October 7 is known as National Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing and a time to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.
Manufacturing plays a key role in the economy of Louisiana and across the United States.
Manufacturing plays a key role in the economy of Louisiana and across the United States.
According to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), approximately 3,000 manufacturing companies in Louisiana contribute more than 20 percent of the state's gross state product and employ more than 148,000 people. These are good paying jobs which have an average salary of $82,000 which is almost double Louisiana's average wage of $44,409.
In the United States, manufacturers contributed $2.17 trillion to the nation's economy, and for every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.81 is added to the economy. Stephen Waguespack of LABI said taken alone, manufacturing in the United States would be the ninth largest economy in the world.
In the United States, manufacturers contributed $2.17 trillion to the nation's economy, and for every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.81 is added to the economy. Stephen Waguespack of LABI said taken alone, manufacturing in the United States would be the ninth largest economy in the world.
Locally, leaders are working on partnerships that will expand resources for regionally-based manufacturing companies and help strengthen the workforce needed to fill jobs at these sites. Today, La. Delta Community College announced a partnership with Reliability Solutions and Training Logic, Inc. two firms with substantive expertise in working with manufacturing companies to train workers for modern automated manufacturing operations.
Read the full announcement at:
Representatives from Reliability Solutions said in less than 10 years, there will be a shortfall of 3.4 million skilled tradespeople. Many people, especially those coming out of high school, falsely believe trades-related jobs are "second class" or "demeaning" jobs, said Ian McKinnon of Reliability Solutions. McKinnon said many of these jobs often lead to six-figure salaries. He encouraged community and business leaders to help spread the message of the opportunities awaiting those interested in pursuing a trades-related career.
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| Students getting a tour of Bancroft Bag in West Monroe. |
