October is Manufacturing Month
About Manufacturing Month
Due to retirements and economic expansion, there will be significant opportunities for employment in Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry, underscoring the need to ensure a robust talent pipeline now and in the years to come. In fact, according to The Manufacturing Institute, 2.1 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S. could go unfilled by 2030 due to the labor shortage. Manufacturing Month helps to promote manufacturing as a viable career in Wisconsin in an attempt to fill these much-needed jobs.
To highlight the state’s top industry, which contributes $68 billion a year in economic output to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), WMC will be promoting numerous manufacturing-focused events in October, meeting with manufacturers around the state and, once again, crowning the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.
Manufacturing Month
Get Involved
For Manufacturers
For Chambers of Commerce
For Schools
AN ADVOCATE
Wisconsin is routinely ranked as the most manufacturing intensive state in the country measured on a per capita basis. The industry employs nearly half a million people and creates roughly $70 billion in economic output each year. However, according to a 2022 Department of Defense report, Wisconsin ranks 30th in total U.S. defense contract spending. To narrow that gap, WDIC will serve as the public voice for manufacturers and the defense industry to showcase why the Badger State is primed and ready to better support the U.S. military and our country’s national security interests.
A RESOURCE
WDIC aims to provide educational programming and other resources to create a well-prepared network of manufacturers in – and in support of – the defense industry in Wisconsin. This will include multiple major events throughout the year that will bring in experts on national security, procurement, industry needs and more. The organization will also provide members with timely news updates via digital communications and additional virtual programs.
A NETWORK
Building a robust network of manufacturers and other companies is critical to increasing Wisconsin’s ability to fully support our national security interests. Through in-person and virtual programming, WDIC will bring together employers of all sizes to ensure Wisconsin has the capacity to deliver products critical to the nation’s defense.
Wisconsin Celebrates October as Manufacturing Month
Manufacturing is the number one contributor to Wisconsin’s booming economy, producing more than $68 billion in total output in 2021 – nearly 20 percent of Wisconsin’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, the state’s roughly 9,200 manufacturing companies employ about 1 in 6 workers in Wisconsin.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of our state’s economy, and the hardworking men and women of this industry deserve to be celebrated,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer. “Throughout October, we hope to educate young Wisconsinites about the rewarding careers available in manufacturing along with highlighting the outsized impact the industry has on our state.”
Throughout the month of October, manufacturers all across the state are opening their doors to communities and Wisconsinites to showcase the industry and highlight the rewarding careers available to those interested in manufacturing.
A full list of events throughout the state is available by clicking here.
“Manufacturing Month gives employers, educators and others a timely opportunity to discuss the family-supporting careers that are available in the industry,” Bauer added. “Our state’s manufacturers continue to grow, and they need a ready and talented workforce to take advantage of these outstanding careers.”
To celebrate Manufacturing Month, WMC will be promoting numerous manufacturing-focused events in October, meeting with manufacturers around the state and, once again, crowning the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin on Oct. 19 at its annual Business Day event.
Manufacturing Month Videos
Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin – 2021
Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin – 2020
Women in Manufacturing – 2019
Technical Training Opportunities – 2019
Attracting Talent to Manufacturing – 2019
Veterans in Manufacturing – 2018
Supply Chain in Manufacturing – 2018
Apprenticeships in Manufacturing – 2018
Economic Impact of Manufacturing – 2018
Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin – 2018
Technical Education – 2017
High-Tech Manufacturing – 2017
Women in Manufacturing – 2017
Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin – 2017
Events and Tours
During manufacturing month, WMC holds events and tours at manufacturing facilities across the state. Click here to see events hosted in your area in October.
Contact Nick Novak, 608-258-3400, to post an event or tour in your area.