Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

02/03/2026

The Anchor Glass Container LLC manufacturing facility in Henryetta has been part of Oklahoma’s manufacturing landscape for nearly 100 years and is home to one of the largest glass melting furnaces in the world. Anchor is a major North American glass container producer, making billions of bottles and jars each year for beverage, food and consumer product customers, and its Henryetta plant alone ships out millions of pieces.

Long-standing operations like Anchor’s reflect the deep roots of Oklahoma’s industrial economy, built on durable facilities, skilled workforces and products that serve markets across the world.

02/02/2026

A surge of federal funding and rising geopolitical urgency is pushing Oklahoma into the center of America’s effort to rebuild a domestic rare-earth manufacturing base, with USA Rare Earth and its Stillwater facility emerging as a key test case.

Backed by up to $1.6 billion in support through the CHIPS and Science Act and paired with $1.5 billion in private investment, USA Rare Earth is advancing a vertically integrated “mine-to-magnet” strategy aimed at restoring U.S. production of high-performance permanent magnets used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, aerospace systems, and defense technologies. The scale and stakes of that effort were detailed in reporting this weekend by Jeff Elkins for The Oklahoman and David J. Lynch for The Washington Post.

Both stories highlight the manufacturing intensity behind the strategy. Inside the 310,000-square-foot Stillwater plant, workers are assembling a highly specialized production line built around precise metallurgical processes, legacy equipment repurposed from overseas operations, and tight quality controls. The company plans a phased production ramp, beginning with hundreds of tons of neodymium magnets annually and scaling significantly later in the decade. Executives emphasize that the facility is designed to meet highly specific performance requirements demanded by U.S. manufacturers, while federal officials frame the project as a cornerstone of supply-chain security in a sector long dominated by China.

Read Elkins' story: https://lnkd.in/g5VWVwuU
Read Lynch's story: https://lnkd.in/ewQkiWxb

Together, the reporting underscores both the opportunity and the challenge of reshoring rare-earth manufacturing. Oklahoma’s role is strengthened by state and local incentives, reuse of legacy industrial space, and the state’s growing footprint in advanced manufacturing. At the same time, company leaders and analysts caution that rebuilding a fully domestic supply chain will take years, sustained federal engagement, and successful commercialization of upstream mining assets. Stillwater’s magnet facility, they suggest, represents not a quick fix but a foundational step in restoring long-term U.S. manufacturing capacity in a strategically vital industry.

NationalSecurity

01/20/2026

On March 26, Oklahoma manufacturers will step out of the plant and into the policy conversation for Manufacturing Day at the Capitol. It’s a chance to show lawmakers what manufacturing really looks like in 2026: The people, the investment, the innovation, and the impact happening in communities across our state. If you’ve ever said, “They need to understand what we deal with,” this is the day.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

✅ Meet with legislators
✅ Hear directly from state leaders
✅ Build relationships that matter
✅ Help strengthen Oklahoma manufacturing

📌 Registration is open now: https://lnkd.in/gsgzvsuj

⭐ Sponsorships are also available for companies that want to show leadership and gain visibility alongside Oklahoma’s manufacturing community. More sponsor info here: https://lnkd.in/gR47V3Wz

Supporting Sponsors include:
➡️ The Alliance for Secure Energy
➡️ Blackwell Economic Development Authority
➡️ CMC (Commercial Metals Company)
➡️ Oklahoma Finance Authorities

01/14/2026

A major manufacturing investment is moving forward in northeast Oklahoma. CBC Global Ammunition has finalized the purchase of more than 500 acres at MidAmerica Industrial Park to support construction of a $300 million ammunition production facility, according Michael Dekker in the Tulsa World. Groundbreaking is expected this spring.

CBC evaluated more than 50 potential locations across the U.S. before selecting MidAmerica. Company leaders cited the park’s scale, electric capacity, and strong collaboration with state, local, and Cherokee Nation partners as decisive factors. The project will include four major factories and supporting facilities within the 9,000-acre park. It reinforcing Oklahoma as a hub for advanced manufacturing and national defense.

Read Dekker's full report here: https://lnkd.in/gXedn9NX

The new facilities will be capable of producing a full range of small-caliber and centerfire ammunition for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. The investment is expected to create 350 direct manufacturing jobs, plus more than 600 additional indirect jobs across northeast Oklahoma.

For Oklahoma manufacturing, the announcement underscores how large-scale industrial infrastructure, workforce readiness, and long-term partnerships continue to attract global manufacturers.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

01/07/2026

Oklahoma manufacturers don't have to navigate today’s challenges alone.

Across the state, Manufacturing Extension Agents with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance are working side by side with manufacturers to improve operations, adopt new technologies, strengthen supply chains, and build the workforce needed for long-term success. They are not just consultants. They are trusted partners who understand Oklahoma industry and deliver practical, customized solutions where it matters most.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

If your operation is looking to grow, modernize, or work smarter, now is the time to connect with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. Drop us a note to start a conversation with a Manufacturing Extension Agent and identify opportunities for your operation.

12/18/2025

John W. Griffin was elected chairman of the board for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance during the organization’s recent annual meeting. As president, CEO and owner of Griffin Holdings—the parent company of Griffin Food Company in Muskogee—he heads one of the state’s most recognized family-owned manufacturing businesses. He succeeds Maxwell Harris of HE&M Saw in Pryor and will carry forward OMA’s longstanding commitment to industry-focused leadership.

Under his direction, Griffin Foods has strengthened its place in the state’s manufacturing sector, producing familiar Oklahoma products and supporting a skilled regional workforce. His business interests also include House of Webster in Arkansas and Griffin Media. Beyond business, he is also active in statewide philanthropic and civic leadership, including past service as board chairman of the Salvation Army and roles with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, St. Paul Methodist Church Council, United Way, and many others.

“I’m honored to serve as chairman and to support an organization that does so much to strengthen industry across our state,” Griffin says. “Manufacturing remains the backbone of Oklahoma communities. OMA provides practical expertise, hands-on assistance and a statewide network that helps companies grow, compete and create good jobs. I’m excited to help advance that mission.”

Also at the meeting, John Beaver of Nitro-Lift Technologies in Norman was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors. He replaces Jeff O'Neal with Advantage Controls in Muskogee, who served two terms.

Other current board members include: Geoff Hager of Big Elk Energy Systems, LLC in Tulsa; Sarah Fields of Jetta Corporation in Edmond; Matt Torres of RISE Armament in Broken Arrow; Michael Grant of McElroy Manufacturing, Inc. in Tulsa; Michael A. Rogers of Arrowhead Winch in Broken Arrow; Mike Payne of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication in Broken Arrow; Michael D. Earl of Arvest Bank; Jeremy Ambrose of Public Service Company of Oklahoma; Brandon Rainbolt of Oklahoma Natural Gas; Christy Idleman, EDFP of OGE Energy Corp.; Michael Davis of Oklahoma Finance Authority; Brent Haken of Oklahoma CareerTech; and Jennifer McGrail of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with OCAST to strengthen the state’s industrial base. Through a statewide network of manufacturing experts, OMA delivers hands-on support, practical solutions, and technical insight that help existing companies compete, expand, and thrive. Strong manufacturing drives high-wage careers, sparks innovation, and supports growth across Oklahoma.

12/08/2025

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a special session this week featuring Sullivan Staires, MBA, Economic Growth Strategist with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, alongside Bettina Schreiner, Outreach and Marketing Specialist for the SBA District Office. The one-hour session will be Wednesday, Dec. 10, beginning at 10 a.m.

👉 Register at https://lnkd.in/enjabzbt

Sully has spent the past two and a half years at OMA shaping strategies that strengthen Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry. His focus bridges manufacturers with two vital communities: the Native Nations and the state’s startup ecosystem. With his commitment to innovation and economic development, Sully is helping ensure manufacturing remains a powerful driver of growth across Oklahoma.

He will highlight the support provided by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, a statewide network of trusted experts dedicated to helping manufacturers succeed. From workforce initiatives to advanced technical services and supply chain solutions, OMA provides the support that keeps manufacturing strong and communities thriving.

12/05/2025

As national attention turns to robotics and AI, it’s a positive step to see this conversation reach the federal level. A recent POLITICO article highlights growing federal interest in accelerating robotics adoption across U.S. manufacturing. The story makes one point very clear: these technologies are no longer optional, they are essential for long-term competitiveness.

Read the piece: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghj3NB5j

Here in Oklahoma, we’re already seeing momentum. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance has worked with small and mid-sized manufacturers to integrate automation, robotics, and cobots into daily operations. Projects range from collaborative robots supporting assembly tasks to automated inspection systems and AI-driven process monitoring that improves consistency and safety.

A key part of this progress is workforce development. Employees are retrained and upskilled, creating new technical roles and stronger retention. When technology and people grow together, companies are more resilient and more competitive.

Encouraging to see the national conversation expanding. Oklahoma manufacturers are ready, and with the right support and guidance, the benefits of robotics and AI will extend far beyond the equipment itself.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮.

12/02/2025

What does the manufacturing industry look like in Oklahoma? In this episode of Gear Talk, Wes Cash sits down with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell to discuss...

12/02/2025

Oklahoma is emerging as one of the most dynamic hubs for aerospace and defense manufacturing in the nation. With more than 1,100 companies and a workforce exceeding 120,000 people, the state has built an operational framework that supports expansion, accelerates innovation and fuels long-term competitiveness.

As highlighted in a new piece by Leshia Pearson with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, it isn’t accidental growth. It reflects intentional planning through state and private initiatives, combined with growing talent pipelines. Manufacturers expanding here benefit from targeted tax structures, supplier alignment and the kind of workforce readiness that turns ambition into capability.

Read the whole story here: https://lnkd.in/gafUG8bg

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is proud to support this momentum firsthand. Through supply chain strengthening, training partnerships and real-world assistance for manufacturers statewide, OMA helps companies grow, adapt and hire as opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing continue to accelerate.

For companies weighing site selection, Oklahoma offers more than acreage and incentives. It offers a cohesive industrial strategy that gives manufacturers a foundation to expand confidently and compete for the long haul.

11/20/2025

A sincere thanks to the Tulsa Regional Chamber Manufacturers' Council for letting OMA share an update on Oklahoma’s manufacturing landscape. We appreciate the chance to speak with leaders who are closely connected to the region’s growth and day-to-day industry challenges.

During the presentation, Sully Staires, economic development strategist for OMA, outlined several important factors shaping the months ahead. He discussed the mixed effects of ongoing tariffs, the continued strength of capital investment, and the rising role of automation and advanced manufacturing in keeping local shops competitive. He also highlighted takeaways from recent OMA Strategic Sourcing work, including how companies in the Tulsa area are adjusting to supply chain shifts and tighter lead times.

We value the Manufacturers' Council for bringing industry leaders together and creating space for straightforward conversations about what’s ahead. Partnerships like this strengthen local companies and contribute to a stronger manufacturing base statewide, which is exactly the focus of OMA’s work to build stronger industry and a stronger Oklahoma.

11/13/2025

…

Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating National Manufacturing Month!

It has been a privilege to highlight manufacturing’s substantial impact here in Rogers County, where over 6,500 quality job opportunities fuel our community. With an anticipated need for 4 million skilled manufacturing roles nationwide in the next decade, initiatives like Manufacturing Month are vital for showcasing the extensive career pathways and opportunities within this essential industry.

We’re proud that Claremore is home to a thriving manufacturing ecosystem, with goods produced locally reaching markets around the world. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the innovators, creators and workforce driving our community and economy forward!