When United Protective Technologies opened its Niles facility almost two years ago, it marked the company’s first production expansion beyond its North Carolina headquarters.

UPT specializes in advanced coating technologies that help precision components last longer and perform better in demanding environments.

“We have roles in multiple industries, with defense and aerospace being our largest ventures,” said Clayton Broxson, plant manager at UPT.

The company enhances parts by applying highly engineered coatings through vacuum-based processes at the atomic level. Those coatings improve durability, reliability and performance in demanding applications.

Strengthening the foundation through MVMC

The Niles facility, which employs 18 people, represents a key milestone for the company’s growth strategy.

“This is our first venture into a second production facility,” Broxson said.

As a newer operation in the Mahoning Valley, UPT is focused on building a strong local foundation – especially when it comes to workforce.

That’s where MVMC comes in, and the connection was a natural one.

Several years ago, Broxson worked alongside MVMC Executive Director Alex Hertzer at ClarkDietrich, creating a built-in familiarity that helped spark early conversations. From there, it became clear that MVMC could offer value as UPT continues to grow.

Like many manufacturers, UPT is focused on building a skilled workforce that can support the company’s long-term success and adapt to the highly specialized nature of its work. /

“What we do is customer-driven,” Broxson said. “When parts come in, our team has to be ready to move with precision and consistency.”

That makes flexibility, training and strong workforce pipelines essential – areas where MVMC’s programs and partnerships are designed to help.

By joining MVMC, the company gains access to grant-supported training, peer collaboration and workforce strategies that can support both immediate hiring needs and long-term growth.

Connecting with the next generation

Beyond today’s workforce, UPT is also looking ahead.

As a company built on advanced processes and cutting-edge technology, it sees value in helping students better understand what modern manufacturing looks like and the types of careers involved.

MVMC’s focus on youth outreach, career exploration and hands-on learning aligns closely with that vision, creating opportunities for companies like UPT to engage with students earlier and more meaningfully.

Broxson said that mission resonates personally. His own career began in an entry-level temporary role before he worked his way into plant leadership – a path he wants more young people to understand is possible.

“I would be happy to help with anything I can, especially with recruiting,” Broxson said. “The more people we can get interested and excited about manufacturing, the better.”

A long-term investment in the valley

UPT’s move to the Mahoning Valley was supported by strong collaboration among local and state partners, including the city of Niles, state leaders and economic development officials who helped make the expansion possible.

By becoming an MVMC member, UPT is continuing to invest in the region – building connections, strengthening its workforce and becoming part of a broader manufacturing network.

For Broxson, that connection comes back to people: the employees already helping UPT grow, and the future workforce that could help carry it forward.

“One of the things I feel most blessed about is the staff we have here,” he said. “They all care and really want this place to be successful.”