The state of Pennsylvania can promote manufacturing. | So Good News

Editor:

As October approaches, We’re almost at the end of Manufacturing Month — and it’s time to celebrate the big and small manufacturers that power your home, to the vehicle that gets you everywhere you go. It needs to be.

It’s the month we recognize the importance of manufacturing and inspire the next generation of workers to seek opportunities within today’s manufacturers.

Manufacturing is Pennsylvania’s economic engine, fueling growth and prosperity for urban and rural communities and for workers and their families.

Manufacturing provides family-sustaining jobs for more than half a million Pennsylvanians — making it our third largest employer. Manufacturing is Pennsylvania’s largest economic sector in terms of statewide economic output at more than $110 billion per year.

But production is not easy.

Manufacturers need to invest in their people to build tomorrow’s workforce, and are eager to pair their skilled workforce with cutting-edge technology to create the next-generation buildings of the future. But we need resources to help us achieve that goal.

Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Advisory Council. State leaders have a showcase for championing the future of manufacturing. “Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Competitiveness Playbook” clarifies the issues facing manufacturers and offers game-changing recommendations. Available at www.pamanufacturingcouncil.com/playbook.

By implementing so many recommendations, Pennsylvania can be recognized for our industry not just in October, but year-round — and every year for generations.

Karen Norheim
President American Crane and Equipment; Douglassville

Editor’s note: The following contributed to this letter: Alan Holbrook; North American Engineering Manager; Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials; Reading; Heidi McKenna; chairman The Fredericks Company; Huntingdon Valley; and Jonathan Sands, director of operational excellence and employee safety. ARCH Medical Solutions; Blandon.