An agreement between Cherokee Nation Businesses and oilfield services giant Baker Hughes is bringing more than two dozen new manufacturing jobs to MidAmerica Industrial Park in Mayes County.

“After many years of overseas outsourcing, manufacturing jobs are returning to the United States, and we’re extremely excited to be a part of that trend,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

“CNB’s focus is to identify areas in which we have a competitive advantage and the opportunity to grow, then try and create jobs in those areas. It’s gratifying to know that we are contributing to the state and local economy by regularly creating new jobs.”

Cherokee Nation Metalworks, a subsidiary company of CNB, is hiring more than two dozen machinists and support personnel to produce precision components for Baker Hughes and the energy and aerospace industries.  A job fair to help fill those positions will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the CNB Distribution Center inside MidAmerica Industrial Park.

”We are focused on growing our business in key northeastern Oklahoma industries such as aerospace, distribution and energy,” said Chris Moody, president of CNB’s manufacturing division.   “This partnership with a world leader in oil and gas helps us further accomplish our mission of creating economic opportunity for Cherokee people in the 14 counties.”

CNB previously announced plans to partner with Baker Hughes by locating small machine shops in the 14 counties of the Cherokee Nation. This is the first machine shop to be established and will be located inside the Cherokee Nation Businesses Distribution Center, which opened at MidAmerica Industrial Park last year. More than 33 people are already employed at the 143,000-square-foot distribution center, supporting customers such as AT&T in telecommunications and providing electronics evaluation services for Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer.

“The goods and services we produce aren’t just made in America; they’re made in the Cherokee Nation by Cherokee people,” Baker said. “Our people have always been hard workers, and it’s extremely rewarding to know we can create these kinds of opportunities for them in communities where they already live.”

Applicants should bring a resume and, if applicable, a CDIB and tribal citizenship blue card. Job seekers can expect to fill out an application and skillset survey. Qualified applicants may be interviewed on site. The CNB Distribution Center is located on Highway 69-A, a mile and a half east of Highway 69 just south of Pryor.