Manufacturing is a dynamic industry, and it's crucial to the strength of our economic well-being. In recognition of the industry and over 8,400 manufacturers making a wide range of products, Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed Oct. 1-7, 2019 as Minnesota Manufacturing Week.

You can read the proclamation here.

During the week – and throughout the month – manufacturers are opening their doors to tours by the public and especially students learning about what it's like to work in a modern facility. Find out more about manufacturing tours in your area at Dream It. Do It. Minnesota.

Manufacturing contributed $52.7 billion to the state's economy in 2018, representing 14% of the state's gross domestic product.

Jobs in manufacturing tend to be high-quality jobs that pay well. The average manufacturing job paid $67,098 in 2018 – 15 percent higher than the typical job in Minnesota. Minnesota has nearly 322,000 jobs in manufacturing, with a total payroll of $21.6 billion. When you include jobs supported indirectly by manufacturing – such as sales, shipping, professional services – that impact rises to over one million jobs.

Manufacturing plays a critical role in the growth of Minnesota's economy. The jobs in the modern manufacturing industry are typically high-quality jobs with good, family-sustaining wages.

You can find tips and tools for planning an event, learn more about manufacturing, or learn more about the industry with this quiz on DEED's Manufacturing Week web section. You can also find out how manufacturing is doing in your area – and read about recent manufacturing employment trends in your region:

• Central Minnesota
• Northwest Minnesota
• Northeast Minnesota
• Southwest Minnesota
• Southeast Minnesota
• Twin Cities Metro

DEED also offers information and resources for manufacturing businesses – and for people looking for jobs in manufacturing. These include:

• Statewide Tour of Manufacturing - each October, manufacturers across the state open their doors to provide students, parents, and the public the chance to learn about modern manufacturing
• CareerForce – this is the new name for Minnesota's workforce system where employers and career seekers can get help in person, on the phone and online at CareerForceMN.com. Career seekers with a no-fee CareerForceMN.com account can access top occupations in demand in their region, data on wages and set career goals. Anyone can search thousands of Minnesota job opportunities on CareerForceMN.com.
• Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey – a report gauging the sentiments of Minnesota manufacturers concerning the economy
• Enterprise Minnesota State of Manufacturing - a comprehensive survey of Minnesota's manufacturers revealing their perceptions and opinions on the economy and other major issues impacting business
• Minnesota Manufacturing Profile – an interactive data tool providing details on the manufacturing industry in Minnesota
• Made In Minnesota – a supply chain database that helps connect Minnesota manufacturers so they can buy materials, components and finished products from each other

Manufacturing is an important industry in our state and can offer an excellent career path. I look forward to promoting and learning more about Minnesota's manufacturers this week!

– Commissioner Steve Grove