It’s the early days for Ashore Manufacturing Group, but founder Zachary Woods already has a clear direction and big plans for the Mahoning Valley.

While the company doesn’t have an established facility yet, the strategy is to build a lean, high-tech manufacturing operation centered on CNC machining, additive manufacturing, with future plans to integrate robotics and AI.

Slow and steady to build for success

Woods has his sights set on producing parts for aerospace, defense, mining and medical industries.

“I’m from the Youngstown area, went to Ursuline, and studied infrastructure finance,” he said. “After several years in infrastructure private equity, I wanted to apply what I’d learned to a business of my own – one that would support reshoring and high-value, complex manufacturing here in the U.S.”

That vision is taking shape, but not through rapid growth or big upfront investments. Woods is focused on building credibility, relationships, and real capability – knowing that long-term success doesn’t come from speed alone.

“You can raise a ton of Wall Street capital, build a massive facility and buy a bunch of machinery, but if you don’t have the relationships, and you haven’t built up your qualifications and reputation over time, you’re going to struggle.”

Industry connection through MVMC

That belief in relationship-building is exactly what led him to MVMC.

“MVMC is known for creating those essential connections,” Woods said. “Joining made sense from day one. This isn’t about building fast—it’s about building smart, and that starts with plugging into the right network.”

Ashore’s launch strategy begins in 2025 with a 10-person team focused on establishing a “minimum viable operation.”

In Q4, the company plans to hire CNC machinists, additive manufacturing technicians, a robotics/AI specialist, and administrative staff to build out its core capabilities and start preparing for contract bidding.

By 2026, Ashore will operate from a 100,000-square-foot facility in Youngstown, secured through an equity-in-lieu-of-rent arrangement. With a revenue target of $5 million in its first full year, the company will rely on CNC for higher volume work and additive manufacturing for its higher-margin, lower-volume offerings.

“We’re building something sustainable, not just flashy,” Woods stressed. “The real value is in capability and credibility.”