A Message from the State Partners
The strength of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry is vital to the strength of our overall economy. It is critically important that we build and support a pipeline of talent to keep our manufacturers strong as our older generation of workers enters retirement and our economy expands with more opportunities for all job seekers.
In 2016, our Wisconsin manufacturing sector was responsible for more than $56 billion worth of economic output, employing 461,000 Wisconsinites and accounting for 18 percent of our gross domestic product.The average pay for a manufacturing worker in Wisconsin is $55,500 per year, $10,000 per year higher than the average pay for Wisconsin private-sector workers. In addition, 85 percent of manufacturing workers in Wisconsin receive health insurance benefits through their employer, compared to 72 percent of all workers.
As part of our continued efforts to increase awareness of the opportunities available in manufacturing, Governor Walker has proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. The recognition gives us all the chance to reaffirm the importance of manufacturers to our state’s economy.
We encourage Wisconsin manufacturing employers to use Manufacturing Month – and National Manufacturing Day on October 6 – as a means to host visits, tours, and other events for local students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and members of the community. These visits give people the opportunity to see the clean, high-tech, and modern work environment that the manufacturing industry offers today.
To support these activities, a collection of resources is available online for employers, school districts, and local organizations to host or take part in open houses or related events.
With our partnership, we can draw attention to the manufacturing industry’s positive impact in our state and ensure that we have the pipeline of talent needed to continue Wisconsin’s strong manufacturing tradition.
- Kurt Bauer, President/CEO, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
- Morna K. Foy, President, Wisconsin Technical College System
- Mark Hogan, Secretary and CEO, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
- Ray Allen, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Dr. Tony Evers, PhD, State Superintendent, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Buckley Brinkman, Executive Director and CEO, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity
- Rick Chandler, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Larry Blackledge, Director, UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center