#USAMfgHour Celebrates Manufacturing Month
Manufacturing Month is a nationwide celebration held annually in October to highlight the contributions of the manufacturing industry to the U.S. economy and raise awareness about modern manufacturing careers and innovation.
During a recent #USAMfgHour chat on X hosted by Kirsten Austin of DCSC, Inc., a company that helps distribution and manufacturing companies with ERP, shipping, and supply chain solutions, participants discussed the importance of American manufacturing, sharing resources for manufacturers and making recommendations for celebrating Manufacturing Month.
How Many Manufacturing Companies Are in the U.S.?
The chat began with host DCSC, Inc. asking participants to guess the number of manufacturing companies in the United States.
“100,000?” Whitney Koch from Keystone Click ventured.
“Just a guess. 3 million?” wondered Ruby Rusine from Social Success Marketing.
“Great guess but no,” host Austin responded.
“25k,” wondered Rick Gunnarson from DCSC, Inc.
“Great guess, but not quite,” replied host Austin.
Host Austin shared this statistic: “As of 2023, there were over 600,000 manufacturing businesses in the United States.”
Top Manufacturing Industries by State
Participants were then asked to share the state they live in and the top manufacturing industry in their state.
“In Wales, we had a coal industry – it was closed down because of Net Zero. There are no more coal mines,” answered Nigel Packer of PelaTis Online. “We had a steel industry – The last blast furnace closed down last week because of Net Zero. We no longer manufacture steel in the UK.”
“Our steel production has fallen over the years in America but we still produce it,” host Austin said in reply to Packer.
“I live in Texas,” said Koch. “I would bet chemical manufacturing is tops here because of all the refineries and gas plants.”
According to the National Coordinator for Critical Infrastructure Security and Reliance (CISA), Koch was correct. Texas is indeed “the top exporter of chemicals in the U.S. accounting for 30% of all chemical exports.”
Koch continued: “Keystone Click is based in Milwaukee. I bet industrial manufacturing is up there in Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin is a manufacturing powerhouse in the United States. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation reports that there are nearly 9,000 manufacturing companies in Wisconsin in industries ranging from food manufacturing to wood product manufacturing.
“We’re from the good old Show-Me-State,” host Austin shared. According to Industry Select, @MfrsNews Missouri’s Top Manufacturing Industries include aerospace, transportation, and food products.”
“Do you know which food product brands have manufacturing operations in Missouri?” Koch asked host Austin.
“Purina and Anheuser-Busch,” Gunnarson answered Koch.
“I know Volpi Salami is on the ‘Hill’ and I know Pepsi is big here too,” said host Austin.
Promoting Manufacturing Month
October is Manufacturing Month in the United States. Host Austin asked for suggestions on how to promote this month-long celebration best.
“Start with the youngsters,” recommended Packer. “Go into schools and talk about manufacturing. Invite classes to visit your manufacturing plant and see what is being made. Get them on the path to a career in manufacturing and making stuff.’
Responding to Packer, Gunnerson noted, “More youth in America are going that direction because of a loss in confidence in a college degree. The youth realize there is a lot of opportunity, freedom, and income with a trade.”
“I’d love to see more manufacturers host open houses and tours for their communities and local schools,” answered Koch.
“I think that is an AWESOME idea,” host Austin replied, affirming Koch. “It’d be good for them to attract future talent too. I will say @ProTapes in New Jersey does a lot of that in their community!”
“We have a programme for this in Wales,” Packer responded to host Austin. “I am a role model for Entrepreneurship. I was in a school today and spoke to 100+ 11- and 12-year-olds. I have 2 more days next week in another school.”
“Celebrating Manufacturing Month by highlighting the hard work and dedication of everyone in the manufacturing industry,” said Rusine.
“There are so many awesome people in the manufacturing industry,” host Austin said in response to Rusine. “We have some wonderful customers and work with amazing, hard-working, and inventive people.”
“Absolutely!” Rusine exclaimed in a reply to host Austin. “The creativity and dedication in the manufacturing industry are truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such talented individuals and support their innovative efforts!”
According to host Austin, “There are many ways to promote manufacturing, including social media efforts such as Webinars, Blogs, and Live LinkedIn Events. You can also host tours of your manufacturing facility for area students. Follow @MfgDay for more ideas.”
“I’d love some kind of a family day where companies invite employees’ families for a special day at the facility, allowing them to see where their loved ones work and learn about the industry,” Rusine commented.
“I LOVE that idea!” exclaimed host Austin in response to Rusine. “That’s actually a good idea for us too here at DCSC, taking notes.”
What Is an MEP?
Next, host Austin asked if the chat participants knew what an MEP is.
“Do you mean manufacturing extension partnership or mechanical electrical and plumbing?” wondered Rusine.
“Manufacturing Extension Partnership!” host Austin confirmed. “We know this because of #USAMfgHour.”
“Gotcha,” Rusine responded to host Austin. “Those acronyms trip us, for sure.”
“MEP is Manufacturing Extension Partnership,” answered Koch. “MEPs are excellent resources for helping manufacturers in their state!”
As host Austin stated in her response to Rusine, MEP stands for Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
“There are 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states & Puerto Rico,” host Austin said. “These trusted advisors serve local manufacturers but collaborate and share expertise nationally to help your manufacturing company succeed. Like our friends at @NJMEP & @MOEnterprise!”
“We love @IMECillinois too!” Koch added.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has an MEP Center Quick List with links to each MEP’s website and contact information for their respective directors.
How Many #USAMfgHour Chats Have There Been?
Next, host Austin asked participants if they knew about how many #USAMfgHour chats there have been on X.
“I have been here for about 200, so 250?” wondered Packer.
“200??” Koch guessed.
Responding to Koch, host Austin asked, “What in the heck did you eat for breakfast Whitney? You’re on fire today!”
“Haha!” Koch laughed. “I know #USAMfgHour has been around for about 4 years. 52 weeks in a year, less a few for holidays, etc.”
“I think 170?” replied Rusine.
The #USAMfgHour chat began in 2020. Since then, “we have had close to 200 total chats,” host Austin said. For recaps of past chats, visit https://buff.ly/377gGMw.
The Importance of Reshoring Manufacturing Jobs
To close out the chat, host Austin asked participants to share why they believe reshoring – bringing manufacturing operations from other countries back to the United States – is so important.
“Reshoring would create more jobs for Americans and lessen the impacts of supply chain disruptions,” Koch stated.
“The ‘vid [COVID] experience should have taught us a lesson,” Rusine answered. “Besides, more jobs, more income, more money for our county/state/country that goes back to our county/state/country. I could go on and on.”
Similar to Koch’s and Rusine’s response, host Austin said: “We believe bringing back manufacturing jobs to the USA is extremely important to our economy, people, and future. If anything, look at what the last few years of the Supply Chain Disruption cost us.”
Final Thoughts
October is a significant month for manufacturers and should not be overlooked or disregarded. The manufacturing industry is the backbone of America’s economy. For that reason, American manufacturers should lean on the MEP in their state for support and participate in outreach to educate their communities and encourage the next generation to consider a career in manufacturing.
About #USAMfgHour
Anyone who champions U.S. manufacturing can join in on a new conversation each week on Twitter using the hashtag #USAMfgHour. The chat starts at 11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time/2 p.m. Eastern. Share positive blog posts, helpful articles, news, important information, accomplishments, events, and more with other manufacturers and supporters from throughout the country.
Are you interested in hosting a #USAMfgHour chat? Contact organizers @DCSCinc, @SocialSMktg, and @KeystoneClick.
To learn more about how Keystone Click can help you level up your online presence, contact us.