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The Mahoning Valley built the world with steel. Now it’s building the future with advanced manufacturing, AI and deep tech.
On May 20, YBI will host AMUX, the Advanced Manufacturing User Expo, at Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Doors will open at 8 a.m., with the keynote at 9 a.m. Programming will run through 5 p.m., bringing together manufacturers, innovators and industry leaders from across the region for a full day of panel discussions, interactive demos and networking.
This year’s agenda covers topics shaping the future of the industry, including advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, digital transformation, workforce and talent, defense and aerospace, startups and entrepreneurship. Whether on the shop floor or in the boardroom, attendees will find relevant conversations throughout the day.
AMUX is presented in partnership with YBI Advanced Manufacturing Services and YBI Engine Tech Incubator, with support from Trailblazer Title Sponsor HBK CPAs and Consultants.
Tickets are available at ybi.org/amux. Sponsorship opportunities are also open, with packages designed to put brands in front of decision-makers across the advanced manufacturing sector. To learn more, contact rkale@ybi.org or call 330 746 5003, ext. 116.
Highlights from the inaugural AMUX event point to growing momentum for advanced manufacturing in the Valley.
Regional industry leaders emphasized a future driven by additive manufacturing and aerospace and defense innovation, with the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense positioned to modernize the industrial base and expand economic opportunity locally and beyond.
“Not every manufacturer needs to be building rocket engines or medical devices,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI. “But every manufacturer that wants to survive needs to integrate technology into their operations. AMUX puts small- and midsize companies in the room with the products, programs, and people that help them improve profits and reduce costs, making them more competitive.”
The hub, backed by a $26 million state investment and additional federal, local and private funding, is expected to generate significant economic output and create hundreds of jobs across the region.
“AMUX is where the whole ecosystem converges, with YBI Engine startups right alongside legacy manufacturers, and you can see it all come together to drive what’s next,” said Rory Kale, program manager of the Engine Tech Incubator Program.
Speakers emphasized that innovation must be paired with accessibility. Additive manufacturing, they said, is not a replacement for traditional processes but a tool that must be applied strategically.
The expo also showcased emerging technologies in action. Among them was a 20-foot-tall concrete 3D printer capable of producing structural components for housing projects with significantly less labor.
“Two operators with this machine output the same as 10 bricklayers,” said Stefano Alva of Vitruvian.
Panels highlighted how technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things are already improving efficiency. In some cases, companies increased capacity simply by better using existing equipment and data.
“They didn’t need another machine,” said Adam Ellis of Harmoni Solutions. “They just needed to keep the machines they had running more.”
Materials innovation also took center stage, particularly in polymer-based additive manufacturing. Companies are replacing metal components with lighter, faster-to-produce alternatives, opening opportunities across defense, automotive and general manufacturing.
Workforce development remains a key challenge. Industry leaders pointed to talent as the limiting factor in growth.
“The biggest challenge we see isn’t technical. It’s talent,” said Patrick Kiraly of Center Street Technologies.
Sessions on federal funding emphasized the importance of aligning with agency priorities and exploring multiple pathways to secure support.
The inaugural AMUX made one thing clear: The Valley is ready for another manufacturing-driven transformation, built on innovation, collaboration and investment. Year two is where that momentum grows. Join us May 20.
