The manufacturing industry, including electronics manufacturing in Northern Kentucky, is at the top of its game. The Ball State Center for Business gave the region an “A” in Manufacturing Industry Health. And there are a number of reasons for this.
Northern Kentucky is uniquely situated along the supply chain. World-class airports, rail lines, roads, and ports make it easy to get materials in, and out, of the region. A large skilled, and educated, workforce can manage the use of those materials. And a strong, tested infrastructure is in place to support the work.
Dan Janka, President of Mazak North America, explained “Having access to the education and technology resources in the region helps us fuel innovative thinking and innovative ideas that are needed for advanced manufacturing.”
The Northern Kentucky region has a deep history of manufacturing innovation and success. But it’s not resting on that history. Employment in the industry is expected to grow by almost 6.4% between 2024 and 2029. That growth is fueled, in part, by established manufacturers, and future-thinking start-ups. Both are defining what the next state of advanced manufacturing in Northern Kentucky can be.
The Electronics Manufacturing Industry in Northern Kentucky
One of the drivers of the success of high-tech manufacturing in Northern Kentucky is product diversity. The region is not tied to one specific “product.” In fact, it is home to over 300 manufacturers who are producing materials for use in:
Manufacturers play a huge part in the economic health of the region. Manufacturing has been an industry that has had statewide revenue of $40+ billion annually in recent years. That’s just under 20% of the revenue from all industries in the state.
While each of these industries delivers very different final products, they do benefit from the unique nature of the region.
Northern Kentucky sits in a central location in the national, and global supply chain. There are major, award-winning cargo airports, rail, river ports, and interstates crossing the region.
There is also a ready, experienced, and educated workforce. Over 50,000 people are already working in some capacity in advanced manufacturing in Northern Kentucky. The median salary for these workers is $50,000/yr.
Electronics Manufacturing Companies in Northern Kentucky
Automotive manufacturing is one of the oldest manufacturing industries in the region. One of the newest, and fastest growing, is electronics manufacturing.
They are brought here by a:
- Strong technology-based infrastructure
- Innovation-focused business community
- Established manufacturing industry
And this established manufacturing base is setting businesses up for success. In 2023, 56% of all new jobs in the region came from advanced manufacturing companies. Among the companies finding success in high-tech manufacturing in Northern Kentucky are:
Mazak
This Florence-based company provides “…machining solutions to suit job shops and major manufacturers.” Their latest breakthrough is the iSMART factory. This is an ideal manufacturing environment for the collaboration between robots and humans.
Mubea
Focused on the future of mobility, they engineer and manufacture products for:
- Aviation
- Automotive
- Micro-mobility
Spectra-Tech Manufacturing, Inc.
Spectra-Tech manufactures circuit boards that are used in a range of industries and operations.
Atkins & Pearce
This Covington-based manufacturer merges textiles with technology. With over 13,000 braiding machines, they have brought an old skill into a new century.
HBC-radiomatic
Since 1947, they have been helping teams make things move with radio controls.
Hahn Automation
The 2024 Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Small Business of the Year award winner. They “develop, build, and integrate” manufacturing robotics and automation solutions.
L3Harris
A global aerospace and defense technology company with locations around the globe.
Regional Advantages for High-Tech Manufacturing in Northern Kentucky
Manufacturers in the region are dependent upon a number of things for their success. Two of the biggest are:
- Getting supplies
- Shipping finished products
Those can be accomplished with relatively little concern because the region is a veritable transportation nexus.
Air
The sixth-largest cargo airport in the world is found in Northern Kentucky. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has won a number of awards. It also received a Safety Act designation from the US government. The only US airport to do so.
There are also five other airports within a two-hour drive of the region.
Water
At the edge of Northern Kentucky flows the Ohio River, just under 40 tons of cargo a year are moved within The Ports of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. This makes them the busiest inland ports in the entire US.
Land
- The state has over 2,000 miles of rail track.
- 3 major interstates and 3 U.S. highways can be easily accessed across the region.
An Educated Workforce
The region is home to over twenty colleges, universities, and technical schools. They offer programs to train the next generation of electronics manufacturing workers. Current manufacturing employees also have a number of programs available that can enable them to re-skill.
Innovations in Northern Kentucky’s High-Tech Manufacturing Sector
Innovations are not just coming from what’s rolling off of the production lines in Northern Kentucky. But in how those lines are run, as well.
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 utilizes any number of digital advances to improve the manufacturing process. This could include:
- Automation
- Augmented reality/Virtual reality
- IoT (Internet of Things)
- 3D Printing
- Edge computing
Safran Landing Systems utilizes a number of Industry 4.0 practices in their Boone County factory. They are a world leader in aircraft braking and landing systems.
AI
In 2017, 20% of companies had implemented an AI solution in their workplace. In 2023, that number jumped to 55%.
Electronics manufacturers in Northern Kentucky use AI in both the sales and production processes.
- Upfront it’s being used to find purchasing patterns and predict trends. This helps companies have the right stock levels.
- During production, AI can monitor machine performance. This enables it to predict when proactive maintenance may be needed. It can also be used to save time by predicting product deficiencies early in the production process.
Automation
Automation has long been a part of production lines. It’s now transforming warehouses as well. Robotic automation can handle the repetitive tasks of taking things on and off of shelves. This frees up employees to focus on processes and other strategic tasks.
5G Networks
Collecting large datasets, putting production systems “in the cloud,” establishing the factory as an IoT. All of this can be done, better, and faster with 5G connectivity. 5G brings:
- Faster connectivity times between devices
- Strengthens security efforts
- Speeds controls and machine times
- Provides the bandwidth needed for AI-driven applications
It can even be used to develop a private cellular network.
Workforce Development and Education
Within the Northern Kentucky region is a labor pool of 1.5M people. Many of them have experience directly in manufacturing or working in businesses that support manufacturing production.
As technologies change, the workforce needs to be able to adapt. Fortunately, there are a number of opportunities in the area for new and emerging workers to learn new skills.
Northern Kentucky University offers an Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Major. The description of this degree states: “Graduates gain skills to analyze, design, apply, and troubleshoot systems with electronics, power systems, power electronics, digital, analog, microcontroller, software, and electrical machines.”
At the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, students can learn to design, prototype, and develop electrical systems. These are key skills that can help electronics manufacturers keep production lines running.
The University of Cincinnati (UC) has a program that helps students prepare for the transformative power of Industry 4.0. UC’s Smart Manufacturing Lab at Digital Futures specializes in “smart manufacturing digitalization.” It is utilized as a part of several different degree tracks.
Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME) offers a classroom/practical approach to learning the manufacturing business. Manufacturers in the region open their doors in an apprenticeship-style training/education program.
Business Support and Development
Those education programs help prepare workers for day-to-day manufacturing operations. On a similar track, there are business development organizations to help companies grow and expand those operations.
BE NKY Growth Partnership is focused on helping manufacturers see the benefits the region has to offer. Part of this discovery is around showcasing the area’s competitive business climate. That includes finding the right location for a factory or warehouse. The Northern Kentucky Port Authority leverages real estate and economic development opportunities across the region.
Finding Success in Electronics Manufacturing in Northern Kentucky
Kentucky has always been a state of innovation. In every industry, companies in the state have developed ways to:
- Improve systems
- Streamline processes
- Consistently produce quality products
Electronics manufacturers in Northern Kentucky have continued this tradition.
An educated, experienced workforce is on hand to help produce the products that are the result of this innovation. And the logistical advantages of the region can see them get to market faster, and more efficiently than ever before.
BE NKY Growth Partnership provides services and support to electronics manufacturers in Northern Kentucky. They can help manufacturing companies make connections and access the resources that they need to establish, expand, and grow their business. If you are interested in expanding with electronics manufacturing in Northern Kentucky, contact BE NKY today.
