Ohio manufacturers form new lobbying group

COLUMBUS (AP) — Seven large Ohio manufacturers have formed a new lobbying group.

The Manufacturing Policy Alliance will include Alcoa, Ford, General Electric, Marathon Petroleum, Nucor Steel Marion, Timken and TimkenSteel. The companies employ a combined 39,000 Ohioans with $2.5 billion in Ohio payroll and support a network of 9,200 suppliers.

The coalition said today its focus is on energy and environment, tax and budget, tort reform and workforce-related issues.

During a legislative battle this year, the companies’ trade association, the Ohio Manufacturers Association, supported keeping Ohio’s targets for use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. Giant manufacturers backed an opt-out provision.

A bill signed in June delays phase-in of the targets for two years as the impacts are studied.