Ohio's manufacturing industry has been growing slowly but steadily every year since 2011, according to the Associated Press. The sector has not yet reached pre-recession levels, but the recovery is very real. Even the years prior to the financial crisis were tough for manufacturing, as nearly 40 percent of Ohio's factory jobs disappeared in the 21st century's first decade, half of those between 2007 and 2009. In 2009, manufacturing lost its spot as the state's top employer to health care and social assistance, but Ohio still has the third most factory jobs in the nation, behind only California and Texas.

Now, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports that the state has added 50,000 jobs over the past four years, nearly one third of those that were lost. Salaries have also grown about 11 percent on average. Among the largest companies that have moved part of their operations to Ohio are the Ford Motor Company and home appliances maker Whirlpool Corporation.

With the gubernatorial election approaching, both candidates, incumbent Republican John Kasich and Democratic challenger Ed FitzGerald, have spoken at length about their plans to continue growing Ohio's manufacturing industry over the next four years, with both stressing the importance of technical training programs.

Those programs are already in place at community colleges, and the state is reaping the benefits. In the latest edition of its "America's Top States for Business" list, CNBC ranked Ohio 18th, saying, "The Buckeye State has shaken off its Rust Belt past, offering a strong infrastructure and lower than average costs."

As the industry recovers, Ohio's companies can invest in manufacturing ERP software to help them manage every step of the process, from inventory planning to distribution.