Don’t Count Out Manufacturing

Posted by on November 11, 2011

If I said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times (oh my, I sound like my mother): The key to a strong regional economy is diversity and balance, and a strong manufacturing sector is a critical component.  In order for us to have “stuff”, it needs to be made!

Contrary to popular belief, manufacturing is still going strong in the United States, accounting for 57% of all U.S. exports.  As a matter of fact, the United States is the world’s largest manufacturer, producing 22% of all goods on the planet.  Also, studies show that employees in the in this sector earn 18% more than other workers.

The Manufacturing Institute just released its 2011 Annual Index “Unwavering Commitment. The Public’s View of the Manufacturing Industry Today” and it’s an interesting read.  This is the Institute’s third annual survey, which polled a sample of 1,000 Americans from across all fifty states.

Since the survey has been conducted, one thing remains consistent:  Americans have a favorable view of manufacturing as an important job creator, in both the United States and globally.  The Index notes that this sentiment held true despite the turbulent economy.  As a matter of fact, for the first time since 1997, U.S. manufacturing jobs grew by 1.2% in 2010.

The survey also found that Americans value manufacturing, see the sector as fragile and want stronger national policies and leadership to support it.  Here are a few stats to back this up:

·         86% believe the sector is important or very important

·         79% say it should be a national priority

·         55% see the sector as becoming weaker in the long term

·         68% view manufacturing as high-tech

·         66% agree that manufacturing requires well educated and highly skilled employees

Oddly, the survey reveals that while we believe manufacturing is important for the economy, choosing it as a career path ranks fairly low.  Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 rank it last as a path they would choose.  Concerns with stability of jobs in the long term, off-shoring and policy issues perpetuate this sentiment among the nation’s employable youth.

Adding to the concern about a future manufacturing workforce is the section showing that only 33% of Americans would encourage their child to pursue it as a career, and only 19% believed their school system encourages this as a career path. 

Looking at our economy, manufacturing, forestry and mining continue to play a significant role in its strength and diversity.  Preparing for the future of this sector will be an important effort in which all of us can play a role.  The Manufacturing Institute sums it up by saying, “Nurturing and sustaining this delicate growth will require a mix of effective policy decisions, steady supplies of world class talent, and positive shifts in investment and growth strategies for manufacturing by both business leaders and policy makers.”

For a copy of the full report and additional information, visit  http://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.   For more information on the Lake Superior Community Partnership, visit www.marquette.org or call 226-6591.

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