Primed for Onshoring Resurgence
The Plastics Industry in Ohio
Plastics Manufacturing Gaining Momentum in Ohio
For decades, manufacturers shifted production of many products overseas — primarily to China — in an attempt to cut labor costs and protect margins. Supply chain snarls and a global pandemic are now forcing companies to rethink their efforts, and the pace for onshoring is picking up. In the report “Global Economic Factors Align Favoring U.S. Plastic Product Manufacturing over China-Based Operations,” JobsOhio enlisted the help of Shale Crescent USA to identify opportunities for plastics industry expansion that support business growth, create high paying jobs, enhance national security, and foster long-term, sustainable economic development.
The study found tremendous advantages and opportunities in Ohio. Quite simply, it is no longer cheaper to import plastic-based manufactured goods. It has become economically wise to manufacture plastics in Ohio.
The message of the report is clear: China has lost its competitive edge.
Factors Driving the Onshoring Opportunity
- Longstanding manufacturing history. Ohio’s strong past in industry and innovation means leading-edge facilities and a more sophisticated workforce.
- Greener supply chain. Eliminating transportation across oceans reduces global emissions, pollution, and fossil fuel consumption.
- Strategic location in the U.S. Ohio manufacturers benefit from being located within a day’s drive of over 70% of the end-to-end plastics industry supply chain.
- Abundant supply of natural gas. Lower energy costs and an increased supply of resin make Ohio an attractive option for plastics manufacturing.
- Robust, skilled talent supply. With the third largest manufacturing workforce in the country, there are thousands of well-trained Ohioans to support business growth.
Ohio by the Numbers
#1
Ohio’s ranking in both U.S. plastics and resin manufacturing
70,500
Ohio workers in the plastics industry, more than any other state in the U.S.
<5
Number of transport days from distribution centers to Ohio
#1
University of Akron is ranked first in the world in plastics research