As we navigate the evolving landscape of global business, several key industries are showing significant signs of growth, both regionally and nationally. These industries—manufacturing, healthcare services, polymers, PCBAs and semiconductors, fiber and data infrastructure, and automotive—are vital to the economic future of the United States. They are being driven by technological advancements, reshoring efforts, government incentives, and rising consumer demands. Below, we provide a deep dive into the factors driving growth in these sectors, supported by metrics and success stories across the U.S.

Manufacturing

Key Growth Drivers:
The U.S. manufacturing industry has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, largely due to reshoring production, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and strong federal and state government support to revitalize domestic manufacturing capabilities.

• National Outlook: Manufacturing now accounts for nearly 11% of the U.S. GDP, with manufacturing output reaching $2.3 trillion in 2023, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)ional Story:** In Ohio, manufacturing continues to be a major economic driver, particularly in sectors like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and machinery. The state saw a 7% growth in manufacturing output in 2023, driven by investments in automotive and machinery production.

Success Story:

Ford's $1.5 Billion Investment in Lorain County, Ohio

Ford’s recent announcement of a $1.5 billion investment to build electric vans in Lorain County marks a turning point for Ohio’s automotive manufacturing sector. This project is expected to create 1,800 new jobs, signifying not just regional growth but also the broader trend of reshoring automotive manufacturing to the U.S. 

Healthcare Services

Key Growth Drivers:

The healthcare services industry has experienced consistent growth driven by an aging population, the acceleration of digital health solutions, and the need for more personalized and advanced care. According to Statista, the global healthcare services market is projected to grow from $8.4 trillion in 2021 to $11.9 trillion by 2025.

• National Growth: In 2023, healthcare added 67,000 jobs in the U.S., making it one of the fastest-growing sectors.
• Regional Growth: Ohio is home to some of the largest healthcare providers in the country, including Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Ohio’s healthcare sector employs more than 600,000 people and has been growing steadily, particularly in digital health and personalized care solutions.

Success Story:

Cleveland Clinic’s Expansion in Digital Health
Cleveland Clinic continues to pioneer the integration of AI in patient care. With recent partnerships in AI-based diagnostics and remote monitoring technologies, the Clinic is advancing healthcare in Ohio and setting new standards nationwide.

Polymers

Key Growth Drivers:
The global polymer market, essential to industries like automotive, healthcare, and packaging, continues to grow due to the increasing demand for lightweight, durable materials. The market is expected to grow from $613 billion in 2021 to $755 billion by 2028.

• Regional Strength: Ohio and Pennsylvania remain key players in polymer production. Ohio’s polymer sector is bolstered by its history in rubber and plastics, particularly in Akron, historically known as the "Rubber Capital of the World." In 2023, Akron's polymer industry saw $51 million in federal funding to develop a sustainable polymer innovation hub.

Success Story:
Akron’s Polymer Innovation Hub
The formation of a polymer cluster in Northeast Ohio, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is attracting new businesses to the region. The $51 million investment is being used to commercialize sustainable polymers and support companies like Goodyear in developing innovative materials.

PCBAs and Semiconductors

Key Growth Drivers:
PCBAs and semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically increased the demand for these components. The global semiconductor market is projected to reach $726.7 billion by 2026.

• National Growth: The U.S. has made strides to reshore semiconductor production. With the CHIPS Act, the government has committed $52.7 billion to support domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
• Regional Growth: Ohio is a prime beneficiary of this initiative. Intel’s $20 billion investment in semiconductor fabs near Columbus will create 3,000 high-tech jobs and position Ohio as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing.

Success Story:
Intel’s $3 Billion Boost
Intel recently secured an additional $3 billion in federal funding to expand its chip production facilities in Ohio. This investment ensures that Ohio will play a pivotal role in the global semiconductor supply chain, bringing the state to the forefront of advanced electronics manufacturing.

Fiber & Data Infrastructure

Key Growth Drivers:
As digital transformation continues, the demand for fiber and data infrastructure has surged. The global fiber optics market is projected to grow from $6.8 billion in 2021 to $10.1 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by the expansion of 5G networks, the increasing need for data centers, and the shift toward cloud computing.

• Regional Growth: In the U.S., states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York are leading in fiber deployment. Ohio’s Smart I-Corridor initiative, which spans the length of the state, is bringing high-speed fiber connectivity to underserved areas, enabling businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

Success Story:
Smart I-Corridor Project in Ohio
The $200 million Smart I-Corridor project is connecting key industrial and rural regions to high-speed internet, ensuring that businesses in Ohio have the infrastructure needed to compete globally in the data-driven economy.

Automotive

Key Growth Drivers:
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation toward electrification, autonomy, and sustainability. The global electric vehicle (EV) market is expected to grow from $246 billion in 2020 to $1.3 trillion by 2028.

• National Trends: The U.S. government’s focus on promoting electric vehicles has led to major investments in automotive manufacturing, with incentives such as tax credits for EV buyers and billions in funding for EV infrastructure.
• Regional Growth: Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee are becoming epicenters for EV manufacturing. Ohio’s Lordstown Motors and Ford’s $1.5 billion investment in electric vans in Lorain County are prime examples of the state’s transition to electric mobility.

Success Story:
Ford’s Expansion in Lorain County
Ford’s investment in electric van production in Lorain County will create 1,800 new jobs and transform the region into a major hub for EV manufacturing. This aligns with the broader industry shift toward sustainable automotive solutions and positions Ohio as a leader in the electric vehicle revolution.

A Bright Future for Key U.S. Industries

The industries discussed—manufacturing, healthcare services, polymers, PCBAs and semiconductors, fiber and data infrastructure, and automotive—are all experiencing substantial growth, both regionally and nationally. These sectors are being shaped by technological innovations, government incentives, and shifting consumer preferences. By staying ahead of these trends and investing in future-focused strategies, businesses can position themselves for long-term success in the ever-evolving global economy.

Sources:

1. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
2. Ohio Department of Development
3. Ford Press Release
4. Statista
5. U.S. Department of Labor
6. Cleveland Clinic Annual Report
7. Global Polymers Market Report
8. U.S. Department of Commerce
9. Akron Chamber of Commerce
10. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)
11. CHIPS Act Official Report
12. Intel Press Release
13. Intel Press Release
14. Global Fiber Optics Market Report
15. Ohio Broadband Strategy
16. Ohio Department of Transportation
17. Electric Vehicle Market Forecast
18. U.S. Department of Energy
19. Lordstown Motors Press Release
20. Ford Press Release