Sully Staires of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance (OMA) gave a strong account of the state’s manufacturing industry at Tulsa Regional Chamber event on Nov. 19.

“Tulsa and Oklahoma as a whole do a good job of not siloing economic development,” Staires, OMA’s strategist for economic development, told attendees at the Chamber’s Manufacturers’ Council meeting at Webco Industries in Sand Springs.

“So, I would like to congratulate everyone in here for being a part of that. We all work really well together for the most part, particularly compared to the rest of the country. That’s great to see.”

About three dozen people attended the Nov. 19  meeting, which was sponsored by Webco Industries, which makes carbon- and stainless-steel tubing products.

Manufacturing in Oklahoma accounts for 130,000 jobs and nearly 10% of the state’s gross domestic product.

Staires touched on subjects that included supply chain disruptions and the impact of tariffs and automation.

“Firms who rely less on imports and those who are sourcing domestically are gaining ground in this time,” he said. “Trade policy is being used as a tactical tool worldwide, which makes the future trajectory fundamentally unpredictable for Tulsa manufacturers.”

Global supply chain weaknesses exposed during COVID have been mitigating by Oklahoma companies that are filling the gaps with in-state suppliers, he said.

“Shorter supply chains mean faster turnaround, lower transport costs and less exposure to global risks,” Staires said.

State companies embracing automation have made productivity gains of 20% to $40% common in key processes, said Staires, who added that jobs are being redefined and not replaced.

“Safety improves, turnover drops and then local jobs become more technical and high-paying,” he said.

Rue Ramsey, vice president of workforce and talent strategies, also spoke at the Nov. 19 meeting, detailing how the Chamber is addressing the critical need for early career and experienced talent in high-demand occupational career clusters by working with companies to recruit those workers.

“We’re super proud of this work, and we hope you will be, too,” she said.