​Manufacturing is essential to every aspect of our world and serves as a catalyst by creating a ripple effect that impacts other important areas, including the local economy. Take a moment to think about the products that we use on a daily basis and it becomes even more evident how important manufacturing really is. From the vehicles we drive and fuel that goes in the tank to food and beverage products, the manufacturing industry and its workforce has an important role.

Below is the first part of an article about the manufacturing industry. Throughout Manufacturing Month, we will be posting the other two installments of this article that highlights the importance and impact the manufacturing industry has to the workforce and our communities.

***

Workforce Contributions

Over the years, manufacturing has transformed into an innovative, high-tech industry that provides a pathway to rewarding career opportunities. The shop floor isn't what it used to be. Technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by incorporating robotics, automation and 3D printing into production processes. In addition to positions in the plant, there are varieties of other occupations available such as human resources, information technology, accounting and sales to name a few.

"The perception of manufacturing has changed over the years from a low-skill, dirty and dangerous job to a high-tech, high-skill and high-paying one," said Randy Tatum, Site Manager of the LyondellBasell Morris Complex. "At LyondellBasell, we employ some of the finest professionals in our industry right here in Grundy County."

It's also been communicated that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing sector due to a retiring workforce and lack of qualified applicants, therefore, the employment outlook is very favorable. Manufacturing also provides opportunities for employees to live in the communities where they work, which in turn stimulates spending into the local economy.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), "manufacturers in Illinois account for 12.54% of the total output in the state, employing 9.58% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $108.43 billion in 2018. In addition, there were an average of 592,000 manufacturing employees in Illinois in 2019, with an average annual compensation of $89,853.35 in 2018."

Value-Added Benefits

For every product that gets manufactured there are numerous value-added benefits to the supply chain. Whether it's the supplier of raw materials, the transportation company delivering the product or any job function in between, there's a multitude of companies and personnel that contribute to the entire manufacturing process. Essentially this equates to more jobs in a variety of career pathways across multiple sectors.

"Manufacturing generates more economic activity than other sectors. For every dollar of domestic manufacturing value-added, another $3.60 of economic activity is generated elsewhere across the economy. For every manufacturing job, there are 3.4 jobs created in nonmanufacturing industries. No other sector comes close to these numbers," as mentioned in an interview on Area Development's website.

***

Illinois workNet Resources

Discover what manufacturing careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to: 

• Plan for high school and beyond.   
• Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.   
• Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.  
• Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.  

• Facebook  
• Twitter  
• LinkedIn  
• YouTube