Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Manufacturing Skills Academy - MSA Manufacturing Skills Program for youth 18-24 focused on technical and employment readiness skills.

Oklahoma is positioning itself for a larger role in the global space economy, with advanced manufacturing at the center of that effort. The market is projected to grow from $630 billion to $1.8 trillion by 2035. The state enters that race with an aerospace and defense sector that already generates $44 billion in annual economic activity, backed by deep experience in MRO, defense work, engineering and production.

A new report, 𝑂𝑘𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑎’𝑠 𝑆𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝐴𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒, focuses on areas where the state can compete from a position of strength: hardware testing and certification, propulsion technology, high-volume production, microgravity research, and repair and sustainment for reusable spacecraft. The proposed Oklahoma Advanced Space Innovation Sector, or OASIS, would connect Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Infinity One Spaceport, aligning infrastructure, workforce development, research and private investment across the three hubs.

The opportunity reaches well beyond those locations. Space-sector firms need precision parts, fabricated components, advanced materials, instrumentation, metrology, quality assurance and dependable supply chains. The plan calls for targeted supplier development, equipment and certification support for small and mid-sized manufacturers, including companies in rural communities. That creates a path for machine shops, metal fabricators, composites producers and other Oklahoma businesses to compete for work in a rapidly expanding industry.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gx_6BEQ7

For Oklahoma manufacturers, space is more than a launch opportunity. It is a new market for capabilities already found on factory floors across the state, and another reason to invest in technology, talent and operational excellence.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.



h/t Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

At Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication in Broken Arrow, some of the most popular members of the team have four legs.

For more than 50 years, Hill has provided CNC machining, fabrication and welding, assembly, finishing, inspection and quality control. In recent years, the company has added a very different kind of service through “Hill’s Hounds,” a workplace foster program for rescue dogs waiting for permanent homes.

Working with Tulsa-based Helpless Hounds, Hill provides a safe temporary home for dogs suited to a busy industrial environment. The animals spend their days greeting visitors, making the rounds through company offices and occasionally supervising President Mike Payne, a member of OMA’s Board of Directors. Along the way, they become more comfortable around people and gain greater visibility among potential adopters.

Abigail, a seven-year-old Bluetick Coonhound, is the program’s 102nd foster. Archer marked the 100th. Several dogs have found permanent homes with Hill employees, family members, vendors and customers.

Read more from Clare Scott here: https://lnkd.in/g-p-hUud

The arrangement benefits the people at Hill, too. Manufacturing can be demanding, and a shop dog offers a welcome reminder to pause, smile and perhaps hand out a treat. What began as a way to help animals in need has become a meaningful part of the company’s culture.

Park Aerospace plans to invest approximately $65 million in a new advanced composite materials operation at Tulsa International Airport. The company will build on 18 acres in the airport’s North Development Area, with construction expected to begin soon and completion anticipated in 2028. The site is projected to employ more than 100 people.

The announcement was made during the Farnborough International Airshow in England, placing another Oklahoma manufacturing investment on a global stage. Park has been in business for more than 70 years and has served aviation and defense markets for over five decades.

Park develops high-performance materials and engineered structures used in commercial and military aircraft, jet engines, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary-wing platforms, rocket motors and spacecraft. Its capabilities include specialty adhesives, lightning-strike protection products, composite components, assemblies and tooling.

The project adds a highly specialized producer to a Tulsa airport campus already supporting manufacturers, maintenance providers and aerospace suppliers. It also demonstrates Oklahoma’s ability to compete for sophisticated production that depends on technical talent, strong infrastructure and close industry partnerships.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emRq37Zi

From aircraft and jet engines to unmanned systems and space vehicles, Park’s Tulsa operation will extend the reach of Oklahoma manufacturing throughout the international aerospace supply chain.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.



h/t Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Pryer Aerospace has broken ground on a 60,000-square-foot addition at its Claremore facility, more than doubling the company’s footprint in the city. The project includes about $40 million in equipment and is expected to create 30 to 50 jobs during the next year. The new space is scheduled to open in early 2027.

Founded in Oklahoma in 1965, Pryer produces complex components and structural assemblies through precision machining, metal fabrication and advanced assembly. Its customers include Blue Origin, Boeing, NORDAM, Orizon and U.S. defense contractors.

Greater capacity will help Pryer respond to rising demand, pursue new programs and strengthen the region’s technical workforce. The development also reinforces Claremore’s role as a hub for advanced production.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g95P_XMx

This growth further strengthens Oklahoma’s position as a major center for aerospace manufacturing. Pryer adds to a statewide network of companies serving commercial aviation, national defense and the expanding space economy.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Dave Rowland has retired as president and CEO of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance following 11 years at the helm, a period that strengthened the organization and expanded its support for manufacturers across the state.

Rowland joined OMA in 2015 after more than three decades as a manufacturing executive. His experience included senior roles with companies ranging from small operations to global corporations. That industry background helped shape OMA’s growth into a broader, more responsive resource for Oklahoma manufacturers.

During his tenure, OMA doubled its operating budget and reorganized its strategic direction to better address the changing needs of the manufacturing sector. The organization expanded beyond its traditional focus on operational improvement to develop stronger capabilities in advanced manufacturing, automation, workforce development, supply chain management and emerging technologies.

“Dave was a visionary leader who built a culture focused on practical results,” said John Griffin, chairman of OMA’s board of directors. “He understood manufacturing from the plant floor to the executive office and gave our staff the direction and resources to help Oklahoma firms improve efficiency, profitability and overall performance.”

Among Rowland’s most significant accomplishments was the creation of OMA Technical Services, which helps manufacturers evaluate and adopt automation, robotics and other advanced technologies. Under his leadership, OMA also established the Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and developed the Advanced Manufacturing Mobile Lab. Together, these resources provide companies, students and workforce partners with hands-on access to collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, additive manufacturing and other modern production technologies.

Rowland also strengthened OMA’s workforce initiatives, including registered apprenticeships, career pathways and industry-focused training. These efforts helped develop skilled employees, address critical talent shortages and create more direct routes into manufacturing careers.

OMA Strategic Sourcing was formed during his tenure to provide manufacturers with modern supply chain assistance. The program now supports supplier scouting, risk assessment, domestic sourcing, “Buy America” compliance and efforts to connect Oklahoma companies with new business opportunities.

OMA developed several proprietary assessment tools under Rowland’s direction, giving manufacturers additional ways to evaluate operational performance, cybersecurity readiness, supply chain risk and opportunities for technology or automation.

Through this work, Rowland helped raise OMA’s profile across Oklahoma and within the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership network. He strengthened relationships with manufacturers, economic development organizations, educational institutions, workforce partners and state and federal leaders.

“Leading the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” Rowland said. “OMA has a talented team and a strong network of partners who understand how important manufacturing is to Oklahoma. I am proud of what we accomplished together and am confident the organization will continue to help manufacturers compete, grow and create opportunities across the state.”

Before joining OMA, Rowland held leadership positions with Tulsa Winch Group, Brunswick Corporation, New Holland and Caterpillar. His manufacturing career included responsibility for domestic and international operations, organizational turnarounds, supply chain management, workforce development and Lean Six Sigma implementation. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and holds executive training credentials from several leading business and management programs.

“Dave has left a lasting mark on OMA and the manufacturers it serves,” Griffin concluded. “The board of directors thanks him for his leadership, vision and commitment to strengthening manufacturing in Oklahoma.”

Manufacturing Skills Academy SlideNew Skills for a New GenerationManufacturing Skills Academy is building the next generation of Oklahoma’s workforce with real-world experiences and employer-led partnerships.Discover Our ModelSlideStep In to Skill UpStart training for a job that is always in demand. Our earn-and-learn program...

A new report from Mechanism, 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, highlights a simple but important idea: Manufacturers that listen to employees, create clear growth pathways and build strong workplace cultures are better positioned to retain talent and grow.

The research conducted by Mechanism and Harrison Consulting Group included manufacturers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and points to practical strategies that matter on the shop floor, including stronger onboarding, better communication, flexible scheduling, values-based hiring and clear opportunities for advancement.

These lessons connect directly with the work happening across Oklahoma to strengthen the manufacturing workforce. Through registered apprenticeships, career pathways and strategic partnerships, organizations are helping manufacturers develop the talent they need while creating better long-term opportunities for Oklahomans.

Read more from Mechanism about how manufacturers are using worker voice to improve retention and strengthen workplace culture:
https://lnkd.in/esNMMbjA

For more information on how OMA can help Oklahoma manufacturers with workforce development, registered apprenticeships, career pathways and other talent strategies, drop us a note at [email protected]

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.



h/t Manufacturing Skills Academy - MSA