Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

🎓 You’re Invited! Come Celebrate Our MSA Graduates! 🎓

Manufacturing Skills Academy - MSA is proud to celebrate an incredible group of graduates as they take the next step toward their careers in manufacturing! 👏

We invite family, friends, community members, employers, and supporters to join us as we recognize their hard work, growth, and accomplishments.

These young adults have worked hard to build technical skills, gain industry credentials, develop employment readiness skills, and prepare for their future.

Come celebrate their success and cheer them on as they launch their careers! 🚀

📅 Graduation: Thursday , August 27th
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM
📍 Location: Manufacturing Skills Academy

REGISTER HERE https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/twyyytg/lp/c08825a9-c056-48dd-9510-c6a8b6ca8080

Your support means so much to our graduates. We hope to see you there!

Oklahoma’s aerospace sector is adding a new dimension: Space.

Across Tulsa, Lawton, Oklahoma City and even Burns Flat, new projects are building an industrial base that includes propulsion testing, satellite components, hypersonics, spacecraft production and advanced rocket systems.

The Oklahoma Advanced Space Innovation Sector, or OASIS, is designed to connect those assets and position the state for a larger role in a global space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Sam Royka of The Journal Record recently examined that developing landscape and several of the investments behind it. Agile Space Industries has broken ground on a $20 million test center in Tulsa. Quantum Space plans a spacecraft manufacturing facility near Tulsa International Airport. Firehawk Aerospace is developing rocket propellant and motor production in Lawton, while Dawn Aerospace is preparing to base its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat.

Other Oklahoma manufacturers are already finding their place in that market. Tulsa-based Infinite Composites recently secured a $2.9 million subcontract to produce cryogenic propellant tanks for a lunar lander, bringing its NASA-related lunar program work to more than $5.5 million. Aerospace manufacturers elsewhere in the state, including Orizon Aerostructures in Grove, further illustrate the specialized production capabilities already taking shape across Oklahoma.

The opportunity extends well beyond the companies leading major space projects. This emerging sector will require precision machining, advanced materials, electronics, automation, cybersecurity, specialized components and a deep network of qualified suppliers.

Royka also points to workforce as one of the biggest factors in Oklahoma’s ambitions. Career and technology education programs, colleges and universities will play an important role in preparing the engineers, technicians and skilled production employees needed by an industry facing a nationwide shortage of technical talent.

Read more from Royka here: https://lnkd.in/gjeMWa-4 and here: https://lnkd.in/gpS27Eqn

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance works with companies in these same areas, from technology adoption and workforce development to strategic sourcing and supply-chain readiness. As aerospace and space-related investment grows, strengthening Oklahoma’s broader industrial network will be essential to capturing more of that opportunity here at home.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Hapco Pole Products broke ground on a new 270,000-square-foot manufacturing facility last week, adding another significant industrial investment to the Oklahoma City area. The project is expected to create more than 80 jobs and strengthen the company’s ability to serve customers across the central and western United States. Earlier project plans placed the investment at about $50 million.

Founded in 1951 and based in Virginia, Hapco produces aluminum and steel light poles, solar systems, smart pole solutions and related products for transportation, utility, municipal, commercial and industrial markets. The Oklahoma City operation will focus on aluminum poles and complement the company’s longtime Virginia campus as Hapco marks its 75th year in business.

Company leaders cited Oklahoma City’s workforce, central location, transportation network and access to important supply-chain partners as factors in the site selection. Hapco President and CEO Tom Hardy said the city “quickly emerged as the right choice because of its people, transportation infrastructure, and strategic location.” The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance was among the economic development partners recognized during the groundbreaking, along with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City. The project demonstrates how coordinated economic development efforts, workforce resources and industrial infrastructure can help Oklahoma compete for major business investment.

Hapco’s expansion also strengthens Oklahoma’s broader manufacturing base through new jobs, capital investment and additional demand across the supply chain. OMA works statewide with manufacturers on workforce development, technology, engineering, sourcing and other practical services that help companies improve operations and prepare for long-term growth.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

This week, the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance brought together U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice and manufacturers from across central Oklahoma for a congressional roundtable hosted by Morrison Cup Solutions.

The discussion focused on how decisions in Washington affect day-to-day operations and long-term growth at companies across the state. Participants covered tariffs and trade, workforce needs, capital investment, technology adoption, federal contracting, cybersecurity and continued support for the MEP National Network.

Following the conversation, the group toured Morrison's plant for a firsthand look at its cup production, in-house printing and distribution capabilities. Morrison is a fourth-generation Oklahoma family business with roots dating to 1912 and today serves customers across the country.

These ongoing roundtables help bring factory-floor experience into the federal policy conversation and give Oklahoma manufacturers a direct voice with the people representing them in Washington.



𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance has named Chris Benge president, bringing many years of public policy and state leadership experience to the organization’s executive team.

Benge will focus on business growth and external engagement, working with state leaders, Native Nations, education institutions, economic development organizations and other partners to broaden opportunities for Oklahoma manufacturers. He also will help communicate industry priorities, cultivate new alliances and connect companies with programs that support innovation, talent needs and long-term competitiveness.

“Chris understands how public policy, workforce preparation and economic development come together to influence the success of Oklahoma companies,” said Roger Kelly, OMA chief executive officer. “His statewide relationships and ability to bring people together will help OMA reach more manufacturers, develop productive collaborations and identify new ways to serve industry.”

A Tulsa native and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Benge began his career in a family-owned painting and construction business. He later served 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, including three years as chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee and two years as speaker of the House.

His public service also includes roles as an adviser to Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Oklahoma secretary of state, secretary of Native American affairs and chief of staff to Gov. Mary Fallin. Benge previously was senior vice president of government affairs at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where he worked to support the economic development efforts of the organization.

He spent the past seven-and-a-half years with Oklahoma State University serving in senior leadership roles at the OSU Center for Health Sciences and OSU-Tulsa. Most recently, Benge served as vice president of operations and director of workforce partnerships at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee. In that capacity, he helped advance technical education and career pathways designed to address employer needs and prepare Oklahomans for well-paying jobs.”

“Manufacturing is essential to Oklahoma’s future, and continued progress will require close coordination among employers, policymakers, tribal governments, educators and local communities,” Benge said. “I believe Oklahoma is well positioned to play a significant role in the U.S. effort to expand the manufacturing capabilities of our nation and compete in a 21st century economy. At OMA, I look forward to bringing those groups together and creating opportunities that benefit manufacturers, their employees and communities across the state.”

Benge has represented Oklahoma on diplomatic missions to South Korea and Taiwan and has worked throughout his career to strengthen the state’s visibility and economic relationships.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

A historic building in Atoka is preparing for a new chapter in Oklahoma manufacturing.

Achapa Beverage, a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma-owned beverage co-manufacturing company, has announced plans for a $30 million production facility that will combine rehabilitation of the 1936 Atoka Armory with new construction. The project is expected to create up to 40 jobs and serve beverage brands across a seven-state region.

The operation will specialize in canned, nonalcoholic beverages for midsize brands. Achapa describes the facility as vertically integrated, with turnkey co-packing services, lower minimum-order quantities, shorter lead times and the flexibility to handle multiple packaging formats. The company says the Atoka plant is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.

Modern production technology will be a key part of the investment. Plans call for Krones canning equipment, bringing industrial-scale filling and packaging capabilities to the southeastern Oklahoma community. Krones produces integrated systems for beverage processing, filling, packaging and material handling used by manufacturers around the world.

The project also gives new purpose to one of Atoka's distinctive landmarks. Built in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project, the native-sandstone armory is recognized for its craftsmanship and Art Deco influences. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The City of Atoka has voted to donate the property to Achapa for rehabilitation and conversion to modern production use.

Led by CEO Cynthia Convery, Achapa says the facility will be the nation's first Native woman-owned beverage co-manufacturing plant. Its original funding came from the MoonSoon Fund, a Navajo woman-owned investment fund focused on Native women entrepreneurs. The name Achapa means “partner” in Choctaw, an appropriate connection for a company whose business model centers on helping other beverage brands bring products to market.

For Oklahoma, the project adds another form of advanced production to the state's industrial base while bringing private investment and skilled employment to a rural community. It is also an example of how manufacturing can combine new technology, entrepreneurship and local assets to create economic opportunity across the state.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from concept to practical tool on the factory floor. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Central Oklahoma Manufacturers Association will bring together industry leaders for a breakfast discussion on real-world AI applications, challenges and measurable results.

OMA Director of Technical Services Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Ph.D., will join Travis Dollar of Ditch Witch and Gunnar Hood of WSI AI World for the panel discussion. Krishnamurthy leads OMA’s work in areas that include robotics and automation, process engineering, efficient factory design and advanced manufacturing technology.

The morning's conversation will look at how manufacturers are putting AI to work today to improve productivity, streamline operations and identify practical opportunities for better performance.

Register: https://lnkd.in/gM6wRA9i

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Blue Arc Metal Specialties is making room for its next chapter in Claremore.

Following a recent groundbreaking, construction is set to begin on a $5.5 million expansion at the company’s Claremore Industrial Park campus. The project will add about 60,000 square feet and is expected to create 30 to 40 jobs as Blue Arc responds to increasing customer demand.

For an Oklahoma manufacturer with deep roots in metal fabrication, aviation and defense, the investment is about more than square footage. Blue Arc supports customers including AXH air-coolers and L3Harris Technologies, while its FAA-certified Part 145 repair station allows repaired aircraft components to be approved for return to service.

Founded in 1998, the locally owned, family-operated business has developed capabilities that span precision welding, CNC plasma cutting, aircraft repair and specialized fabrication. Its work reaches aviation, defense, energy and other industrial markets.

The Claremore project also illustrates the value of reinvestment by established Oklahoma companies. Additional production space can create skilled career opportunities, increase the ability to serve customers and reinforce supply-chain connections among manufacturers operating in the same region.

That is particularly important in Claremore, where a growing concentration of fabrication, aerospace and other industrial companies continues to demonstrate the depth of Oklahoma’s manufacturing sector.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

Source: Claremore Progress. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ge2avw4M

h/t Claremore Economic Development