Last updated : November 11, 2024
Greater Cleveland is enjoying a healthy good-news rebound, economically speaking. The emergence and rapid growth of a strongly innovative biomedicine industry, the resurgence of the automobile industry, and an increasingly global perspective have all contributed to a much sunnier employment outlook in 2016.
Employers that have created workplace cultures dedicated to fostering employee trust and engagement, companies that have formulated visions embracing and encouraging innovation, and businesses that have continue to expand their worldwide reach offer the choicest opportunities for area job seekers.
Lubrizol
Named one of America’s Top 2013 Workplaces by WorkPlaceDynamics, this cutting-edge specialty chemical provider creates and distributes technologies to a wide range of industries, including global transportation, industry, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. While nurturing a workplace culture expressly dedicated to valuing and recognizing employees, Lubrizol encourages workers to focus on building a career, rather than simply doing a job. The company’s recently formed partnership with Cleveland Clinic Innovations promises to expand job opportunities in the area.
Shiloh Industries
The plant in Valley City is committed to producing increasingly lightweight, fuel-efficient noise and vibration products to the reviving automotive industry. Thanks to the ever-growing drive for better fuel efficiency, Shiloh’s unique ability to tailor products to customer needs, and the company’s investment in plants around the world, continued growth is all but assured. (Sales in 2014 were up 50 percent from those in 2012.) Culturally, Shiloh strives to create a pleasant workplace—recent renovations included a plant redesign to increase employee line of sight and enclose equipment in clear walls, rather than wire cages. Shiloh also nurtures an atmosphere that promotes problem-solving conversations between employees and customers.
LuK USA
Located in Wooster, LuK, a division of Schaeffler, employs more than 1,400 workers to produce transmission system products. Another beneficiary of the automobile industry’s recent rally, as well as new opportunities afforded by LuK’s own global locations, LuK continues to grow and create jobs, hallmarks of a company with a secure future. Employee development is a big deal at LuK, which has been recognized both for its state-certified student development apprenticeship program and its consistent dedication to hiring qualified employees.
Bridgestone Corporation
With automobile sales on the rise, Bridgestone is positioned for a healthy future—so much so, the company’s Akron-based technical center was renovated in 2012. The remodel emphasized both cutting-edge technology and employee wellness. A new, open layout—complete with two decks and a basement fitness center—was specifically designed to bring natural light throughout the building, provide an outdoor view from every angle, and encourage employee fitness with a bike storage area. The center houses more than 450 employees and has played a major role in attracting top-flight talent from around the world.
Hyland
This Westlake company, creator of OnBase software, has been on The Plain Dealer’s top workplace list every year since the list’s creation. Hyland makes no secret of its desire to attract “smart, dedicated, and passionate employees,” and keep them. Part of that strategy involves establishing a workplace that includes daycare and a Montessori school—not to mention on-site dry cleaning, car washes, massages, and fitness center. Helping employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and facilitating professional development are top priorities for this up-and-coming Cuyahoga County employer.
Progressive Insurance
Ranked number 5 among large employers and counted among The Plain Dealer’s 100 Top Workplaces in Ohio, Progressive Insurance promises employees the basic benefits—medical, vision, and dental. But the company also offers compressed work weeks, flexible hours, work at home options, on-site fitness facilities, day care, and more. With some 9,000 employees at its Mayfield Village campus and key locations in Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona, the fourth largest automobile insurer in the U.S. prides itself on creating a company culture where employees will thrive.
