<div class="ExternalClass5C9B0EBA3BEA48CE85FB9FF4E63EA4BF"><p>SPRINGFIELD
— Recognizing the importance of an industry that employs more than a half
million workers in the state, Gov. Bruce Rauner today proclaimed <a href="/DownloadPrint/Manufacturing%20Month%20Governor%27s%20Proclamation.pdf" target="_blank">October Manufacturing Month in Illinois</a>.<br></p><p>“Manufacturing
is at the heart of the Illinois economy,” Rauner said. “For decades, Illinois
manufacturers have shown their savvy by adapting to changing market conditions
and embracing innovation to stay at the top of their game. I am proud to
recognize this strong industry.” <br></p><p>Illinois
companies manufacture a wide range of products including farm equipment and
machinery, automotive parts, plastics, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and food
products.&#160;<br></p><p>Illinois
Manufacturing Highlights&#58; </p><ul style="margin-top&#58;0in;"><li><p>Manufacturing
is the third largest industry in Illinois by employment with more than 580,000
workers. </p></li><li><p>Illinois
is the fourth largest manufacturing state in the nation by output. </p></li><li><p>Manufacturing
makes up 93.6 percent of all Illinois goods exported.</p></li><li><p>Average
annual income for Illinois manufacturing workers is $70,174.<br></p></li></ul><p>“Manufacturing
accounts for 12.4 percent of our gross state product,” said Deputy Gov. Leslie
Munger, acting director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity. “Every day we work with businesses, community leaders and
stakeholders across the state to support, strengthen and grow this critical
Illinois industry.”<br></p><p>Manufacturing
Month events will take place throughout October in Illinois. These events
showcase some of the nearly 13,000 manufacturing firms that call Illinois home.
October is a time to highlight the benefits of working in the industry and
continue to build a talent pipeline that guarantees Illinois remains a leader
in manufacturing for years to come. Manufacturing Day will be celebrated
nationwide on the first Friday of the month, Oct. 5.<br></p></div>