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October 4-11, 2024: Manufacturing Week

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to a diverse manufacturing sector that includes transportation, machinery, alternative energy, food and beverage, computer and electrical products, furniture, bioscience, chemical, defense-related manufacturing, and many others; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan created more than 148,000 new manufacturing jobs from 2009 to 2023 — an increase of 32% — thus remaining a national leader in manufacturing job creation and outpacing most other states, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and,

WHEREAS, manufacturing represents the largest sector of the Michigan economy, with about one-sixth of Michigan’s gross state product, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis; and,

WHEREAS, almost one out of every six non-farm jobs in Michigan is in the field of manufacturing, and more than 613,200 Michiganders are directly employed in the manufacturing industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s manufacturing total output is approximately $100 billion annually, according to the National Association of Manufacturers; and,

WHEREAS, the industry is a leader in high-tech, high-skilled, and well-paid career options where average annual compensation and benefits are higher than the average across all industries; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity recently launched the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative, a $50 million partnership with the Department of Defense aimed at building a workforce ready to lead the future of defense manufacturing, further expanding a sector that drives $30 billion in economic activity in the state, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 businesses; and,

WHEREAS, during this week, Michigan looks to highlight the positive image and abundance of career opportunities in manufacturing including bipartisan programs to offer Michiganders the skills and training they need to land good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand manufacturing jobs; and,

WHEREAS, we reflect on the road Michigan has traveled as a manufacturing state and the bright future that lies ahead, while applauding the innovation, determination, and creativity of our state’s manufacturing sector;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 4-11, 2024, as Manufacturing Week in Michigan.