CLEVELAND — When MAGNET, a non-profit, opened a new facility last year, it caught the attention of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Recently, 3News stopped by to find out the impact the new building is having on the community.
Once a shuttered elementary school, the MAGNET Manufacturing Innovation Technology and Job Center has become a vital showcase of our area’s manufacturing capabilities.
“The whole goal of this place is to expose people to how amazing manufacturing careers are,” said Ethan Karp, the President and CEO of MAGNET. “That means little kids, high schoolers, adults and anyone who doesn't realize that manufacturing is the backbone of northeast Ohio's economy. They can come here. They can see it.”
To show off what can be done, MAGNET engineers programmed a robot to serve drinks from a vending machine.
“Now, of course, there are more efficient ways to do this, but there are no more fun ways,” remarks Karp as the robot removes the top of the can. “Robots can't do everything that we can do, but they can certainly move a very full can without spilling much better than I can. And it always remembers to recycle.”
Students here experience modern manufacturing in action, not just by observing, but by immersing themselves in it. They have the opportunity to have a robot assemble a custom toy car and make a cookie cutter in the shape of Ohio.
This engagement is critical. According to MAGNET, half of Northeast Ohio's economy, one of every two jobs, depends on manufacturing. With new technology now available -- new safety standards are an important part of the process.
MAGNET prides itself on lending a hand to start-ups and existing companies. They hope to do more in this new facility, with classrooms and STEM-based playgrounds. For Karp, change is exciting, but the purpose remains the same. Northeast Ohio is where "things are made." It is our past, and it is still our future.
“These careers can make a difference in people's lives and make all of Northeast Ohio better because people are able to make the things that run the world,” said Karp.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on March 12, 2023.