Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

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]

01/08/2025

Based in Oklahoma City, Utopia Plastix is proving that eco-conscious manufacturing can meet both environmental and economic goals.

CEO Sharina Perry is revolutionizing the petrochemical industry with a groundbreaking plant-based alternative to traditional plastics. Using proprietary plant materials, Utopia Plastix produces bioplastics that mimic the properties of petroleum-based plastics but are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Read the whole story in The Oklahoman: https://lnkd.in/g4ECdPnj

From trash bags to straws, cups, and even water bottles, Perry's innovation offers a sustainable solution to the global plastic waste crisis, which sees over 20 tons of plastic polluting aquatic ecosystems annually.

The company’s unique model supports farmers by supplying seeds, purchasing crops back, and processing them into resin pellets used in manufacturing. This not only promotes sustainability but also creates generational wealth opportunities for farmers and minority business owners.

01/06/2025

NewView Oklahoma transforms lives by offering meaningful employment and support for individuals with low vision or blindness. At their Oklahoma City facility, employees manufacture essential products like airplane chocks, hoses, survival kits, and vinyl curtains.

Beyond work, NewView provides training, health care, and enriching activities like rowing, art, and dance. For employees like Cathy Tuton and Laquana Sango, it’s not just a job—it’s independence, community, and personal growth.

Click through to read more in The Oklahoman

Employment, training, support, access to health care — These are the needs NewView fulfills for those who have low vision or blindness.

01/03/2025

How about some positive news? The Wall Street Journal reports that America is getting better at getting things done.

Productivity in the U.S., as measured by how much the average worker gets done in an hour, rose 2% in the third quarter compared with a year earlier, according to the Labor Department. That marked the fifth quarter in a row with an increase of 2% or better.

And it's all thanks to AI, right? Not so fast. Gains in part reflected changes in the U.S. economy since Covid-19 as companies learned new ways of doing things and adopted new technologies, the Journal reports. Think QR codes and videoconferencing. Add to that an upheaval in the labor market as workers moved into more productive jobs plus a massive influx of immigration.

So where's the AI? “They haven’t been around long enough, and there hasn’t been enough embedding of them in organizations in ways that change practices,” Harvard University economist David Deming tells the Journal, referring to generative AI.

But older types of AI technologies could already be making businesses more efficient, Deming said. For example, some AI that can help companies manage inventory predates the pandemic.

Read the entire story here: https://lnkd.in/e-bvmXdG

12/23/2024

Just six months after announcing plans to open its first American manufacturing facility in Tulsa, European solar energy company NorSun is closing its production facility in Norway and shifting its operations here, the company announced.

NorSun is based in Oslo, Norway, and has been manufacturing its products in Ardal, Norway. The company announced in June that it plans to construct a state-of-the-art 5 gigawatt ingot and wafer factory in Tulsa that will employ approximately 320 people.

Read more in the Tulsa World here: https://lnkd.in/gS66nU7h

The project, which will be constructed on Tulsa International Airport property east of Mingo Road and west of U.S. 169, is expected to break ground next year and take approximately two years to complete once building begins.

“This announcement truly represents Tulsa’s global impact and leadership in bringing the next generation of energy and jobs to our city,” Mayor Monroe Nichols said in a press release. “I want to thank NorSun for their vote of confidence in Tulsa, and I want to thank the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and so many others for championing Tulsa as the city of choice for global industries moving forward.

12/17/2024

The manufacturing sector in Oklahoma has always been a crucial part of the state’s economic fabric, shaping the lives and livelihoods of Oklahomans while contributing significantly to the nation’s industrial output. In recent years, Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry has not only survived global challenges but has thrived by leveraging innovation, skilled labor, and a strong network of local support.

In this piece for Industry Today Magazine, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance Dave Rowland discusses our state's thriving industry sector, looking at the past, present, and future of economic expansion efforts.

Read the entire piece here: https://lnkd.in/e7xSYy29

h/t Oklahoma Department of Commerce

12/06/2024

Great turnouts for our recent manufacturers networking lunches in Enid and Catoosa. The events brought together companies from across the regions, giving manufacturers and industry professionals the opportunity to discuss collaborations, technology applications, business challenges, and peer-to-peer sales.

Thanks to our partners, including:
The Alliance for Secure Energy
Tulsa Ports
Autry Technology Center
Enid Regional Development Alliance
Dillingham Insurance
Oklahoma Business Roundtable
Oklahoma Finance Authorities
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO)
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
and
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)

11/27/2024

Thanksgiving dinner is often a whirlwind of culinary chaos, from bottlenecks at the oven to last-minute dietary requests. While it may seem far removed from the world of manufacturing, the process of organizing a feast mirrors modern production planning, scheduling and teamwork. Click through and read how these parallels reveal valuable insights into managing resources, adapting to changes and fostering collaboration.

Need to get the full holiday spread on the table while the food's still hot? Tap into the expertise of a production manager!

11/26/2024

Agile Space Industries is planning a state-of-the-art facility in Tulsa. The company says it will be a premier location for space engine testing and support the nation’s critical need for advanced in-space propulsion testing infrastructure. Agile is a 15 year-old firm with broad experience in aerospace propulsion and testing solutions.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gEa9s9uy

The Tulsa Space Test Center will be located adjacent to the Tulsa International Airport on a site identified in close coordination with the Tulsa Airport Improvements Trust. As a world-class testing hub, the TSTC will support NASA, commercial space companies, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) by providing advanced in-space rocket engine testing capabilities.

“There is a critical shortage of testing infrastructure for in-space propulsion systems,” said Chris Pearson, CEO of Agile Space Industries. “We are committed to building an advanced testing environment that can meet the evolving demands of national defense and commercial space missions. This investment not only addresses the limitations of existing facilities but positions Tulsa as a magnet for wider space industry growth and innovation.”

The Tulsa Space Test Center involves a $20 million investment in design, construction, and commissioning, with completion expected in 2027. The TSTC will create skilled, high-paying jobs in the Tulsa metro area and stimulate industry growth, reinforcing Tulsa’s role as a central player in aerospace.

h/t OOklahoma Department of Commerce

11/21/2024

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is hosting its 8th annual Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day on Dec. 6 at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base. The event looks to inspire young girls to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.

Aerospace/defense is Oklahoma's second-largest industry, generating $44 billion a year and providing 120,000 direct jobs with 1,100 companies across the state.

Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day is designed to get the next generation, particularly young women and girls, excited about the career field and show them the pathway, organizers say.

8th annual Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day scheduled for Dec. 6 at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base to inspire young girls to pursue careers in the aerospace industry.

11/11/2024

The City of Broken Arrow is taking steps to develop its new Innovation District -- Arrow Forge. Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation is working to market and recruit tenants for the 90-acre development, upon which the city broke ground a few weeks ago.

Arrow Forge is designed to promote growth in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and other technology sectors. Broken Arrow's EDC is collaborating with the city to operate the innovation district.

The master plan calls for a mixed-use area with office and incubator space, as well as a center for innovation, retail, and potentially housing.

The goal is to complete the infrastructure by fall 2025. Arrow Forge leaders said they also hope to collaborate with industry leaders in tech and manufacturing in the future.

Broken Arrow is developing the 90-acre Arrow Forge Innovation District to support growth in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and technology sectors.

11/06/2024

Social media’s influence is causing Gen Z’s interest in skilled trades to rise, according to a report by Thumbtack – something a trade organization co-director said is “inspiring and eye-opening.” “55% of Gen Zers are considering a skilled trade career (up 12% from last year) – including 72% of those with a college degree,” Thumbtack’s report stated.

Gen Z wants to make up their own minds about their careers — not just accept traditional assumptions about office jobs being the “best”…

11/04/2024

Port Muskogee partnered with local manufacturers and high schools celebrate Manufacturing Day last week.

“Manufacturing Day is a cornerstone event for our community, opening young minds to the numerous career opportunities within Muskogee’s manufacturing sector,” saya Crystal Delso, manager of workforce development at Port Muskogee. “We engage ninth-grade students in hands-on roles such as civil engineers, architects, assemblers, sales professionals, and quality control experts. These experiences play a crucial role in preparing our future workforce, equipping students with essential skills for career pathway exploration.”

Local events focused on introducing ninth-graders to the world of manufacturing. Providing students with insights into both the everyday products bought and used, as well as larger items that play significant roles in daily living. Students participated in a hands-on project, while benefiting from the expertise of manufacturing professionals.

MUSKOGEE — Port Muskogee coordinated with local manufacturers and high schools to bring Manufacturing Day to many Muskogee County ninth-grade students Oct. 29.

10/31/2024

Oklahoma's own AAON Inc. is celebrating National Manufacturing Month in October by hosting more than 250 students, educators, and business leaders at its facilities. The company conducted tours at its Tulsa facility, showcasing its Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center and Exploration Center.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e9afK8SQ

10/23/2024

Why choose a career in manufacturing? We’ll tell you!

✅ Diverse opportunities, pride in creation, and competitive compensation
✅ Multiple manufacturing sectors have added over 100,000 jobs over the last five years
✅ Exciting and innovative jobs on the horizon like Digital Twin Engineer and Drone Data Coordinator

For Manufacturing Month, Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance offer this “Careers in Manufacturing” infographic highlighting the career opportunities and much more.

We hope it inspires the next generation of workers, motivates mid-career professionals, and raises awareness of the many opportunities the manufacturing industry offers.

10/22/2024

Greenheck Group’s Oklahoma operations are booming. Since its initial $100 million investment in 2017, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer has added significant space, expanded its workforce, and strengthened its presence in the region. Tulsa’s strategic location, access to skilled labor, and supportive community made it the perfect place for Greenheck’s continued growth. By shipping products across the country within days and tapping into local talent, Greenheck is not only contributing to the local economy but also showing why Oklahoma is a top choice for business expansion. Their success is a true testament to the thriving manufacturing sector here in the Sooner State. excited to see Greenheck grow even further!

Read the whole story here: https://lnkd.in/d_FhxNYw

h/t OOklahoma Department of Commerce

10/16/2024