WHO WE ARE :: FAQ's

What is MAGNET?

MAGNET, the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network:

  • Serves as the voice of manufacturing, advocating for manufacturers in dealing with the multitude of regulatory agencies at the local and regional level and in influencing public policy.
  • Encourages manufacturers and entrepreneurs to adopt the most modern manufacturing strategies and techniques.
  • Provides a clearinghouse for individual manufacturers seeking assistance in the areas of productivity improvement, global access (sourcing and markets), and product innovation and consulting services on business process improvement.
  • Provides a focal point for working with regional educational institutions to provide a comprehensive set of offerings meeting the needs of manufacturing companies.
  • Maintains, through a separate operating unit, direct consulting services, manages the business incubator, and conducts contract research for government agencies, such as the Department of Defense.

Is this a new non-profit organization?

While the name and identity are new, this effort represents an expansion of the existing mission and services that we have been delivering for over 25 years.

More information about the Global Roadmap study and MAGNET’s programs and services are available on the website.

WHY did MAGNET take over the World Trade Center Cleveland?

There were two compelling reasons to merge the World Trade Center Cleveland into MAGNET. The first is to broaden the WTCC’s service region. The WTCC had operated under the wing of the Greater Cleveland Partnership which indicated a Cleveland bias in the minds of many across the region. MAGNET is a regional organization so its regional mandate was chosen to enhance the Center’s global services. The second is that MAGNET is deeply committed to helping manufacturers expand into foreign trade. Since many domestic markets have matured, the best prospects for market growth are occurring outside the U.S. In fact, many Ohio companies are benefiting already from selling into the rapidly growing Chinese and Indian economies.


Does MAGNET have any recent studies on manufacturing in the state?

MAGNET commissioned two studies about the state of manufacturing:

  • Northeast Ohio Manufacturing Analysis, August 2005, CSU Center for Economic Development
  • Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Analysis, July 2006, CSU Center for Economic Development

What initiatives does MAGNET have in the works to help manufacturing?

MAGNET’s mission is to be the champion for the region’s manufacturers and their “one-stop shop” for high quality services and human resources needed to compete more effectively in the global economy.

Four initiatives support MAGNET’s mission:

  • Advocacy for/to manufacturing
  • Manufacturing education and training
  • Competitiveness (new product development, improved productivity and global expansion)
  • Direct services (growth, productivity, product innovation) to manufacturers

MAGNET has also launched the Dream It Do It campaign and Competitiveness Challenge to:

  • Change the negative public perception of manufacturing;
  • Convince young people to prepare for and seek careers in manufacturing;
  • Encourage manufacturers to take a leadership role in advancing career opportunities in manufacturing; and,
  • Motivate manufacturers to improve their own global competitiveness


Does MAGNET provide training to help the 13,000 manufacturing workers who lost their jobs find reemployment in the industry?

MAGNET is not a direct provider of training to unemployed or dislocated workers. Programs for dislocated workers are available through the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services and the Workforce Investment Act system’s One-Stop Shops. Training is also available at the community colleges and vocational training institutes throughout Ohio.

Please forward additional questions to:

info@magnetwork.org or visit the contact us page

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