Jason Burt

Ohio Hiring Crisis 2026 - Continued PAGE Two of Two Ohio Hotspots Feeling the Shortage Most: Columbus – rapid growth, tech + construction boom Cleveland – aging workforce in manufacturing Cincinnati – engineering & supply chain demand Dayton – aerospace & defense hiring pressure Toledo – automotive manufacturing demand Akron – polymer & advanced manufacturing Youngstown – reshoring & industrial revival Canton – skilled trades shortages The Business Impact of Talent Shortages for Ohio companies are already experiencing: Delayed projects Lost contracts Increased overtime costs Burnout among existing employees Slower growth and expansion Simply put: If you can’t hire, you can’t scale. The Solution: Strategic Recruiting with IntegrityJobs.com This is where Integrity Technical Services, Inc. (IntegrityJobs.com) becomes critical. What Makes IntegrityJobs Different? Unlike traditional job boards, IntegrityJobs focuses on: Specialized recruiting (engineering, manufacturing, technical roles) Pre-qualified candidates Local Ohio market expertise Faster time-to-fill Why Employers Are Turning to Recruiting Partners In today’s market: Posting jobs is not enough Applicants are not actively searching Top talent must be recruited, not found What Employers Must Do Now To stay competitive in 2026 and beyond: 1. Move Faster Top candidates are off the market in days—not weeks. 2. Increase Compensation Transparency Salary visibility is now expected. 3. Partner with Specialized Recruiters Leverage firms like IntegrityJobs to access hidden talent pools. 4. Invest in Retention - Hiring is only half the battle—keeping talent is critical. Final Thoughts: The Ohio labor shortage is here to stay! Employers who adapt will win. Those who don’t will continue to struggle filling critical roles. The question is no longer “Are there candidates?” It’s: “Do you have the right strategy to reach them?” **For Staffing Assistance: Call Integrity Technical Services, Inc. at: 330-633-6500 / 888-262-3226 https://lnkd.in/eyWxw8v4 Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Ohio Job Openings U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Regional Data SHRM Labor Market Analysis (2025) Ohio Labor Market Information BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook Construction Workforce Shortage Reports Construction Employment Data Policy Matters Ohio Job Growth Data FRED Manufacturing Employment Data EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Integrity Technical Services, Inc. dba Integrityjobs.com does not discriminate against applicants based on any protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, disability, medical or genetic condition or any other basis protected under federal, state or local law. #OhioJobs #OhioEmployment #IntegrityTechnicalServices #Integrityjobs #Staffing #Engineers #Manufacturing #SkilledLabor #OhioEmployers #OhioManufacturers #Talent #TalentShortage #StaffingPartner

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One month ago today, funding for Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, including MAGNET, was pulled without notice. Sadly, there’s still no reversal or resolution. But what has happened over the past month is an extraordinary show of support for Ohio manufacturing. In 24 hours, more than 700 leaders, including 350 Ohio manufacturers, signed a letter urging Secretary Lutnick and Ohio’s federal delegation to restore MEP funding. Governor DeWine sent a formal letter to Secretary Lutnick seeking answers. We understand the volume of calls to the Governor's office on this issue was so high that voicemail systems were completely filled. Ohio’s Republican congressional delegation sent a joint letter. Ohio’s Democratic House delegation sent a separate letter demanding answers on the frozen MEP funding. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association issued a public statement of support. Ohio’s six largest business and industry associations jointly urged the Governor to release state MEP funding. Manufacturer Jack Schron published a powerful op-ed calling for MEP funding to be restored. And every Metro Chamber of Commerce across Ohio sent a joint letter to the Governor. Beyond the letters and statements, MAGNET has received hundreds of calls and messages from manufacturers, workers, suppliers, and community partners across the state. That level of support matters. It speaks to the important role MAGNET plays—not just in helping companies grow, but in supporting workers and sustaining manufacturing capability across Ohio. There’s still no solution yet, and as each day goes by, one feels less likely in the short term. So our focus is clear: stabilizing MAGNET, continuing to support manufacturers and workers, and reinventing the organization so it emerges stronger, more resilient, and less dependent on government funding sources. Manufacturing has always been a story of reinvention. When times get tough, manufacturers adapt, rebuild, and keep going. They don't give up and neither do we. Manufacturers need support, and we will be there to help them and our economy. #ProtectOhioManufacturing #OhioMEP #Manufacturing #MadeInOhio #EconomicDevelopment MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

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13,000+ Manufacturers, 700,000+ Jobs: The Scale of Illinois Industry 🏙️📦 It’s easy to think of Illinois as just a transportation hub, but a deep dive into the latest Manufacturers'​ News, Inc. data shows we are a manufacturing titan. With over 13,000 manufacturers calling our state home, Illinois is currently the heartbeat of everything from electric vehicles and aerospace to global food production. The sheer volume of the Top 10 list shows just how diverse our industrial landscape has become: The Illinois Top 10 by the Numbers: 🔹 Rivian Automotive (Normal) – 7,700 employees 🔹 Ford Motor Company (Chicago) – 5,810 employees 🔹 Lactalis Group (Chicago) – 3,700 employees 🔹 AbbVie (North Chicago) – 3,400 employees 🔹 Continental Tire (Mt. Vernon) – 3,400 employees 🔹 Northrop Grumman (Rolling Meadows) – 3,000 employees 🔹 Caterpillar Inc. (Decatur) – 3,000 employees 🔹 Tyson Foods (Joslin) – 2,400 employees What stands out isn't just the employee counts; it's the geographic spread. Whether it's the automotive corridor in Normal, the life sciences hub in North Chicago, or the heavy machinery roots in Decatur, Illinois manufacturing is everywhere. This level of industrial diversity is what keeps our state economy resilient and creates a massive ripple effect for thousands of smaller suppliers and local communities. Check out the full Top 10 breakdown and the latest trends for Illinois here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gRkcvxw7 Which of these companies do you think has had the biggest impact on the Illinois economy in the last year? #IllinoisManufacturing #ManufacturingTitans #manufacturing #industrialautomation Capstone Search Advisors

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There’s a quiet momentum building across West Michigan manufacturing, and it’s exciting to see. Through the Going PRO Talent Fund, more companies are investing in leadership development and Lean Green Belt training. On the Industry 4.0 side, companies are wrapping up implementation projects and shifting their focus toward big data and analytics. These trends show a clear response to the current economic climate. Manufacturers are strengthening operations and preparing to diversify their markets. It’s encouraging to see this kind of strategic movement across the region.

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Workforce challenges remain a top priority in manufacturing. Past Chicago district chair, Thomas Boss, discusses this critical issue on the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast. He highlights the ongoing need to find, retain, and continually train employees, while also sharing Termax's success in upskilling entry-level hires into roles like robot programmers. For more insights on workforce development and the Chicago manufacturing landscape, watch the full episode: https://bit.ly/4kwd7pf #DestinyofManufacturing #PMA #ChicagoManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #EmployeeRetention #Upskilling

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Agility Is the New Advantage With automotive production declining and tariffs clouding the forecast, 2026 could test manufacturers’ resilience. Companies that adopt flexible workforce models, including temporary staffing, will be best positioned to adapt and thrive. Agility isn’t just nice to have, it’s a competitive advantage. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gCBjNrrC #BusinessAgility #Manufacturing #TemporaryHelp #WorkforceSolutions #TalentStrategy

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Great write-up in the Milwaukee Business Journal and - to an extent - a preview of Manufacturing Happy Hour’s event at WCTC on 11/3 👀 Manufacturers (and the general population quite frankly) are talking about lot about workforce and AI right now, but what does a skilled leader entering the manufacturing world today look like? What skills are they equipped with? We’ll be recording a live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour at Waukesha County Technical College’s Applied AI Lab to hear it straight from students, educators, and local industry leaders on what skills it takes to succeed in this new manufacturing environment and how tech colleges and employers are preparing these frontline leaders. Great feature in the MBJ, Sarah J. Buszka, MPA, and thank you Phyllis King and Richard G. Barnhouse for helping bring this event to life. RSVP today! Spaces are limited. Link in the comments.

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Honored to be part of this conversation. We talked about the human side of performance in manufacturing — how meaningful work, realistic optimism, and strong relationships aren’t “nice to have”… they’re what make results sustainable. #MOREIsBetter Lisa Sansom Jay Fishel

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Great news for Michigan Automotive-lets get going and growing! Trump’s Positive Outlook for Michigan Automotive The recent comments from President-elect Trump about strengthening the U.S. automotive sector are already creating a sense of optimism across Michigan manufacturing. A renewed focus on domestic production, supply-chain investment, and incentives for U.S.-based operations could mean more stability, more expansion, and ultimately more jobs for Michigan’s automotive and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers. For those of us working in manufacturing and direct-hire recruiting, this outlook is encouraging. Companies are talking about growth again, talent needs are increasing, and skilled trades, maintenance, quality, and engineering roles continue to trend upward. Michigan has always been the backbone of American manufacturing. With the right support and investment, 2025–2026 could be very strong years for our automotive and industrial workforce. Looking forward to seeing where the industry goes next. — Peter O’Connell O’Connell Executive Recruiting Contact me to review our Services

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🔥 Big news in Northeast Ohio Manufacturing: GM just dropped a quarter-billion dollars into Parma — and suppliers should be paying attention. General Motors is investing $250 million to expand metal stamping and assembly capacity at the Parma Metal Center. Here’s what that means for Tier-1 and Tier-2 manufacturers: • More demand for stamped parts, tooling, sub-assemblies, and finishing work • Tighter timelines as GM ramps up flexibility and output • Increased hiring pressure on shops supporting machining, fabrication, welding, and automation This kind of investment doesn’t just boost one plant — it sends opportunity rippling through the supply chain. If your shop supports automotive manufacturing, now’s the time to get ahead of the curve — especially on talent.

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The face of economic and nationalistic hypocrisy: Conn-Selmer – an Ohio manufacturer that’s said to be the last to produce brass musical instruments in the United States – announced that it would be closing its plant in Eastlake, Ohio. The interesting twist: the production is reportedly going to a Conn-Selmer plant in China, and the company’s owner, John Paulson, has been an outspoken critic of offshoring.......... until he abandoned his US market for Made In USA products to make a bigger margin. 155 union jobs are gone. Union workers claimed Conn-Selmer has had a plan in the works for a while. They said the company opened a new facility in China last year and the Ohio plant’s workload gradually began to shift overseas – even though workers were allegedly told that the China plant would not have an impact on the U.S. factory’s workload. https://lnkd.in/g5iVC4Dy

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Lean isn’t dead—it’s digital! Matt Stekier, principal—supply chain & operations consulting at Plante Moran discusses rethinking inventory in the age of smart manufacturing. #MPOsummit

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Most manufacturing leaders we talk to say the same thing: “We know we’re capable of more… but something keeps holding us back.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Nearly every manufacturer sits somewhere between not ready for growth and ready to scale with confidence—what we call the Transition Phase. And it’s a frustrating place to be. You’re no longer in constant firefighting… …but you’re not consistently stable either. You’ve built pockets of excellence… …but they collapse when complexity increases. Your team is aligned… …but only until the next big priority shows up. You can feel the potential— but the system isn’t yet strong enough to unlock it. The toughest part? This phase tricks leaders into thinking they’re closer to scalable growth than they really are. Because everyone is working hard. People are committed. Results look better on paper… sometimes. But the underlying conditions aren’t strong enough to sustain performance. Or to amplify it with growth. That’s why we built the Growth Readiness Spectrum (see infographic). It gives manufacturers a clear, honest look at where they are today—and what must change to make growth profitable, predictable, and non-chaotic. Here’s the harsh reality: 👉 Growth doesn’t create capability. It exposes the lack of it. 👉 You don’t scale by trying harder. You scale by becoming ready. Most teams don’t need more effort. They need: – Clarity – Stability – Cohesive leadership – A true operating system – A culture that supports consistency, not heroics So I’m curious: Where do you see your operation on the spectrum today? (Not Ready → Transition → Ready) And more importantly— what’s the one constraint you know you must fix before you can scale? I’d love to hear your perspective. #manufacturing #leadership #lean #culturechange #businessgrowth #leanmanufacturing #management #alphanovaconsulting

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