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October is Manufacturing Month here in Wisconsin. This month we take time to highlight and recognize one of our state’s most significant economic drivers. From agriculture, to computer equipment, to machinery and plastic products – Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry contributes nearly $74 billion to our state’s Gross Domestic Product and provides nearly 500,000 jobs throughout our state, according to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC). This makes manufacturing the largest sector of Wisconsin’s economy.
Some products you use every day are made right here in Wisconsin. Things like chicken products by Brakebush Brothers in Westfield, laundry systems by Alliance in Ripon, and footwear by Russell Moccasin in Berlin. We should take pride in the fact that hundreds of products – from household to high-tech – are made in our state and by our neighbors.
The 2025-2027 state biennial budget passed in July made strategic investments in our state’s workforce. While 1 in 6 workers in Wisconsin are employed by a manufacturing company, there are still workforce shortages across the state. Republicans included an additional $6 million for Youth Apprenticeship Grants to help more high schoolers explore what career path is right for them. We also included an additional $1.8 million for dairy and meat processing grants to alleviate bottlenecks in our meat industry.
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Each year, WMC hosts a “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” competition. Last year, Jolly Good Soda took home the first-place prize, and this year there is a lot of competition including Carbliss, Sargento cheese, and Kikkoman Soy Sauce! I am proud that Wisconsin is home to so many great products that people in the United States, and even the world, use every day.
During the month of October, I look forward to touring and highlighting manufacturing across the 39th Assembly District, and I encourage everyone to think about how manufacturing impacts you and your family’s daily life.
As a proud Wisconsinite, I am thrilled to celebrate October as Manufacturing Month!
– Dallman, R-Markesan, represents the 39th Assembly District. He is a member of the Joint Committee on Finance.
