Veteran-Owned Firm Launches Program to Help U.S. Defense Manufacturing

Program combines operations support, rapid workforce deployment, and technical training to increase production.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:37pm

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Cornerstone Consulting Organization (CCO), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, has launched an initiative designed to help manufacturers accelerate production and strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain. The initiative brings together three integrated capabilities: Operational Improvement, Rapid Workforce Deployment, and Technical Training and Upskilling.

Why it matters

Manufacturers across the defense sector are facing growing challenges, including skilled labor shortages, production bottlenecks, rising scrap and rework costs, and training delays that prevent new hires from reaching full productivity quickly. This program aims to help defense manufacturers strengthen operations, close workforce gaps, and increase production velocity.

The details

The initiative combines three key capabilities: 1) CCO's FIT Operations program helps manufacturers improve production flow, equipment utilization, and overall efficiency; 2) Through the Just-In-Time Staffing (JITS) platform, CCO can deploy 500+ skilled operators within days to support urgent production needs; and 3) Technology Transfer Services (TTS) provides targeted training programs to enable workers to develop the technical skills needed in modern manufacturing environments.

  • The program was launched on March 12, 2026.

The players

Cornerstone Consulting Organization (CCO)

A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio that has launched an initiative to help manufacturers accelerate production and strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain.

Bill Currence

Co-Founder and Managing Partner of CCO Brands and a combat veteran.

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What they’re saying

“Production speed is critical to national readiness. When manufacturers must increase output, operations, workforce readiness, and training must improve together.”

— Bill Currence, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of CCO Brands

What’s next

Defense manufacturers experiencing production constraints or workforce shortages can request a strategic assessment through the company's Contact Us page.

The takeaway

This program from a veteran-owned firm aims to help defense manufacturers address key challenges like skilled labor shortages and production bottlenecks by providing integrated solutions for operational improvement, rapid workforce deployment, and technical training.