What is Nehemiah Manufacturing?
Nehemiah Manufacturing was founded in 2009 with a bold mission… to build brands, create jobs, and change lives. This innovative company partners with established companies and entrepreneurial minds to license or acquire small brands, develop new product ideas, and contract manufacture products. With a strong focus on reviving manufacturing in Cincinnati’s inner city, Nehemiah Manufacturing stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. This project is not just about business—it is about community and economic growth, using the power of manufacturing to breathe life into neighborhoods that need it most.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
- Founded in 2009 with a passion for making a positive impact
- Led by seasoned CPG executives with a proven track record
- Awarded the license by Procter & Gamble to manage the Pampers Kandoo line of toddler products
- Focuses on bringing manufacturing jobs back to Cincinnati’s West End / Over-The-Rhine area
- Collaborates with local social service agencies like CityLink, St. Vincent DePaul, Jobs Plus, and City Gospel Mission
Our Mission and Roots
Nehemiah Manufacturing was born from a deep calling to create positive change. Back in 2009, when the company was established, its purpose was as clear as day: build brands that resonate, create jobs that matter, and change lives through meaningful work opportunities. At its helm is CEO Dan Meyer, who brings over 30 years of consumer packaged goods experience—from senior management roles at large, multi-national firms to co-founding two startup ventures. The company’s mission is intertwined with a commitment to the Cincinnati community, evidenced by the decision to set up operations in a neighborhood with high unemployment and few entry-level opportunities. By teaming up with community leaders and social service organizations, Nehemiah Manufacturing ensures its location becomes a center for hope and opportunity. It’s a story of dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of a better future.
Empowering Second Chances
The heart of the project beats strongest in the “Second Chance Stories.” Many hardworking individuals, who often remain invisible to most employers due to past challenges or gaps in employment, find a welcoming home here. Nehemiah Manufacturing gives these hard-to-hire candidates the chance to shine—because sometimes all it takes is one opportunity for someone to truly transform their life. The success seen over the past five years has been nothing short of amazing. Employees, once seen as challenges, become rare diamonds in the workplace—passionate, loyal, and fiercely committed to high standards. It’s a reminder that a little bit of trust, paired with support, can unleash extraordinary potential.
Building Brands and Creating Jobs
The approach to building brands at Nehemiah Manufacturing is steeped in expertise. With deep roots in consumer packaged goods, the leadership team’s solid track record earned them the opportunity to manage the Pampers Kandoo toddler product line when Procter & Gamble awarded the license back in 2009. Since then, the company’s innovative spirit has helped launch new product concepts, design and manufacture diverse brands, and expand into various product categories. On the job creation front, the focus remains unwavering: give back to the community by generating job opportunities in areas that need them most. The company works in close partnership with local social service agencies to identify individuals facing hurdles such as criminal records or prolonged absence from work. Through initiatives like whole life coaching, on-site social worker support, community grill outs, and festive events like Christmas with Santa, Nehemiah Manufacturing creates an environment that nurtures success from the inside out… a true symbiosis of business and community upliftment.
Legacy of Purpose and Partnership
Echoing the spirit of its biblical namesake, Nehemiah—the great leader who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls—this project finds its inspiration in both history and modern-day needs. Just as the prophet was called upon to restore safety and commerce in a beleaguered city, Nehemiah Manufacturing is dedicated to rebuilding the economic fabric of Cincinnati by creating pathways for opportunity. This mission is further highlighted by the company’s commitment to certification as a B Corporation, a distinction that signifies meeting the highest standards regarding workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Such partnerships and recognitions are a testament to the power of business when used for social good, reinforcing the idea that profitability and purpose can, and should, go hand in hand.
Project Impact
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Nehemiah Manufacturing continues to embody a forward-thinking spirit and an unwavering commitment to community transformation. Inspired by a legacy of leadership and a belief in second chances, the project not only creates products that meet high-quality standards but also nurtures an environment where every team member can thrive. The journey is punctuated with everyday acts of courage—employees stepping up, communities coming together, and leaders making decisions that resonate deeply with both economic and social impact. Every manufactured product carries a whisper of hope and a promise to change lives, reminding everyone that behind every successful brand stands a dedicated effort to make the world a bit better. This vision for the future hints at more than just economic revival—it speaks to building a resilient community, spurring innovation, and breaking down barriers, one job at a time.
