Manufacturing is the backbone of Ohio’s economy. At Pentaflex, we believe that strength is built when manufacturers stand together to advocate, educate, and lead. That’s why we’ve proudly maintained membership with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) for more than 25 years.
Our commitment to the OMA goes beyond basic membership. Pentaflex President Ross McGregor currently serves on the organization’s board and its executive committee, a role that allows us to help shape the strategic direction of manufacturing across the state. For us, OMA isn’t just an industry group – it’s a partner in progress.
Why We Joined, and Why We Stay
Pentaflex’s involvement in the OMA started decades ago, and it’s deeply rooted in our leadership’s values. In fact, the late Jim McGregor of McGregor Metal once served as chairman of the OMA board, and that tradition of leadership continues today. By participating in OMA leadership, Ross McGregor is able to bring real-world perspectives to policy conversations, ensuring that small and mid-sized manufacturers like Pentaflex have a strong voice in shaping the future of Ohio’s economy.
One of OMA’s greatest strengths is its clear focus: advancing the interests of manufacturers right here in Ohio. While national organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) handle federal-level policy, the OMA focuses its energy on issues within Ohio’s borders. That sharp focus makes a big difference when it comes to legislation, workforce development, and economic development tailored to Ohio manufacturers.
Policy Advocacy that Works
OMA’s role in public policy is one of the most valuable aspects of membership. Over the years, the association has been instrumental in shaping laws that directly impact our operations.
For example, in 2005, the OMA helped lead the charge to reform Ohio’s tax code, replacing a burdensome personal property tax on inventory with the Commercial Activities Tax (CAT), which is a broader, fairer system that has benefited manufacturers across the state.
More recently, OMA played a leading role in the passage of House Bill 15, a key piece of legislation focused on securing Ohio’s energy future. The bill is designed to encourage more electricity generation within the state – something that’s critical in a deregulated energy market. With input from member companies like Pentaflex, OMA helped ensure the legislation supports long-term stability and affordability in energy costs.
Practical Support for Everyday Challenges
Beyond policy, OMA provides concrete support that helps manufacturers solve everyday challenges. From workforce training programs and labor summits to safety councils and energy purchasing plans, the OMA equips members with resources to grow and compete. For instance, through participation in local safety programs, we’ve been able to reduce our workers’ compensation costs while creating a safer workplace for our team.
Additionally, their annual workforce summit provides a forum to share best practices and learn about new approaches to recruitment and retention—a challenge many manufacturers continue to face across Ohio.
Bringing the Right People to the Table
At Pentaflex, we often tap into OMA’s expertise and programming across our team. While Ross serves as our primary representative, our HR, safety, and facilities leaders also participate in OMA events and training sessions when relevant. These touch points strengthen our team and keep us connected to innovations in safety, workforce strategy, and compliance.
Why OMA Membership Matters
Membership in the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is more than just access to benefits. It’s a seat at the table where the future of Ohio manufacturing is being shaped. It’s about influence, insight, and a statewide community that understands the unique challenges of our industry.
For any Ohio-based manufacturer, especially those who are just getting started or navigating change, OMA offers a network of support and a depth of resources that would be hard to replicate on your own. You don’t have to be a large corporation to have a voice. Through OMA, manufacturers of all sizes contribute to the conversations that matter, and help shape policy, practice, and perception for the industry we all rely on.
We’re proud of our long-standing involvement with the OMA and look forward to many more years of collaboration, advocacy, and progress.
To learn more about the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, visit their website at ohiomfg.com.