October 02, 2026
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, maritime and shipbuilding, defense-related, and many others; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan created nearly 118,000 new manufacturing jobs from 2009 to 2025 — an increase of 25% — thus remaining a national leader in manufacturing job creation and outpacing most other states, according to the U.S. 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 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; and,
WHEREAS, more than one out of every eight non-farm jobs in Michigan are in the field of manufacturing, and nearly 583,000 Michiganders are directly employed in the manufacturing industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s manufacturing total output is approximately $114 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 launched the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative in partnership with the Department of Defense in 2024, an initiative aimed at building a workforce ready to lead the future of defense manufacturing; and,
WHEREAS, LEO recently launched the Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program to strengthen the maritime manufacturing and shipbuilding workforce in Michigan by investing in training programs that prepare workers for high-demand roles in shipbuilding, marine systems and advanced manufacturing; 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, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2-9, 2026, as Manufacturing Week in Michigan.
