Ohio Manufacturing Jobs Grew Since January 2025

While national manufacturing employment declined, Ohio added over 13,000 positions since early 2025.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Employment

Ohio Manufacturing Jobs Grew Since January 2025

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Ohio defied national trends by adding more than 13,000 manufacturing jobs since January 2025, even as the country experienced a loss of about 21,000 positions. Despite this growth, specific layoffs impacted local communities including Springfield and Chillicothe.

Why it matters

The state's job growth highlights a localized divergence from broader national industrial declines. These figures underscore the complex transition of regional economies as companies shift production or repurpose facilities.

Ohio manufacturing jobs increased by 13,000 since January 2025, while national figures saw a decline of 21,000 jobs. It remains unclear how many positions will be permanently restored following recent layoffs.

The players

Roshel

Roshel is a company that recently purchased the International Motors plant in Springfield with intentions to expand the local workforce.

International Motors

International Motors is an automotive entity that reduced its Springfield workforce by 1,000 employees last week.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions

Pixelle Specialty Solutions is a manufacturing firm that experienced significant layoffs at its facility in Chillicothe.

The details

International Motors recently laid off 1,000 workers in Springfield, though Roshel has since purchased the plant with plans to hire back staff. Separately, Pixelle Specialty Solutions is considering converting part of its Chillicothe facility into a data center after laying off 800 workers in 2025.

January 2025: Ohio manufacturing jobs began their growth trend.
2025: Pixelle Specialty Solutions laid off 800 employees.
October 2026: Pixelle announced intentions to rehire a portion of its workforce.
Last week: International Motors laid off 1,000 workers in Springfield.

Macro View

This state-level job growth contrasts with the broader manufacturing trends observed over the last two years. The data reflects a departure from the historical volatility often seen in industrial manufacturing cycles.

Residents in Springfield and Chillicothe may see shifts in local job availability as companies navigate facility repurposing and rehiring efforts. These changes directly influence regional stability and household employment prospects in the affected counties.

The takeaway

Ohio's ability to create manufacturing jobs despite a national decline signals a localized economic shift in the industrial sector. Workers affected by recent layoffs should monitor company announcements regarding rehires and facility repurposing plans.