The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition a $1,396,500 grant for the “GROW Appalachia” Project. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced these investments through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative.

The “GROW Appalachia” Project began in October and will continue through October 2026. The project will provide approximately 225 workers/trainees and 175 students with specialized training.

The AOMC is developing a Manufacturing Support Center in Southeastern Ohio. It will allow industry and education to utilize advanced technology and equipment (including subject matter experts and engineering technical assistance to help design and develop prototypes), acording to the ARC.

Industry can produce parts from the Center on advanced equipment they may not be able to afford at this time, to remain competitive and reduce costs. The MSC offers interns the chance to work side-by-side with industry, learning from the experts, and assisting in design and development of new products and operational systems.