Our Mission
JAMA accelerates the success of our region’s manufacturers and workforce by providing access to world-class organizational and talent-development solutions. From the earliest days of the assembly line to today’s advanced technologies, manufacturing has remained the backbone of the U.S. economy, and collaboration across skilled trades – from machining and metalworking to engineering and sales – is essential for long-term success.
As a nonprofit association of manufacturers and associate members located in or doing business in Jackson County and the surrounding south-central Michigan region, the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is dedicated to the continued prosperity of its members and the broader community. Our focus is helping manufacturers thrive so they can keep providing quality jobs, innovation, and regional stability.
Manufacturing in south-central Michigan benefits when the overall business climate is strong, so JAMA invests heavily in technology information, training, workforce and economic development support services, plus advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. These efforts help address skills gaps, strengthen existing teams, and build the next generation of talent through programs like apprenticeships and the Academy for Manufacturing Careers.
Across our membership, the bottom line is simple: JAMA exists to provide solutions that help manufacturers maintain and improve their own bottom lines. An open-forum atmosphere encourages collaboration so member companies can tackle complex challenges together – the kind of issues that would be difficult or impossible to solve alone – and we invite any manufacturer or manufacturing-focused partner in south-central Michigan to consider joining and experiencing those benefits firsthand.
Building Connections
JAMA partners with local economic development organizations, business groups, and educational institutions to strengthen manufacturing, STEM, and entrepreneurial programming across our region. By aligning industry needs with community resources, we help students and workers imagine future paths in engineering, manufacturing, invention, and entrepreneurship while supporting manufacturers’ long-term workforce and growth goals.
Our partnerships include Accelerate Jackson, Lenawee Now, and the Align Center for Workforce Development, where we collaborate to connect workforce development, education, and regional economic priorities across Jackson and Lenawee counties. We also work closely with the Jackson Chamber to support a strong business climate and with Lean Rocket Lab to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and pathways between manufacturing and emerging business ideas.
JAMA helps manufacturers by:
- Providing workforce training and registered apprenticeships
- Connecting regional manufacturers for collaboration and shared learning
- Advocating on local, state, and federal levels
- Supporting STEM, youth pipeline, and community workforce initiatives
Together, these partnerships strengthen the talent pipeline, support business growth, and help ensure Jackson and Lenawee counties remain competitive and ready for what’s next.
Training & Workforce Support
Since 2005, JAMA’s Academy for Manufacturing Careers has provided U.S. Department of Labor-certified Registered Apprenticeships, short-term certificate programs, and customized skilled-trades training designed for real-world manufacturing needs. We’ve served thousands of participants and remain focused on closing the gap between what employers need and what workers are prepared to do.
If you or your organization is seeking manufacturing-related training, JAMA can help you identify and connect with the right programs.
Advocacy & Industry Impact
Connect With JAMA Members
Whether you need a manufacturer with specific capabilities to strengthen your supply chain or a service provider to support your growth, JAMA’s network of more than 260 companies across south-central Michigan is a powerful resource. You can tap into local expertise, explore new partnerships, and find trusted collaborators who understand the realities of modern manufacturing.
Membership & Engagement
Join JAMA to be part of a collaborative, mutually supportive community of manufacturers and partners. By becoming a member, you can attend events, access practical resources, and help shape policy and workforce initiatives that impact manufacturing and talent development across the region.
