Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839
MILWAUKEE – Governor Scott Walker today spoke with Wisconsin manufacturers at the Manufacturing Matters! 2018 Conference in Milwaukee to highlight the critical role manufacturers play in Wisconsin’s growing economy. The annual conference brings together business and manufacturing leaders from across Wisconsin, as well as members from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for a day of learning, collaboration, and networking.
“Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry is the backbone of our strong economy and a major job creator across the state,” said Governor Walker. “By continuing to invest in education and training programs in our high schools, technical colleges, and public universities, we are preparing Wisconsin’s future workforce for rewarding, family-supporting careers in manufacturing.”
As part of Governor Walker’s Wisconsin Career Creator Plan, DWD allocated $20 million for the 2019-21 biennium to support workforce development for electronics manufacturing jobs and to address long-term workforce development needs in the sector.
Job growth in the manufacturing industry has seen positive growth since Governor Walker took office, with over 43,700 manufacturing jobs created from December 2010 to December 2017. Over the same time period, Wisconsin is top-ten in the nation for manufacturing job creation according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The theme for the Manufacturing Matters! 2018 Conference is, “Taking Charge of Change!” This year’s theme builds upon last year’s focus on “Shaping the Future.” The conference will explore ideas and best practices to help companies leverage change in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
