Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

04/02/2026

An impressive group of manufacturers and industry leaders came together for 𝐎𝐌𝐀'𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 last week. This group represents the strength and reach of Oklahoma manufacturing, and the value of showing up, being heard, and engaging directly with state leaders.

The team’s time, insight and commitment made the day meaningful. These conversations matter, and they help shape a stronger future for manufacturing across Oklahoma.

𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚. 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑶𝒌𝒍𝒂𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒂.

➡️ A special thank you to our presenting sponsor:
Applied Industrial Machining, LLC and Applied Aerospace,

Supporting Sponsors include:
➡️ The Alliance for Secure Energy
➡️ Blackwell Economic Development Authority
➡️ CMC (Commercial Metals Company)
➡️ Hitachi Vantara Manufacturing, Inc.
➡️ Oklahoma Business Roundtable
➡️ Oklahoma Finance Authorities

04/01/2026

Oklahoma manufacturing is headed back to the moon. And it’s not just along for the ride, it’s mission-critical.

As reported by Dale Denwalt in The Oklahoman, Stillwater-based Electronic Systems is producing key systems for the Artemis II mission, from Orion capsule controls to hardware that helps guide and adjust the rocket’s engines during flight. When astronauts take their seats, they will be interacting directly with technology built right here in Oklahoma.

The company supports nearly two dozen systems tied to the mission, with components that play roles in navigation, power, and in-flight response. Years of design, assembly, and validation go into each piece, reflecting the kind of advanced manufacturing capabilities that continue to grow across the state.

Read Denwalt's report here: https://lnkd.in/g8wUdjka

More here: https://lnkd.in/gM4Bynd9

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

03/31/2026

A great afternoon at the 𝐎𝐌𝐀 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫.

A strong turnout of manufacturers and partners joined us at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa this week for an Open House, taking time to tour the facility, see technology demonstrations, and have real conversations about automation, process improvements, and what’s next for manufacturing.

We appreciate our co-hosts and partners who help make the center possible: Tulsa Ports Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA), Claremore Economic Development and Rogers County Development.

Events like this are about more than equipment. They’re about helping manufacturers see what’s possible and connecting them with practical solutions they can use right now.

If you weren’t able to attend but would like to learn more about integrating advanced technologies into your operations, drop us a note at assistance@okalliance.com

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

03/23/2026

Manufacturers continue to invest in new equipment, increased capacity, and stronger operations. The Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP) is designed to support those efforts by helping offset costs tied to qualified capital investments.

For 2026, OIEP will make $15 million in funding available statewide, with applications opening March 30. The application window is short, and preparation matters. It starts with clearly defined strategies and a solid understanding of program requirements. OMA is already working with manufacturers across the state to evaluate opportunities and navigate the process. If you have a project on the horizon, now is the time to take a closer look.

For more information, drop us a note at assistance@okalliance.com

The program provides payroll tax rebate incentives tied to capital projects, helping improve ROI and expand the scope of planned investments. Projects must include at least $50,000 in capital expenditure and meet baseline payroll thresholds, with awards typically supporting growth, new markets, or stronger supply chains.

Read more here from Oklahoma Department of Commerce:
https://lnkd.in/dzfTmtz

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

03/13/2026

Big news for the Port of Inola and the future of manufacturing in Oklahoma!

Sofidel Group—one of the world’s leading tissue manufacturers—is expanding its integrated facility at the Tulsa Port of Inola with a $775 million investment. The project includes the construction of new facilities to support an additional tissue machine, expanded warehouse space, and a fully automated finished goods facility.

Once complete, the expansion will add nearly 1 million square feet and create approximately 185 new jobs. This investment further demonstrates why the Port of Inola is a strategic location for advanced manufacturing and distribution.

Read the full story at the link in the comments!

03/11/2026

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄

Oklahoma manufacturers and other industry leaders are invited to a special Open House at the OMA Advanced Manufacturing Center, March 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It's an opportunity to see the center’s technology demonstrations firsthand and learn how the facility can support companies exploring automation, process improvements, and other technology-related solutions. Co-hosts include center sponsors Tulsa Ports, Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA), Claremore Economic Development, and Rogers County Development.

More Here: https://lnkd.in/gi9b_Njq

Participants can tour the facility and speak directly to OMA’s Technical Services team about how these tools can be applied in real manufacturing environments. The event will also introduce several new technologies and capabilities coming online at the center, including emerging tools related to automation, data-driven manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. Whether your company is already investing in advanced technologies or simply exploring what may be possible, this open house will provide a practical look at how the Advanced Manufacturing Center can help manufacturers take the next step.

Need advice on more efficient operations, drop us a note at assistance@okalliance.com

03/09/2026

Oklahoma manufacturers: OMA is gathering input from companies across the state to identify where Artificial Intelligence could improve operations, production, and profitability.

Your feedback will help guide future OMA programs and pilot initiatives focused on practical AI solutions.

🔗 Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/gihWxvwF

03/05/2026

Where can Artificial Intelligence actually improve manufacturing operations? The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is asking industry leaders from across the state to weigh in.

We’re conducting a short 𝗔𝗜 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 to identify where practical AI tools could deliver the most value. From production scheduling and predictive maintenance to quoting, quality inspection, and forecasting.

The survey takes about 8 minutes, and the feedback will help guide future OMA programs and pilot initiatives.

🔗 Take the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gihWxvwF

If you operate a manufacturing facility in Oklahoma, we’d appreciate your input.

03/04/2026

More than 100 manufacturers from across eastern Oklahoma gathered this week in Broken Arrow for the latest OMA Automation Roadshow, presented by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and hosted by McElroy.

The event brought together industry leaders, engineers, and operations teams to explore how technology, AI and automation are being applied on real shop floors across the state. Through practical presentations, peer discussions, and a expert panels, participants shared insights on topics ranging from predictive maintenance and supply chain tools to workforce strategies and automation integration. Everyone had the opportunity to tour the McElroy University facility, getting an inside look at the company’s operations and the technologies supporting its production.

OMA’s Technical Services Group also demonstrated an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), showing how these systems can safely move materials and components across a facility without fixed tracks or manual operation. Using onboard sensors and mapping technology, AMRs can navigate busy shop floors, transport parts between workstations, and help manufacturers improve efficiency while freeing up employees for higher-value tasks.

Events like the OMA Automation Roadshow help strengthen Oklahoma’s manufacturing network while giving companies practical ideas they can take back to their own operations.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

02/24/2026

For Oklahoma manufacturers, strong quality systems are often the difference between sustaining growth and missing new opportunities. When 7D Manufacturing, located in the rural community of Boswell, looked to re-establish its quality management foundation, the company turned to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and its Technical Services Group for guidance and expertise.

7D Manufacturing had previously operated under AS9100D certification, but after its certification lapsed, company leadership made the strategic decision to realign its Quality Management System (QMS) with the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

To support that transition, OMA Lead Auditor Wade Wilson, PE worked closely with the company to rebuild its quality framework from the ground up. OMA provided comprehensive Quality Management System documentation support, updating the company’s quality manual, procedures, work instructions, and forms to fully align with ISO 9001:2015 requirements. OMA also delivered internal auditor training for three employees and conducted a full internal audit alongside the 7D Manufacturing team, strengthening internal ownership of the system and reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.

OMA congratulates 7D Manufacturing on achieving certification to ISO 9001:2015. The company is now positioned to realize the benefits of operating an ISO 9001-based Quality Management System, including reduced defects, rework, and scrap, along with improved production flow and on-time delivery. Additionally, leadership benefits from better visibility into performance through defined metrics and management review processes, enabling proactive decision-making and sustainable growth.

Projects like this demonstrate how OMA’s certifications and compliance services bring specialized expertise directly to manufacturers across Oklahoma, including rural communities where access to quality and compliance resources can be limited. By translating internationally recognized standards into practical processes, OMA helps manufacturers compete more effectively, qualify for new business opportunities, and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚.

For more information, drop us a note at assistance@okalliance.com

02/12/2026

02/11/2026

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance recently celebrated the retirements of Vice President Kinnee Tilly and Director of Administration Kim Norrell, recognizing their years of impactful service to manufacturers across the state.

Tilly joined OMA six years ago and played a key role in advancing the organization’s strategic vision and strengthening relationships with partners statewide. With a background in economic development and business expansion, she brought deep experience and steady leadership to the Alliance.

Norrell served OMA for more than two decades and was central to its daily operations. As Director of Administration, she oversaw reporting, financial processes, human resources, vendor coordination, and the internal systems that keep the statewide organization running smoothly. Her attention to detail and institutional knowledge were foundational to OMA's success.

“Kinnee and Kim have each made lasting contributions to this organization and to the manufacturers we serve,” said President Dave Rowland. “We are grateful for their leadership, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening industry across Oklahoma. They will both be deeply missed.”

Their leadership helped strengthen manufacturers, communities, and industry across Oklahoma, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the OMA's work in the years ahead.