Manufacturing the Future: Miami University and Butler Tech unveil $31 million Innovation Hub
Housed in a historic paper mill, this 375,000-square-foot facility is a radical rethink of the American classroom. By blending robotics arenas with real-world industry labs, Ohio is building a high-tech talent pipeline that bridges the gap between high school training and PhD-level engineering.
In a move to cement Ohio’s status as a leader in industrial technology, officials gathered Monday to cut the ribbon on the new Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub (AM Hub). The 375,000-square-foot facility, housed in Butler County's Hamilton, represents a $31 million collaborative bet on the future of Ohio’s workforce.
The project is a strategic partnership between Miami University, Butler Tech, and OhioMeansJobs. By co-locating high school vocational training, collegiate engineering programs, and state-level employment resources, the AM Hub aims to eliminate the traditional silos between "shop class" and "higher ed."
A "Launchpad" for the innovation economy
“What you see today represents a bold vision, a vision for a growing Butler County and a more powerful Ohio,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said during the grand opening event. “This hub is more than just a building. It is a launchpad to train the future workforce in this high-tech and growing area.
The facility is the physical manifestation of Miami University Polytechnic, a cornerstone of the university’s MiamiTHRIVE strategic plan. It creates a seamless pipeline where students can begin their journey at Butler Tech in the 10th grade and transition directly into associate or bachelor’s degrees in Engineering Technology at Miami Regionals.
Key features of the AM Hub
Attendees of the grand opening toured six distinct "zones" designed to mirror modern industrial floors. Notable highlights included:
- The Robotics Arena: A dedicated space for programming and system integration.
- The Makino Subtractive Lab: A recently dedicated facility for precision machining.
- OhioMeansJobs Center: On-site career readiness support to bridge the gap between training and employment.
- Co-Located Labs: Space where students work alongside industry partners like thyssenkrupp Bilstein and Makino to solve real-world production challenges.
Reimagining heritage
The location choice is symbolic. Once the Knightsbridge headquarters of Champion Paper, the building was a 20th-century icon of Hamilton's manufacturing might.
"Ohio is building the talent pipeline its economy demands—and doing it the right way," said JP Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio on AM Hub's launch. "The momentum we’re creating through partnerships like this is how we close that gap and stay competitive."
With Ohio manufacturers currently generating nearly $140 billion in annual output, according to the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, the AM Hub arrives at a critical juncture. As automation and AI redefine the shop floor, the goal is to ensure the next generation of "problem solvers" stays in-state.
“Meaningful change happens when people are willing to reconsider what a partnership can actually be like,”said William Sprankles, superintendent and CEO of Butler Tech. “AM Hub has been a radical labor of love with a collective commitment from many people.”
