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Northwest Region
The northwest region, featuring the largest general cargo port on the Great Lakes, has been at the heart of industrial activity since its founding and now is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies.
The 17-county northwest region includes:
- 1.2 million residents
- 990,041 workers
- $70.3 billion economy
- Toledo metropolitan area
Major industries:
- Energy
- Logistics and transportation
- Automotive
- Food processing
- Advanced manufacturing
Highlights/trends:
- The region’s advanced energy industry has generated $3.6 billion in capital investments over the past three years. Nearly every type of energy provider, including four major refineries and a direct pipeline to Texas, are located here. The region has particular strengths in solar based on its history in the glass industry.
- Only 45 miles from Detroit, the region is in the center of the largest concentration of automotive production and engineering activity in North America. Fiat Chrysler and GM-Powertrain have announced recent investments here exceeding $2 billion. More than 45,000 people are employed in the automotive industry.
- The region is receiving national attention for its growth in advanced technologies, automation and robotics. The advanced manufacturing sector has created $2.2 billion in capital investment and 4,901 new jobs over the past three years.
- Located between the grain belt and populous East Coast markets, the region is a leading provider of food, equipment and agricultural products.
- A 300-mile radius of Toledo contains the most industrial square footage available in the U.S. and Canada. UPS and Federal Express have distribution centers here, along with consumer goods companies such as Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards and Walgreens.
- The region’s manufacturing workforce of 130,000 is recognized as one of the most productive in North America.
For more information, visit Regional Growth Partnership.