback has joined the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance as a new manufacturing extension agent. He will work with companies in northeastern parts of the state, helping them grow and optimize operations.

Lineback brings a depth of industry experience in both operational management and sales leadership, including more than 15 years at Ryerson in Tulsa. He is versatile and results-oriented with a strong background across diverse industries like energy, transportation, and fabricated metals. As one of OMA’s trusted manufacturing advisors, he will assist firms in the adoption of new technologies, workforce development, production efficiencies, and other specialized initiatives.

For more information on how the Manufacturing Alliance can help solve your problems and create strategies for improvement, drop Lineback a note at [email protected]