Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik have announced the launch of the state’s fourth Innovation Hub, located in Youngstown. The initiative, backed by $26 million from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program and an additional $36 million from local, federal, and private sources, aims to expand research and workforce development in additive manufacturing for the defense and aerospace industries.
Youngstown’s long-standing role in manufacturing, particularly in additive manufacturing positions it as a strategic location for the hub. The process, which builds objects layer by layer, has become a critical tool for the rapid production of military components, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
Governor DeWine emphasized the region’s transformation from traditional manufacturing to a leader in advanced production methods. “Building on the region’s deep manufacturing roots, Youngstown has spent the last decade establishing itself as a leader in the research, development, and commercialization of additive technology,” he said. “With support from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program, partners will now have added capacity to drive critical advancements in the defense and aerospace industries.”
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has allocated an additional $1.2 million to the project through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. These funds will support engineering, facility design, and initial renovations for the hub.
Industry and Government Collaboration Secures Funding
A coalition formed in February 2023 played a key role in securing funding. America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, joined forces with the City of Youngstown, the Youngstown Business Incubator, and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber to advocate for the initiative. America Makes, a public-private partnership focused on advancing 3D printing adoption in U.S. manufacturing, has been instrumental in establishing Youngstown as a hub for additive manufacturing research and development.
Lt. Governor Tressel highlighted the effort behind the initiative. “Partners in this region have been laying the foundation for the Youngstown Innovation Hub for years, and it’s incredibly moving to see their hard work pay off,” he said.
John Wilczynski, Executive Director of America Makes, noted how the hub aligns with national manufacturing goals. “Together with our regional ecosystem partners, we have elevated Youngstown as the epicenter for market-ready additive manufacturing technologies. This initiative strengthens that foundation, aligning our capabilities with the defense and aerospace industries and empowering small-to-medium manufacturers to leverage advanced technologies.”
Manufacturing Expansion and Workforce Development
Projected to create 450 jobs by 2029 across Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Ashtabula counties, the Youngstown Innovation Hub is also expected to generate $161.6 million in state revenue. Workforce training will be a key focus, with plans for 40 internships and 185 new STEM credential certificates to equip workers with additive manufacturing expertise.
Youngstown Business Incubator CEO Barb Ewing described the initiative as a significant milestone for regional development. “This truly represents the best of the Mahoning Valley,” she said. “This community came together to achieve this goal, and without the support of our local government, nonprofit, industry, and academic leadership, we wouldn’t be celebrating this achievement.”
A 75,000-square-foot facility will house the Innovation Hub in the former Vindicator II building. The space will include 30,000 square feet dedicated to equipment, offices, and collaboration areas, providing infrastructure for additive manufacturing companies and research institutions.
Positioning Youngstown as a National Leader in 3D Printing
Governor DeWine underscored the long-term impact of the project. “We’re ensuring that the next breakthroughs in additive manufacturing are proudly ‘Made in Ohio,’” said Director Mihalik. “Beyond the technology developed here, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense will drive lasting economic growth and create opportunities that will benefit this region and its people for generations to come.”
Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown highlighted how the hub fits into broader economic revitalization efforts. “The Innovation Hub is not only an anchor to the other economic investments we’ve made to bring our downtown back, but it cements Youngstown as the national leader in additive manufacturing and creates technology-based jobs right here that will attract and retain the best and brightest.”
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Mahoning County Commissioners, both involved in funding and development, emphasized the initiative’s potential to redefine the region’s economy and establish Ohio as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
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Featured image shows Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Image via America Makes.
