Manufacturing: The Misunderstood Industry

According to a 2009 nati onal survey, Americans believe that manufacturing is the
most important industry for a strong national economy. Yet only 17 percent said
their schools encourage manufacturing careers, and only 13 percent said their
own parents encouraged them to pursue a career in manufacturing.1

The disconnect between these two views—that manufacturing is critically
important, but not as a career—has dire implications for the U.S. since now, more
than ever, competitive manufacturing rests on employee quality.

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The disconnects don’t stop there. For example, only a third of respondents believe
manufacturing jobs are higher-paying than other industries when, in reality,
manufacturing compensation is 22 percent higher than non-manufacturing. 2

A career in manufacturing certainly has challenges—as any career does. Southerners
have watched manufacturing employment in apparel and textiles decline for
decades. Although few industries have escaped the recent economic downturn,
manufacturing usually falls faster than other sectors during recessions (it grows
faster in expansions).3 Furthermore, reducing employment, therefore increasing
plant productivity, is a goal of every plant manager.

Despite these issues, the U.S. has maintained its manufacturing base. The U.S.
is still the world’s largest manufacturer, with a steady global share of 22 percent
for the last 30 years.4 In contrast, Germany has seen its share drop from about 11
percent to about six and a half percent over the same period.
For our present and future economic well being, the U.S. needs to maintain and
expand its strong manufacturing base.

Of course, accomplishing these is easier said than done.

by Scott Doron, Director, Southern Technology Council

Full Report: http://www.southerngrowth.com/communityresources/downloads/manufacturing.pdf