Kentucky manufacturing is a top driver of commonwealth’s economy
FRANKFORT Ky. (Oct. 5, 2012) – Gov. Steve Beshear proclaimed today as Manufacturing Day in Kentucky. The National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturing Institute, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for Kentucky Industry have designated the day as a launch point to emphasize the many values of manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is a wonderful career path for highly skilled workers within a crucial sector of our economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “I would encourage any young person to consider this field for a solid, long-term career choice with a promising future.”
The manufacturing community is a key economic driver in the Commonwealth, representing $27 billion, or 17 percent, of Kentucky’s GDP, with more than 215,000 people working in manufacturing in Kentucky.
“Manufacturing Day is the kick-off of a season of annual celebration and recognition of Kentucky’s manufacturing community,” stated Greg Higdon, president of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. “KAM strongly encourages all Kentuckians to recognize the great value that manufacturing contributes to our Commonwealth, as the Association will be doing with its Manufacturer & Employee of the Year Awards Luncheon in Louisville on November 9.”
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Foundation for Kentucky Industry (FKI) are using Manufacturing Day as a launch point to educate the public on the value of manufacturing as the economic driver of the Commonwealth; encourage people of all ages to check out the career opportunities in the industry; engage manufacturers, educators, economic developers, elected leadership and the public at large to celebrate manufacturing through the remainder of 2012.
“Everyone wanting a good-paying job with benefits needs to take a strong look at manufacturing career opportunities,” said Ken Carroll, president of the Foundation for Kentucky Industry. “According to KAM’s annual wage and benefits survey, manufacturing employees made an annualized average of $48,609 in 2011, and 98 percent of the companies that participated in the survey offer health insurance to their employees.”
For more information on Manufacturing Day, visit www.mfgday.com.
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