Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
Green Bay – Governor Scott Walker delivered remarks highlighting the long legacy of manufacturing in Wisconsin today at the 6th Annual Manufacturing First Expo and Conference, which was held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. The annual conference and expo is one of the largest manufacturing-focused events in the state and ties in with Governor Walker proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin.
“Our manufacturing industry is a crucial aspect of our state’s economic success,” Governor Walker said. “In fact, in 2014, manufacturing products accounted for 94.4 percent of all state exports. That means Wisconsin’s quality products and technologies are in high demand by consumers all around the world. Conferences like Manufacturing First are critical to maintaining our manufacturing legacy because they encourage continued innovation and collaboration between manufacturers throughout the state.”
Sponsored by First Business, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, and Insight Publications, the Manufacturing First Expo and Conference gives Wisconsin manufacturers the opportunity to grow their businesses by networking and collaborating with one another. It also allows exhibitors to showcase advances in the industry, highlight their successes, and announce their latest developments.
The two-day conference features a keynote address discussing the evolution of leadership by Adidas President, Mark King. Programming for the Expo and Conference is separated into the specific industry programming tracks of safety, lean, exporting, talent, and metal and machine builders, which makes it easier for attendees to hone in on their area of interest or expertise.
More than 467,000 workers are employed in Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector, accounting for 19 percent of gross domestic product and contributing over $57 billion to the state’s economic growth. Through August of 2016, Wisconsin had created more than 31,000 manufacturing jobs, and the state is ranked in the top ten states in the nation for manufacturing jobs created since Governor Walker took office. To ensure Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry remains strong, Governor Walker continues to invest in workforce development programs like Youth Apprenticeship (YA). Programs like YA help students graduate high school with the skills they need for an entry-level job in manufacturing. For the 2015-16 school year, 636 Wisconsin students enrolled in manufacturing-related YA programs.
Governor Walker declared October as Manufacturing Month to highlight career opportunities in this high-demand industry, as well as the important role it plays in Wisconsin’s modern workforce. A copy of Governor Walker’s proclamation is attached.
To learn more about Manufacturing Month or to register to host or attend an event, visit www.wimanufacturingmonth.org.
