On Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring September 28 to October 2, 2020 as Manufacturing Week to recognize Michigan's more than 11,386 unique manufacturing firms, which account for 626,000 jobs and $98.64 billion of total output annually.
"Michigan is home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women who are dedicated to making the innovative products so many of us rely on every day," Whitmer said. "They were some of the first to go back on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of them creatively retooling their operations to provide critical PPE and other products to keep our state safe and healthy. I'm proud to recognize these dedicated Michiganders not only this week, but every week of the year."
Michigan has created more than 162,000 new manufacturing jobs in the last eleven years - an increase of 42.8 percent - thus remaining the national leader in manufacturing job creation and outpacing all other states.
"Manufacturers have led the way in reopening safely, restarting our economy and helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio said. "This industry is the backbone of Michigan's economy and will continue to be a crucial part of our recovery."
Michigan has been the heart and soul of manufacturing in the United States for decades. The state has diverse manufacturing sectors in automotive, metals, machinery, chemical product, food and beverage, computer and electronic, natural resource, furniture and many others.
"Manufacturing has high-tech, highly skilled and well-paying career options waiting for the next generation," said John J. Walsh, president and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. "We invite students, parents and teachers, during Manufacturing Week and always, to learn about the exciting opportunities available in Michigan's largest and most impactful industry."
Michiganders are encouraged to explore high-tech, high-skilled, and well-paid career options - careers where average annual compensation and benefits are higher than the average across all industries at www.Going-PRO.com.
For free college tuition to help Michiganders advance in these high-demand careers, essential workers can take advantage of the Futures for Frontliners program.
Published: Tue, Sep 29, 2020
