The 2026 Metal Tech Supply Chain Expo brought manufacturers, suppliers and support organizations together May 19 in Huntington, creating new business connections to shorten – and strengthen – local manufacturing supply chains.
Hosted by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) and Advantage Valley, the annual business-to-business event drew companies from across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, along with suppliers from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana and Tennessee. Throughout the day, conversations at display tables turned into new contacts, new opportunities and, for some companies, new contracts.
More than just a networking event, Metal Tech has become a catalyst for business growth. Past expos have helped companies discover nearby suppliers, shorten supply chains and generate millions of dollars in new business activity.
“I think it’s very important to have these conversations and understand what’s in your region,” said Isaac Evans, a manufacturing engineer with Custom Aerospace Inc. of Midway, who attended this year’s expo. “It sure beats a Google search. It’s already immediately better to see faces and make contact with them.”
Jeremy Walker, sales manager at Sterling Supply Company, said the expo creates opportunities to connect with businesses his company might never encounter.
“There are a lot of people that could use our services that we may never come in contact with,” Walker said. “This is a good way to get everybody together and meet some of those people that we would never meet otherwise.”
For Linn Yost, owner of Micro Machine Works in Barlow, Ohio, the event highlighted just how many manufacturing resources already exist within the region.
“I’ve been in business in the machining manufacturing industry for over 30 years, but a lot of these vendors that are here today, I didn’t realize existed,” Yost said. “Knowing they’re here, I can shop local. They’re in my neighborhood, so this is awesome for the Tri-State area to know what your neighbor’s doing. Let’s work collectively to build manufacturing in our region.”
In an early survey of expo participants, companies reported tens of thousands of dollars in new contracts resulting from the event.
“By connecting these companies, we’re helping shorten local supply chains and build a stronger manufacturing base right here in the Tri-State region,” said Tanner Drown, business development manager at MAMC.
Expo attendees also heard from Katherine Moran, Director of Supply Chain for the Submarine Industrial Base, who discussed supplier opportunities with the U.S. Navy. Her presentation highlighted potential new markets for regional manufacturers and demonstrated how local companies can contribute to the nation’s defense.
Title sponsor for the 2026 event was Mull Group of Wheeling. Additional support was provided by Haas Factory Outlet Midwest, Phillips Corp. and Tri-State Industrial Supply.
May 28, 2026
