About:

Since 1984, MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network, has assisted thousands of manufacturers through its Edison Technology Center programs, Manufacturing Extension Partnership services and business incubation programs. Recently, MAGNET has expanded its mission to assist manufacturers through programs that address manufacturing-related education, competitiveness, innovation, global development and regulatory affairs. MAGNET is a "one-stop shop" for manufacturers seeking resources to become or remain globally competitive.

Fund Support:

$3.9 million

Performance:

Based on federal reviews of its operations, MAGNET generates more than $150 million in economic impact on an annual basis by assisting with new product innovation, plant expansions and productivity initiatives. It is working with BioEnterprise to assist more of the region’s manufacturers to serve the growing medical manufacturing sector. And in 2009 it launched a program to assist automotive manufacturers to diversify into growing markets and an Eco-Smart manufacturing program aimed to help manufacturers with environmental, conservation, and safety concerns.

2011 Update:

  • Partnered with NASA to present technical trade fair to showcase NASA technologies available for automotive manufacturers.
  • Partnered with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Quicken Loans Arena to present a career expo workshop for military veterans during “Hire a Veteran” month.
  •  Incubator tenant Cleveland Whiskeyreceived a grant of $100,000 from the Lorain County Community College Innovation Fund.
  • Companies receiving loans from the Cuyahoga County Product Innovation Loan Fund generated $1 million in revenue and attracted private investment of over $3 million between July 1 and September 30.
  • Identified four "beta" customers for the PRISM program.
  • Launched a pilot project to match U.S. veterans with training to help them land manufacturing jobs. The program will match 100 veterans with jobs in the next 12 to 15 months.
  • MAGNET's new PRISM initiative to expand small- to mid-sized manufacturers by boosting their capacity for product innovation has been inccorporated into a Regional Business plan. That initiative, called the Partnership for Regional Innovation Services to Manufacturers, or PRISM, is being led by MAGNET, the region's manufacturing advocate. The Fund developed the Regional Business Plan for Northeast Ohio with Advance Northeast Ohio partners in conjunction with the Brookings Institution.
  • MAGNET Incubator tenant The Amicus Group (TAG), a software development company, successfully implemented a case management system in Forsyth County, Georgia. TAG provided training, implementation and live support services for an integrated solution that involved more than 100 users in multiple offices including Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court and Probate Court as well as Prosecutor, Pretrial Services and the Indigent Defense Office. 
  • MAGNET and Wire-Net launched series of seminars and training sessions to help existing small and mid-size manufacturing businesses target new work. The New Markets Initiative is funded by more than $300,000 in grants from the Cleveland Foundation. Read more in the Plain Dealer.
  • MAGNET has expanded its physical presence in Mahoning Valley with the opening of a satellite office. Located in the Warren office of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, MAGNET will help accelerate the growth of manufacturing and exporting in Mahoning Valley. Read more.
  • Partnered with Timken and Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce on an innovation program which yielded a $9M economic impact for participants collectively.