Metals Fabrication
in Southeastern Ohio
SOUTHEAST OHIO IS A HUB FOR METAL FABRICATION
Ohio’s iron and steel manufacturing began in the eastern and southern counties of the state 200-plus years ago utilizing local ore and energy resources and the mighty Ohio River for transport. Today, those counties make up the Ohio Southeast region, which boasts more than 178 businesses in the metals sector and relies on a skilled workforce, abundant low-cost energy and the powerful Ohio River.
The OhioSE metals manufacturing subsectors includes primary metals, fabricated products, and machinery and represents approximately 20% of the region’s manufacturing workforce.
Fast Facts
#1
state in forging and roll forming
#2
in primary metal manufacturing employment
Below
Taxes, wage rates, and utility costs below national and regional averages
#3
State in fabricated metal product manufacturing employment
3rd
largest state measured by manufacturing output
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“We have a great advantage being located in Southeast Ohio. Our potential workforce has great technical skills starting on day one and are motivated to learn more every day. We also have most of our outsourced aerospace special process needs met within a 2 hour drive.”
Dan Erb / Jones Metal
Leading Metal Fabrication Companies in the Ohio SE Region
Metal Fabrication Stats
Southeast Ohio’s metal fabrication industry is a cornerstone of the region’s manufacturing sector, driven by a skilled workforce and a legacy of industrial excellence. From precision machining to large-scale structural fabrication, local companies serve diverse markets, including automotive, aerospace, and energy.
Download the Industry Spec Sheet181
Businesses
8,847
Industry workers
66%
More jobs in the Metal Fabrication Industry than the national average
1,080
Annual degrees completed in relevant industry fields
Key Regional Assets
Ohio has nine foreign trade zones and is the only state in the Midwest with direct shipping routes to Europe for both container and heavy goods. Our taxes, wage rates, and utility costs are below national and regional averages. Ohio taxes are some of the most favorable in the USA for manufacturing or any business selling goods and services outside of Ohio. In 2021, the Tax Foundation ranked Ohio 4th most favorable for capital-intensive manufacturers for mature firms and 3rd for capital-intensive manufacturing for new firms.
Why Ohio Southeast
Rail service includes Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, local and regional railroads.
Southeast Ohio is connected through major US Interstate, four lane quality highways
355 miles of shoreline border our region with access to five major terminals on the Ohio River Inland Waterway
Workforce is committed to family and staying in their multi-generational communities
Metal Fabrication related stories
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Micro Machine Works, Inc. Grows Impact in Washington County
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