Whitmer Kicks Off Manufacturing Week: Sept, 26 to Oct. 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 27, 2021

Contact: Elyse Walter, [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Kicks Off Manufacturing Week, Highlighting Working People in Critical Statewide Industry

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation declaring September 26 to October 2, 2021, as Manufacturing Week to recognize Michigan’s more than 11,000 unique manufacturing firms, which account for over 600,000 jobs and over $98 billion of total output annually.

“Michigan is home to hundreds of thousands of hardworking people who are dedicated to making our state home to countless  innovative products we rely on every day,” Governor Whitmer said. “Our storied manufacturing industry plays a critical role in the MI New Economy plan that’s focused on supporting small businesses, creating better paying jobs, and investing in our communities. This Manufacturing Week, we celebrate the manufacturing workers, the union men and women, and the innovative companies who made invaluable contributions making Michigan the place that put the world on wheels, served as the arsenal of democracy, and built the middle class.”

Michigan has long served as a national leader in manufacturing job creation, with those jobs significantly impacting the state’s economy.

“The state’s manufacturing industry is pivotal to Michigan’s economy and is supported by a strong workforce,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity director. “There are immediate opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, and now is the time to explore jobs that have significant impact on your local communities and our state.”

Michigan has been the heart and soul of manufacturing in the U.S. 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 offers high-paying, high-tech, and innovative careers that will be plentiful in the future.  There will be more than 3.5 million jobs available in the next decade, and we appreciate Governor Whitmer understanding the importance of manufacturing, the leading sector and driving force of Michigan‘s economy,” said John Walsh, President and CEO, the Michigan Manufacturers Association.

There are numerous resources available to support Michiganders who are interested in exploring high-tech, high-skilled and well-paid career options in the manufacturing industry, whether it’s using the state’s career exploration tool, Pathfinder (Pathfinder.MiTalent.org), searching for open manufacturing jobs on Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org), or researching information about industry-specific careers at Going PRO (Going-PRO.com).

There are also resources available for manufacturing employers to support their immediate and long-term workforce needs; including LEO’s Back to Work: Employer Resources website (Michigan.gov/BackToWork), the Michigan Works! network and Pure Michigan Talent Connect.

To learn more about resources available for employers, sign up for the upcoming Employer Engagement webinar focused on the manufacturing industry, scheduled for Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. To register for this free event, visit https://bit.ly/3hA2rbl. 

View a copy of the proclamation here.