October 3, 2024

Stay Connected and Informed via the PIC "Cluster Update" Newsletter

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) Update newsletter! This publication is your gateway to staying informed about the latest developments, initiatives, and events within Akron's thriving polymer sector.

As a key player in the industry, we understand the importance of keeping our investors, partners, and stakeholders connected to the work we're doing to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen the regional economy.


Each each issue, we'll bring you updates on our ongoing projects, highlight upcoming events, and share news that impacts our cluster and the broader industry. Whether you're looking to stay ahead of industry trends, explore new partnership opportunities, or simply keep a finger on the pulse of the Akron polymer community, this newsletter is designed to keep you in the loop. We look forward to sharing our journey with you!


With all that being said, keep reading to check out some of the recent developments, updates, and news relevant to the PIC over the past few months. Also, be sure to follow the PIC on LinkedIn for more updates!

PIC Selected for $51 Million Federal Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub Phase 2 Investment

We would be surprised if you hadn't already heard this news... on July 2, the PIC was officially named the recipient of a $51 million federal investment as part of the EDA Tech Hubs Phase 2 awards. 


For the last three years, leaders and partners across the region have been working side by side to leverage the density of companies, research and education institutions, and talent in the polymer industry to collaborate and innovate in ways like never before. This work will create differentiated strategic advantage for the U.S. and jobs, growth and investment for the region. 

Eighteen months ago, these partners set out to compete for distinction and transformational funding through the federal EDA Tech Hubs program. This work led to the Greater Akron region being designated in October 2023 as THE Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the United States and culminated in July’s $51 million investment announcement. Read more here


Outside of the direct impact to be felt by polymer companies, our region and its residents stand to benefit from the award as well. Clusters drive economic growth, increase new investment, attract companies, and create job opportunities. We are proud of the work this cluster has accomplished to date and we look forward to the work and impact to come. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference


We invite leaders of the Polymer Industry to join us for the 3rd Annual Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference (PC3)!


This limited-attendance event will be geared specifically towards polymer industry R&D and technical professionals, education & training providers in STEM and manufacturing, polymer industry employers and professionals responsible for recruiting, hiring, and retaining workers.


The conference will be held on Friday, November 15, at Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls.


Register here.

Polymer Industry Cluster Receives Support from Ohio Innovation Hubs Program

Coming off the exciting July 2 announcement, the State of Ohio named the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub the state’s third funded Innovation Hub with a $31.25 million award during a press conference on September 5. Read more here


The projects funded by this state Innovation Hub grant are 100% distinct but complementary to the projects funded by the $51 million federal EDA Tech Hubs grant. These projects are designed and selected by the PIC’s partner organizations, through an established committee structure including focus areas in R&D, startup support, workforce development, and infrastructure. 


Investment made with these state funds will accelerate impactful innovation in sustainability and other industry-driven priorities and catalyze lasting growth for the region. Combining the Ohio Innovation Hub award, the federal EDA Tech Hub award, and cost sharing investments made by many PIC partners, we have achieved a $100 million summer, bringing us halfway to our goal of deploying $200 million of investment in this space over a decade! 

Smithers Advanced Recycling Summit


Earlier this summer, we gave a presentation at Smithers' Advanced Recycling Summit to a room full of polymer and advanced recycling professionals! We discussed the formation of the Polymer Industry Cluster and our growing consortium of partners working together.

We provided an introduction to the Tech Hub awards and projects that received federal funding - all to a room of polymer and advanced recycling professionals. We are thrilled that Smithers chose to relocate this summit to Akron, as there is no better place to host this convening of recycling professionals than the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub!

Tire Retreading Legislation


We are excited to share that the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) helped advance the "Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act," a crucial piece of legislation that supports our domestic supply chain and regional economy.

This Act offers a 30% tax credit to incentivize the use of American-made retreaded tires, aligning with our goals to create a friendly business climate, advance sustainability, and establish a circular economy.


This legislation was championed by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes, and the bipartisan effort is continuing to gain support.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NSF Engine


The Polymer Industry Cluster is collaborating with Case Western Reserve University to apply for up to $160 million of federal funding to drive decarbonization, in part, throughout the polymer sector through new feedstocks, improved end-of-life, and more. The Engines program is slated to include proposals due in February 2025, with awardees announced in late 2025.

Good Jobs Challenge


Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry employers are facing a shortage of skilled workers in areas like rubber processing, plastics manufacturing, and injection molding. To address this, the Greater Akron Chamber is applying for the Good Jobs Challenge grant to lead the Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence (APEX) initiative, creating specialized training programs for the industry. In collaboration with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, APEX will offer targeted training, upskilling, and career support to help build a strong talent pipeline and create good jobs for the region’s polymer sector.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Polymer Industry Sector Partnership Grant Program


The Greater Akron Chamber was awarded an Accelerant Grant by the Ohio Industry Sector Partnership Grant Program, bringing $250,000 to operationalize its newly formed Polymer Industry Sector, which will collaborate with businesses, education and training providers, and other community leaders who are invested in improving the polymer industry’s talent pipeline.

Upskill Your Employees with Ohio Tech Cred


Ohio's TechCred Program gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees in technology-focused fields. Employers who submit successful applications can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential per employee, up to $30,000 per employer for each round of funding. There are 6 rounds of funding per year.   


Start taking advantage of this opportunity now and develop the talent you need for your business to operate, compete, and thrive! Step-by-step instructions for accessing these resources can be found here


The next Tech Cred application period will open on Nov.1, 2024 and close on Nov. 29, 2024.

INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT

Rubber Division, ACS is an international association of chemists, engineers, technicians, scientists, educators, plant managers, sales and marketing professionals and others in the rubber, polymer or related fields within industry, academia and government.


They work to educate, connect and grow the evolving elastomer industry through educational, technical, business and networking activities.


We are proud and honored to have this organization as a member of the PIC!

With decades of experience serving B2B companies in a wide range of technology-intensive and emerging markets, Newry Corp helps their clients react to industry dynamics and megatrends and drive growth through adjacencies.


The Newry team maintains deep and current awareness of the latest developments in carbon capture, energy production and storage, alternative protein, electric vehicles, recycling, and more. They leverage this knowledge base to support innovation and new product development strategy.

IN THE NEWS

Mercury Plastics' $15 million expansion to add second beam accelerator


Mercury Plastics LLC is making a significant investment in the future of Northeast Ohio’s plastics industry with a $15 million expansion! This expansion will add a second beam accelerator, further enhancing the unique and high-performance capabilities of our region's Polymer Industry Cluster.


This private investment is a testament to the strength and innovation found right here in Northeast Ohio, and we're proud to be home to such industry leaders.


Read More

A 'success story' for Akron area: Röchling Automotive expansion could add 25 jobs


Röchling Automotive has been given the green light to acquire 1.5 acres of city-owned land for a new distribution center! Already employing 160 people in Akron, the Germany-based automotive plastics solutions company has plans to hire an additional 25 employees in conjunction with the sale.


Read More

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