OMA priority legislation creating the Manufacturing Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) received its first hearing in House Finance Committee this week. House Bill 435, sponsored by Representatives Santucci (R-Sylvania) and Demetriou (R-Washington Township), will benefit small to mid-sized manufacturers by creating a grant program that will provide up to $150,000 in one-to-one match funding for manufacturers to purchase and implement Industry 4.0 technologies. The bill will provide direct financial support to manufacturers for technological upgrades customized to fit their operations, while enhancing Ohio’s supply chain efficiency and addressing workforce challenges through increased automation. 5/7/2024