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Michigan Sees Employment Gain in Manufacturing Sector for Third Year

April 23, 2014
Michigan is now home to 14,194 manufacturers employing 662,635 workers.

For 2013, Michigan manufacturers added 13,084 jobs from January 2013 to January 2014, representing a third straight year of gains.

According to the 2014 Michigan Manufacturers Directory, Detroit saw an increase in employment of 1.8%, the first in several years.

Other regions in Michigan that gained jobs were Auburn Hills, up 5.8%; Grand Rapids, up 4.5%; Sterling Heights, up 3.6%; and Warren, up 1.8%.

“Manufacturers in Michigan are making large strides, particularly in the all-important auto sector, and the high-tech manufacturing hub planned for the state should boost its reputation as a center for innovation” says Tom Dubin, president of  Manufacturer's News, which has been surveying industry since 1912.

Michigan is now home to 14,194 manufacturers employing 662,635 workers.

Gains in jobs were led by transportation equipment which was up 2% in 2013. This sector ranks first in the state for industrial employment with 131,109 jobs.

Additional manufacturing sectors adding jobs in Michigan included chemicals, up 9.5%; stone/clay/glass, up 4%; paper products, up 2.3%; and industrial machinery and equipment, up 2.1%. Losses were reported in electronics, down 8.8%; rubber/plastics, down 5%; and printing/publishing, down 2.2%.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

Editorial Mission Statement:

Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.