Ohio plastic manufacturers have recently become a global force in the industry. Between a gradual growth in the market over the past decade, an investment in process automation, and support from local and governing organizations, plastic manufacturing is seeing a major boost in the Buckeye State.
A Shift to Improve Local Supply Chains
The recent global pandemic revealed just how tenuous and fragile global supply chains are when faced with disruptions. The result in the U.S. has been the uptick of ongoing efforts to support reshoring various sectors of manufacturing–including plastics. Northeast Ohio especially has been a major contributor towards improving and expanding the plastics industry in America. In 2024, the industry was supported by two major contributions both in funding and building space in Akron from Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub and LG Chem for the Polymer Industry Cluster.
The abundance of natural gas in the state has also proven to be a boon for Ohio plastic manufacturers across the state–EnergyInDepth of the IPAA reported in 2022 that, combined with the energy supply of surrounding states, Ohio is far better positioned for plastic resin position compared to other big players. Ohio and several other states in the Midwest now supply over a third of the U.S. natural gas supply. This in turn has boosted the growth of plastic component manufacturers in the state as well, who have easier access to the resins they need.
Supporting a skilled workforce for Ohio Plastic Manufacturers
A study featured by JobsOhio showed that Ohio has another advantage in the plastic industry–an increase in the skilled workforce and process automation necessary to keep the state competitive on a global scale. The investment in automation and other productivity enhancements, as well as general education for the industry’s workforce, has pushed Ohio to become one of the forefront sources of plastic manufacturing across automotive, aerospace, food, healthcare, and many other industries.
World Class Plastics: Proud to be an Ohio Plastic Manufacturer
World Class Plastics, Inc. is one of the leading Ohio plastic manufacturers, offering full-service injection molding capabilities to a variety of markets. If you’re interested, head over to our website to learn more about what we do!