Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Oklahoma City is set to add significant new aerospace and defense production capacity near Tinker Air Force Base.

KIHOMAC plans to invest $25 million in a roughly 130,000-square-foot facility, more than 10 times the size of its current Oklahoma City operation. The expansion is expected to create more than 100 jobs, with groundbreaking targeted for 2027 and an opening planned for 2028.

The new facility will increase KIHOMAC’s capabilities in metalwork, composites and CNC machining while adding an in-house circuit-board production line. The company currently outsources that work and says bringing it under its own roof will provide greater control over production schedules and help address supply-chain constraints.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gXDYeZy5

KIHOMAC supports military aircraft and other defense systems through engineering, fabrication, sustainment and lifecycle services. Expanding those capabilities close to Tinker adds another layer of advanced manufacturing capacity to Oklahoma City’s growing aerospace and defense industrial base.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

h/t Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma ACES, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

National Manufacturing Day is Friday, Oct. 2, but the celebration extends well beyond a single day in Oklahoma. Throughout October, manufacturers, schools, workforce partners, economic development organizations and others across the state will host tours, student activities, career programs and community events highlighting today’s industry.

The idea behind MFG Day is straightforward: open doors, show people what modern production really looks like and introduce students and families to the technology, skills and career opportunities found on today’s factory floor. That message carries particular weight in Oklahoma, where 140,000 people work in manufacturing.

Manufacturing Month offers a chance to highlight the scale and diversity of the state’s industrial economy, from aerospace and energy to food production, machinery and advanced materials. It also puts greater attention on the skilled careers, new technologies and companies operating in communities throughout the state.

Learn more about Manufacturing Day, find resources and explore ways to participate at: www.MFGDay.com or drop us a note at [email protected].

A new designation is putting Stroud-based Mint Turbines in an expanded role in the global aerospace market.

Pratt & Whitney Canada has named Mint Turbines a "Designated Overhaul Facility" for its PT6A and PT6T engine families. The designation authorizes Mint to perform OEM-approved maintenance, repair and overhaul work on engines used in business and agricultural aircraft, utility helicopters, air ambulances and other aviation applications.

Company leaders and guests gathered in Stroud this week to mark the milestone. Founded in 1981, Mint operates a 93,000-square-foot facility in Stroud and serves customers in more than 40 countries. The company also holds OEM authorizations covering GE Aerospace T700 and Ozark Aeroworks T53 engine platforms.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: The new authorization positions Mint Turbines to compete for additional engine work while giving PT6 operators another OEM-approved overhaul option. It also puts more advanced aerospace capability in rural Oklahoma, connecting highly specialized work performed in Stroud with commercial, government and defense aviation around the world.

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

That is another strong example of the technical expertise and industrial capability Oklahoma companies bring to the global aerospace sector.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

A recent story by OSU’s Jessica Busby offers a good look at the hands-on engineering work taking place through the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance’s Technical Services team.

Through OMA’s partnership with Oklahoma State University, applications engineers Austin Pickering and Ben Alexander worked with Biospec, a Bartlesville manufacturer of laboratory equipment, to redesign the company’s Mini-BeadBeater-16 ULTRA. The nearly 20-year-old product needed more than a simple update. BioSpec was looking for a new supplier, fewer components, easier operation and a substantial reduction in noise.

Pickering concentrated on the mechanical redesign, reducing the part count and improving how the equipment operates. He redesigned the retaining screw and cap and added a torque key to provide consistent torque during testing. Alexander focused on reducing noise from the machine, working through a series of tests and revisions with Pickering. Their work ultimately cut noise emissions by 25%, allowing researchers to hold a conversation next to the equipment while it operates.

Read Busby's full story here: https://lnkd.in/gpWZRYb2

The redesigned product launched earlier this year, with BioSpec reporting positive feedback on its appearance and ease of use. An OSU researcher who uses the equipment also cited improved lab efficiency, easier access to sample tubes and the ability to continue working nearby while the machine runs.

Pickering and Alexander are part of OMA’s Technical Services team, which combines applications engineering, automation, process improvement and other specialized expertise to help Oklahoma manufacturers solve practical production challenges and adopt new technology.

Learn more about OMA's Technical Services Team here: https://lnkd.in/gxTWpsYQ

Busby’s story illustrates how OMA connects manufacturers with specialized resources they may not have in-house. That approach has supported applications engineering projects across Oklahoma for nearly three decades.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

OMA recently brought together staff from across Oklahoma’s U.S. congressional delegation for a briefing on manufacturing conditions and priorities in the state. The discussion highlighted the sector’s economic strength, along with current pressures involving workforce availability, trade policy, supply chains and rapidly changing technology.

The visit also included a tour of Georg Fischer Central Plastics in Shawnee, giving congressional staff a firsthand look at Oklahoma production. The company manufactures metal and polyethylene pipe-joining products for natural gas, water and energy systems, illustrating the skilled work and technical capabilities found across the industry.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

h/t Oklahoma Defense Industry Association

OMA President Chris Benge and Vice President of Workforce Development Sharon Harrison joined industry and community leaders this week at the Cherokee Nation Career Services Apprenticeship Forum in Tahlequah. The event brought together employers, educators, and other stakeholders to discuss apprenticeship programs and opportunities.

Benge outlined OMA’s role in supporting Oklahoma manufacturers and discussed how apprenticeship can fit into a company’s broader workforce strategy. Harrison shared best practices for Registered Apprenticeship Programs and practical ways employers can build structured, work-based training around the skills their operations require.

The forum also included representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship and Employment and Training Administration. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. welcomed participants as part of a full day of discussions covering manufacturing, construction, health care and other workforce pathways.

OMA’s Registered Apprenticeship work is supported by Tulsa Innovation Labs through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. That initiative has helped OMA expand apprenticeship programming tied to advanced manufacturing and other high-demand occupations in the Tulsa region.

Oklahoma manufacturers interested in using Registered Apprenticeship as part of their workforce plan can contact Harrison and and her team at [email protected]

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 | 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 | 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨

Oklahoma manufacturers and other industry leaders are invited to a special Open House next week at the OMA Advanced Manufacturing Center.

📅 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁. 𝟮𝟭
🕐 𝟭 𝗽.𝗺. 𝘁𝗼 𝟯 𝗽.𝗺

It's an opportunity to see the center’s technology demonstrations firsthand and learn how the facility can support companies exploring automation, process improvements, and other technology-related solutions. Co-hosts include center sponsors Tulsa Ports, Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA), Claremore Economic Development, and Rogers County Development.

More Here: https://lnkd.in/gdHkFGUW

No RSVP is necessary. Participants can come-and-go while speaking directly to OMA’s Technical Services team about how these production tools can be applied in real manufacturing environments.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 '𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴’ 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

Our manufacturing experts will demonstrate how modern scanning and measurement technologies can support reverse engineering of manufactured parts and components. Participants will learn how existing parts can be digitally captured, measured and converted into accurate 3D data that manufacturers can use to recreate components, develop replacement parts or support design modifications. The demonstration also will explore how the Advanced Manufacturing Center and these tools can help companies reproduce legacy or hard-to-source components when original drawings or digital models are unavailable.

Whether your company is already investing in advanced technologies or simply exploring what may be possible, this open house will provide a practical look at how the Advanced Manufacturing Center can help manufacturers take the next step.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Oklahoma manufacturing is helping build the physical infrastructure behind the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.

Crusoe has opened its second manufacturing facility in Tulsa, adding 400,000 square feet of production space. Across its two local operations, more than 300 skilled workers manufacture medium-voltage switchgear, low-voltage switchboards, electrical enclosures, industrial controls and custom-fabricated copper busbar used in AI infrastructure.

The Tulsa facilities have already produced more than 2,500 switchboards for Crusoe’s Stargate Project site in Abilene, Texas. The company initially expected about 100 local jobs when it opened its first Tulsa operation in 2024.

More info here: https://lnkd.in/exFD6DKA

The expansion is another example of how Oklahoma’s manufacturing workforce is supporting emerging technologies well beyond the state, with engineering, welding, fabrication, powder coating and electrical assembly contributing directly to the growing AI infrastructure supply chain.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

The City of Glenpool will host the 2026 Modern Workforce Summit on Oct. 8, bringing regional employers together for a practical look at workforce issues affecting Oklahoma businesses and manufacturers.

The program will focus on topics such as OSHA compliance, employee benefits, tax credits and state employer incentives, workforce retention and financial planning. The summit is designed to provide employers with useful information and strategies they can apply in their own workplaces.

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is a co-sponsor of the event, along with the Glenpool Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 8
🕘 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Networking begins at 8:30 a.m.
📍 Glenpool Conference Center, 12205 S. Yukon Ave.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://lnkd.in/gAPSjyFJ

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Bearhawk Aircraft has a new production home in Fairview as the Oklahoma aircraft company continues to build its operations in Major County.

Fairview Municipal Airport recently completed a $1.86 million project that added three 60-by-60-foot hangars, along with new apron and taxiway access, drainage improvements and other supporting infrastructure. One of the new facilities will house Bearhawk, providing additional space for its manufacturing and builder-assist programs.

Owner Virgil Irwin acquired Bearhawk in 2024 and began relocating the company from Austin, Texas, to his hometown of Fairview. Bearhawk manufactures kits for five models of rugged, experimental aircraft and also offers customers hands-on assistance with completing their airplanes.

The new hangars are part of broader improvements at Fairview Municipal Airport designed to accommodate more aviation activity and support business growth in northwest Oklahoma.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: This is a relatively small project with a larger economic-development lesson. Investing in community airport infrastructure can give specialized manufacturers the space and capabilities they need to grow, while bringing skilled aviation activity and new opportunities to rural Oklahoma.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.



h/t Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics