Michigan’s ongoing prowess as a manufacturing powerhouse is being emphasized in a statewide tour launched Monday by Governor Rick Snyder as he welcomed the National Association of Manufacturers to the Great Lakes State and issued a proclamation.
The Governor kicked off the fourth annual State of Manufacturing Tour in Michigan – a leading state for modern manufacturing. The events in Michigan marked the first of eight state visits over the next 10 days, where the National Association of Manufacturing will highlight manufacturing’s optimistic future, the rewarding opportunities the industry offers and the urgent need to build a modern manufacturing workforce across the country.
Jay Timmons is President & CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. He told a group of manufacturing leaders at Automation Alley yesterday, “Manufacturing is on the precipice of a major transformation, and we want to inspire America’s youth and the next generation of manufacturers.” He added, “Our shop floors are becoming more innovative and modern than ever before, job opportunities are more diverse and fruitful, and the future of the industry is bright. 2017 was a great year for manufacturing, and I know 2018 will be even better.”
Timmons told the group near Detroit, “The NAM is proud to be with Governor Snyder today to emphasize how Michigan is paving the way for modern manufacturing and the vast opportunities it provides. Governor Snyder shares the NAM’s commitment to a talented workforce and well-paying jobs, which was clear during each of today’s events.” Timmons noted that Oakland County alone has added 19,000 manufacturing jobs since the Great Recession.
Timmons delivered the 2018 State of Manufacturing Tour keynote address at Automation Alley in Troy, where he discussed the 3.5 million new manufacturing jobs that will open over the next eight years, including coders, technicians, craftspeople, designers, marketers and much more – and how the industry plans to fill them. Timmons also highlighted how pro-growth policies in Washington, D.C., like tax reform and regulatory relief, have reinvigorated the economy.
Following the Automation Alley event, Governor Snyder joined Timmons at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast. Timmons and Governor Snyder engaged with students and participated in a dialog about the future of manufacturing and opportunities for students. Additionally, Governor Snyder signed a proclamation naming February 12th “Creators Wanted Day.”
Snyder told the group on hand Monday, “Manufacturing is resurging across the nation, and Michigan is proudly leading the way.” He pointed out, “As we engineer and produce new innovations for the convergence between manufacturing and information technology, I am committed to ensuring our workforce is ready. We are investing in talent every day so our students have the opportunity to pursue the many different creative careers offered in the professional trades. Truly, there is no better place than Michigan to highlight the state of modern manufacturing.”
Timmons continued his conversations with staff at Wyandotte BASF later in the day. He was joined by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for a facility tour and a roundtable discussion with employees.
Tom Kelly is Executive Director & CEO at Automation Alley. He told the group, “Manufacturing is in Michigan’s DNA, and Automation Alley is proud to be at the forefront of a modern, more efficient and high-tech industry.” Kelly added, “We are focused on connecting manufacturing, academia and government to fuel the economy and spark innovation. Having the NAM visit Automation Alley to highlight our organization and where the industry is heading is an honor. We look forward to partnering in the future to ensure a robust and strong manufacturing sector for decades to come.”
For the past four years, the annual NAM State of Manufacturing Tour has focused the nation’s attention on the industry that is the backbone of the American economy, highlighting the more than 12 million men and women who are building our future. The tour has traveled the country, bringing policy discussions and conversations about the future of work to shop floors, schools, economic clubs, television studios, the White House and more. At a time when the future of work is top of mind for workers and thought leaders alike, this year’s tour will spotlight the industry’s rapid transformation, while also focusing on manufacturing’s well-paying careers, the industry’s diverse workforce and the real-world solutions for manufacturing’s continued growth.
