| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| October 6, 2017 |
| Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 |
| Governor Walker Celebrates Manufacturing Day with Manufacturers Across Wisconsin |
| MADISON – Governor Scott Walker visited Chippewa Valley Technical College Manufacturing Education Center in Eau Claire and J & D Tube Benders, Inc., in Schofield today to celebrate National Manufacturing Day and highlight the impact of the manufacturing industry on Wisconsin’s economy and culture. As of 2016, Wisconsin manufacturing constitutes nearly 20% of the state’s gross domestic product, employs 461,000 workers, and contributes over $56 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. Earlier this month, Governor Walker declared October as Manufacturing Month throughout Wisconsin.“We’re honoring our state’s strong manufacturing industries and their wide-ranging impact in providing jobs for highly-skilled, hardworking Wisconsinites and supporting families across the state,” said Governor Walker. “The effects of our manufacturers ripple outside the state, too: manufacturing goods make up more than 94% of our exports, which shows there’s a healthy demand worldwide for the well-crafted, high-quality products made right here in Wisconsin.”
Manufacturing Month takes on even greater significance this year with the addition of global manufacturers such as Foxconn and Haribo, who have recently announced their decision to locate operations in Wisconsin, bringing with them billions of dollars in foreign direct investment and thousands of manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing employees earn an average of $55,348 annually, 20% higher than the state private-sector average, while also possessing an above-average rate of employer-provided health insurance and industry job growth. Both the Chippewa Valley Technical College Manufacturing Education Center and J & D Tube Benders, Inc., are recipients of Department of Workforce Development Wisconsin Fast Forward grants, which focus on training and retaining highly skilled workers and tradesmen and providing opportunities for professional growth and economic advancement to the skilled trades workforce. Both institutions are currently training over 100 workers. About Manufacturing Month During Manufacturing Month, the Department of Workforce Development, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Wisconsin Technical College System and other partners will be engaging in various activities to promote Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry and workforce. To learn more about how to participate in Manufacturing Month, please visithttps://www.wmc.org/programs/ |
