Honoring Michigan’s hardworking manufacturers

By: Ethan Hogan

The strength of Michigan’s manufacturing talent and the contributions our manufacturers have made to our growing economy are truly remarkable. Gov. Rick Snyder has visited countless manufacturing companies across the state and seen firsthand how their products and innovation have made Michigan the manufacturing powerhouse it is today

That’s why the governor was pleased to attend the Michigan Manufacturing Association’s (MMA) MFG Excellence Awards ceremony last week to highlight the importance of our manufacturers and present awards to the individuals and companies who have made a positive impact in the industry and their communities.

To his surprise, the governor was also honored with an award — the 2017 Manufacturing Leadership Award.

“It is a tremendous honor to win such a distinguished award,” Snyder said. “I humbly accept this award as I have had the honor to help lead the great state of Michigan to becoming the number one state in the nation for manufacturing.”

Since 2011, Michigan has led the nation in the creation of manufacturing jobs and those 122,000-plus jobs have played a critical role in Michigan’s comeback. More than 600,000 Michiganders — one in every seven residents — are employed in manufacturing, making up nearly 15 percent of Michigan’s workforce. These critical jobs contribute to nearly 20 percent of our state’s economy and Michigan serves as the sixth largest manufacturing state in the nation. The state continues to address the shortage of people ready for careers in the professional trades by connecting Michiganders with existing jobs and exposing students to STEM programs and the professional trades. Through programs such as the Skilled Trades Training Fund, the state is helping adults get the training they need to retain jobs they currently have or attain new ones. By 2024, more than 35,000 manufacturing jobs are expected to be created as we expand in the areas of trade and transportation.

With the largest investment in skilled trades education in the nation and a continued focus on attracting and developing talent from all over the world, Michigan is primed to remain the national leader in manufacturing for years to come.

To see the recipients of the 2017 MFG Excellence Awards and learn how they’re strengthening Michigan’s economy, click here.