Case Western Reserve’s new Sherwin-Williams Paint and Coatings Studio aims to fuel innovation and STEM workforce

When entrepreneurs working in Case Western Reserve University’s Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears think[box] prepare to bring their products to the world, they now have a new professional-grade studio to help. The Sherwin-Williams Paint and Coatings Studio, made possible through a partnership among Case Western Reserve University, The Sherwin-Williams Company, JobsOhio, and Team NEO, marks a significant investment in Northeast Ohio’s materials science ecosystem and the next generation of STEM talent.

Located on the fifth floor of Case Western Reserve’s seven-story, 50,000-square-foot innovation center, the studio provides students, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across campus and the region with professional-grade equipment for finishing and protecting their creations. Sears think[box] is the largest university-based free and open-access innovation center and makerspace in the United States, receiving more than 80,000 visits annually.

Key upgrades in the Sherwin-Williams Paint and Coatings Studio include a brand-new HVAC system, an expanded 7-by-8-foot paint booth capable of supporting large-scale projects, and a powder-coating oven large enough to accommodate a full-size bicycle frame.

Workforce development

The investment serves as a critical link in the regional talent pipeline. As Sherwin-Williams establishes its new global headquarters and research and development center in Northeast Ohio, the company views this studio as ensuring graduates are prepared for day-one employment.

This is fundamentally an investment in people. Providing a dedicated space for experimentation with real-world materials accelerates student readiness for internships, co-ops, and careers.

Ellen Stephens, Vice President of Human Resources, Sherwin-Williams

To support workforce development, Sherwin-Williams is partnering with JobsOhio and Team NEO to build a comprehensive talent strategy. The company has been collaborating with these organizations since 2020, with the studio’s opening marking a significant step forward in attracting, developing, and retaining skilled talent.

Regional ecosystem strength

The studio’s opening coincides with Case Western Reserve’s recognition as the fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities. It also aligns with the NEO-SMART initiative, a collaborative effort across 18 counties to move materials science technologies from lab discovery to manufacturing adoption for economic impact.

This article was originally published on https://northeastohioregion.com/news/case-western-reserve-universitys-new-sherwin-williams-paint-coatings-studio-aims-to-fuel-innovation-stem-workforce/