1. Cleveland Citywide Economic
Impact Report: 2012
The Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative (CIRI) is a
program of the City of Cleveland, managed by WIRE‐Net.
CIRI assists the city’s manufacturing firms to improve
operations, maintain profitability, and remain competitive.
CIRI provides local companies with information and support
including financing, general business assistance (e.g.
business to business connections, sales development, etc.),
real estate (site selection) & land assembly, employment &
training, infrastructure, technology & modernization,
building permits & zoning, safety & security, marketing, and
waste management & environmental compliance.
In 2012 a team of five dedicated CIRI Development
Managers
 Delivered in‐plant support to 502 unique Cleveland
manufacturing firms employing 24,345 people.
Conducted 646 total visits to uncover opportunities
and challenges at Cleveland’s industrial companies
(includes follow‐up visits)
 Completed 527 services primarily in the areas of real
estate & land assembly, infrastructure, general business
assistance, and employment & training
 Delivered service interventions to 19 firms where
jobs were at risk, new jobs could be added, or
growth could be achieved impacting:
1. 976 direct manufacturing and related jobs
2. $38 million annual payroll *
3. $768,000 in annual payroll taxes paid to the
City
4. 28 jobs projected to be created with
potentially $1.1 million in new payroll*
5. Over $1.2 million in increased sales
6. Over $185,000 in cost savings
* Annual payroll is estimated based on payroll data from the State of
Ohio Labor Market Information System.

2.
Manufacturing Impact through Key Stakeholder Events:
Eight Industrial Stakeholder events were held in industrial areas throughout Cleveland in 2012. The topics for
these events included safety & security, infrastructure improvements, business networking, and energy
management.
The 8 events attracted 79 leaders from 51 manufacturing firms.
Highlighted Retention and Expansion Projects:
Manufacturing is fueling the growth of the economy and will continue to do so in the future. Wages are
increasing in the sector, employment is showing an upward trend, and gross product is expected to grow 39%
through the decade. The three highlighted projects are examples of the impact of industrial firms on the
local economy.
Project Focus Industry Jobs Payroll * Capital Investment
Production Metal Manufacturing 22 $865,700 $140,000
A 30 year old company manufacturing custom steel fasteners and threaded rod is focused on growth. The
company is achieving its growth goals through new product development and specializing in quick order turn‐
around and small runs. To accommodate customer demand and increased capacity, the company purchased
new equipment that required increased electrical service to the plant. There was a short timeframe to have
the equipment installed and in production to meet customer demand. CIRI provided assistance by engaging
FirstEnergy to get the increased electrical capacity installed in the plant by the deadline which led the
company to shift one employee and hire another to run the new equipment.
Project Focus Industry Jobs Payroll * Capital Investment
Workforce Growth Metal Manufacturing 10 $393,500 $500,000
A second generation manufacturer of die assemblies for the automotive and fastener industries had an
immediate need for a CNC operator with machining experience and an ability to read a micrometer and 3D
drawings. The company was willing to train so CIRI connected them to the Cuyahoga Community College
manufacturing internship program. Through the program the company was able to identify an intern who
started working 24 hours a week then became a member of the team when all the training was complete.
The company estimates that the CNC operator will lead to $100,000 in new sales per year, the retention of six
other job functions, and additional investment in plant and equipment.
Project Focus Industry Jobs Payroll * Capital Investment
Workforce Growth Clothing Distribution 75 $2,951,250 $545,000
A distributor of clothes sold to thrift stores in the United States and wholesalers in Latin America, Asia, and
Africa planned to take advantage of its increasing market demand by expanding physically, acquiring new
equipment and widening the geographic reach of the business. Financing was needed to execute this plan.
The company was connected to the Grow Cuyahoga Fund to refinance existing debt at a lower interest rate
and finance the purchase of real estate. As a result of the loan approval the company was able to improve
cash flow by reducing loan and lease payments, increase production through the acquisition of new
machinery and equipment, invest in building upgrades and employee training, and hire five new employees.
* Projects shown were selected from a total of 19 Impact Projects where jobs and investment were impacted and cost savings resulted.