As an industrial retention program for the City of Cleveland, CIRI gains a unique perspective of the state of manufacturing in Cleveland. Many area companies are seeing consistent increases in quotes, production, and sales causing them to be cautiously optimistic about the future. As a result of this optimism, CIRI is providing a variety of services to support business growth like connecting companies to workforce resources for hiring and training needs, providing information about financing resources for expansion projects, and introducing resources to expand company exposure to government supply opportunities.

Several companies in the food, consumer products, and automotive sectors are seeing growth that will lead to an increase of their physical plant and employment. One of these companies, a manufacturer of automotive drive shafts has seen a pick-up in the automobile market and has experienced double-digit growth in sales and employment over the last 12 months. CIRI introduced the company to the Employment Connection Project HIRE grant to grow their workforce. CIRI will also help the company plan the needed expansion of their physical plant over the next 18-24 months.

A large fastener manufacturer entered new markets like aerospace and large truck production as a result of the productivity generated by investments in new technology. The result is double-digit growth in revenue and employment. The company has already hired and trained new employees on the highly technical fastener manufacturing equipment and plans to continue to hire new employees as part of their future expansion.

With a current employment of 20 employees and an average monthly payroll of $60,000 and growing a local recycler of plastic byproducts produced in manufacturing processes saw sales sky rocket in the last three years. The company takes raw materials in and converts them to smaller particles through granulation and pulverization. These particles then go to a subsequent processor that sheets the powder back into recycled plastic ready for remanufacture for customers worldwide. Part of the current expansion plan, including their relocation to Cleveland includes seeking outside funding for their growing new projects and making their facility more energy efficient.

A supplier of defense related products has seen double digit growth in revenues and employment as they focus on increasing their customer base. CIRI introduced the PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) resource to the company through a hands-on workshop designed to increase awareness and knowledge of Federal and State supply opportunities. The company now has a new employee dedicated to this function.

These companies are improving otherwise vacant buildings and properties, investing in new equipment, and increasing local employment opportunities which benefits the community at large. For more information about how CIRI can help your company with its growth plan call 216.588.1440 ext 117.