Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

12/18/2025

John W. Griffin was elected chairman of the board for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance during the organization’s recent annual meeting. As president, CEO and owner of Griffin Holdings—the parent company of Griffin Food Company in Muskogee—he heads one of the state’s most recognized family-owned manufacturing businesses. He succeeds Maxwell Harris of HE&M Saw in Pryor and will carry forward OMA’s longstanding commitment to industry-focused leadership.

Under his direction, Griffin Foods has strengthened its place in the state’s manufacturing sector, producing familiar Oklahoma products and supporting a skilled regional workforce. His business interests also include House of Webster in Arkansas and Griffin Media. Beyond business, he is also active in statewide philanthropic and civic leadership, including past service as board chairman of the Salvation Army and roles with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, St. Paul Methodist Church Council, United Way, and many others.

“I’m honored to serve as chairman and to support an organization that does so much to strengthen industry across our state,” Griffin says. “Manufacturing remains the backbone of Oklahoma communities. OMA provides practical expertise, hands-on assistance and a statewide network that helps companies grow, compete and create good jobs. I’m excited to help advance that mission.”

Also at the meeting, John Beaver of Nitro-Lift Technologies in Norman was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors. He replaces Jeff O'Neal with Advantage Controls in Muskogee, who served two terms.

Other current board members include: Geoff Hager of Big Elk Energy Systems, LLC in Tulsa; Sarah Fields of Jetta Corporation in Edmond; Matt Torres of RISE Armament in Broken Arrow; Michael Grant of McElroy Manufacturing, Inc. in Tulsa; Michael A. Rogers of Arrowhead Winch in Broken Arrow; Mike Payne of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication in Broken Arrow; Michael D. Earl of Arvest Bank; Jeremy Ambrose of Public Service Company of Oklahoma; Brandon Rainbolt of Oklahoma Natural Gas; Christy Idleman, EDFP of OGE Energy Corp.; Michael Davis of Oklahoma Finance Authority; Brent Haken of Oklahoma CareerTech; and Jennifer McGrail of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with OCAST to strengthen the state’s industrial base. Through a statewide network of manufacturing experts, OMA delivers hands-on support, practical solutions, and technical insight that help existing companies compete, expand, and thrive. Strong manufacturing drives high-wage careers, sparks innovation, and supports growth across Oklahoma.

12/08/2025

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a special session this week featuring Sullivan Staires, MBA, Economic Growth Strategist with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, alongside Bettina Schreiner, Outreach and Marketing Specialist for the SBA District Office. The one-hour session will be Wednesday, Dec. 10, beginning at 10 a.m.

👉 Register at https://lnkd.in/enjabzbt

Sully has spent the past two and a half years at OMA shaping strategies that strengthen Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry. His focus bridges manufacturers with two vital communities: the Native Nations and the state’s startup ecosystem. With his commitment to innovation and economic development, Sully is helping ensure manufacturing remains a powerful driver of growth across Oklahoma.

He will highlight the support provided by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, a statewide network of trusted experts dedicated to helping manufacturers succeed. From workforce initiatives to advanced technical services and supply chain solutions, OMA provides the support that keeps manufacturing strong and communities thriving.

12/05/2025

As national attention turns to robotics and AI, it’s a positive step to see this conversation reach the federal level. A recent POLITICO article highlights growing federal interest in accelerating robotics adoption across U.S. manufacturing. The story makes one point very clear: these technologies are no longer optional, they are essential for long-term competitiveness.

Read the piece: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghj3NB5j

Here in Oklahoma, we’re already seeing momentum. The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance has worked with small and mid-sized manufacturers to integrate automation, robotics, and cobots into daily operations. Projects range from collaborative robots supporting assembly tasks to automated inspection systems and AI-driven process monitoring that improves consistency and safety.

A key part of this progress is workforce development. Employees are retrained and upskilled, creating new technical roles and stronger retention. When technology and people grow together, companies are more resilient and more competitive.

Encouraging to see the national conversation expanding. Oklahoma manufacturers are ready, and with the right support and guidance, the benefits of robotics and AI will extend far beyond the equipment itself.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮.

12/02/2025

What does the manufacturing industry look like in Oklahoma? In this episode of Gear Talk, Wes Cash sits down with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell to discuss...

12/02/2025

Oklahoma is emerging as one of the most dynamic hubs for aerospace and defense manufacturing in the nation. With more than 1,100 companies and a workforce exceeding 120,000 people, the state has built an operational framework that supports expansion, accelerates innovation and fuels long-term competitiveness.

As highlighted in a new piece by Leshia Pearson with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, it isn’t accidental growth. It reflects intentional planning through state and private initiatives, combined with growing talent pipelines. Manufacturers expanding here benefit from targeted tax structures, supplier alignment and the kind of workforce readiness that turns ambition into capability.

Read the whole story here: https://lnkd.in/gafUG8bg

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance is proud to support this momentum firsthand. Through supply chain strengthening, training partnerships and real-world assistance for manufacturers statewide, OMA helps companies grow, adapt and hire as opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing continue to accelerate.

For companies weighing site selection, Oklahoma offers more than acreage and incentives. It offers a cohesive industrial strategy that gives manufacturers a foundation to expand confidently and compete for the long haul.

11/20/2025

A sincere thanks to the Tulsa Regional Chamber Manufacturers' Council for letting OMA share an update on Oklahoma’s manufacturing landscape. We appreciate the chance to speak with leaders who are closely connected to the region’s growth and day-to-day industry challenges.

During the presentation, Sully Staires, economic development strategist for OMA, outlined several important factors shaping the months ahead. He discussed the mixed effects of ongoing tariffs, the continued strength of capital investment, and the rising role of automation and advanced manufacturing in keeping local shops competitive. He also highlighted takeaways from recent OMA Strategic Sourcing work, including how companies in the Tulsa area are adjusting to supply chain shifts and tighter lead times.

We value the Manufacturers' Council for bringing industry leaders together and creating space for straightforward conversations about what’s ahead. Partnerships like this strengthen local companies and contribute to a stronger manufacturing base statewide, which is exactly the focus of OMA’s work to build stronger industry and a stronger Oklahoma.

11/13/2025

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Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating National Manufacturing Month!

It has been a privilege to highlight manufacturing’s substantial impact here in Rogers County, where over 6,500 quality job opportunities fuel our community. With an anticipated need for 4 million skilled manufacturing roles nationwide in the next decade, initiatives like Manufacturing Month are vital for showcasing the extensive career pathways and opportunities within this essential industry.

We’re proud that Claremore is home to a thriving manufacturing ecosystem, with goods produced locally reaching markets around the world. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the innovators, creators and workforce driving our community and economy forward!

11/11/2025

The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance extends our sincere appreciation to Max Harris, who has completed his term as Chair of our Board of Directors.

Max, vice president of HE&M Saw in Pryor, has provided steady leadership and a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s manufacturing community throughout the past year.

Under his guidance, OMA continued to expand its statewide reach by helping manufacturers embrace automation, strengthen supply chains, and develop skilled workers for the future. His insight, professionalism, and passion for supporting local industry have been invaluable in advancing our mission to grow Oklahoma’s economy through manufacturing excellence.

11/03/2025

Tulsa Tech is giving students a direct path into Oklahoma’s thriving aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. As reported by Sam Carrico on KOTV - News On 6 the school’s 60-hour Autonomous Mobility course teaches students to build and program drones. It offers hands-on training that directly translates to real-world aerospace repair and manufacturing jobs. Graduates like Broken Arrow’s Justin Adair are already finding success, joining leading employers like NORDAM one of Tulsa’s largest aerospace companies.

The program is more than classroom exercises. It's helping solve a national shortage of aviation technicians projected to last through 2035. Tulsa Tech’s drone program already has produced more than 500 certifications, building a vital talent pipeline that connects technical education to high-demand, high-tech careers.

See Carrico's full report here: https://lnkd.in/gCD8TYGG

With plans to expand next year, Tulsa Tech continues to demonstrate how Oklahoma’s investment in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation is preparing a new generation for the future of flight.

10/31/2025

Oklahoma’s manufacturing strength was on full display this week as GF Central Plasticscelebrated the grand opening of its new 150,000-square-foot metals manufacturing facility in Shawnee.

The $30 million expansion separates metals and plastics production to boost efficiency and support ongoing growth in the natural gas utility sector. The new plant will produce meter sets, risers, and transition fittings—creating up to 300 new jobs and expanding the company’s total Shawnee workforce to around 1,000.

The LEED Gold-certified facility makes GF Central Plastics one of only two manufacturers in Oklahoma to achieve this distinction, underscoring a long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation. The expansion also frees capacity at the company’s original 500,000-square-foot site for new plastics production, ensuring continued growth across both operations.

As part of the global GF Piping Systems network, the Shawnee team continues to strengthen Oklahoma’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing, world-class engineering, and responsible industrial investment.

h/t CCentral Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board - COWIB

10/30/2025

It was a great day in Okmulgee as local manufacturers, educators, and community leaders gathered for the inaugural Made in Okmulgee Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon. The event showcased the region’s thriving industrial base and highlighted the critical role manufacturing plays in sustaining local economies and creating high-quality jobs across Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance COO Roger Kelly joined the program to share insights on the state’s manufacturing landscape and OMA’s work supporting innovation, growth, and workforce development.

Events like this—organized by the Okmulgee Area Development Corp and sponsored by East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative —underscore the strength of our state's manufacturing community and the collaboration that drives our state’s continued economic success.

Visit OADC's YouTube channel to watch its "Manufacturing Matters" series and see the stories behind the products manufactured in Okmulgee: https://lnkd.in/ghP5NndQ

10/29/2025

New episode of "Innovate That" from Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) featuring Duncan Machine Products,.

Hosted by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, this episode spotlights co-founders Chris and Teri Billings as they share their story of innovation, growth, and impact in Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry.

As Oklahoma continues to celebrate Manufacturing Month in October, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone inspired by entrepreneurship and resilience in our state.

Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dewW5Gu