Why Manufacturing Matters: Driving Innovation, Jobs, and Growth for the Future
On October 4th, we celebrate Manufacturing Day—a time to honor the industry that has built nations, provided livelihoods, and fueled technological advancements.
Gone are the days of cumbersome, dark factories. Our past notion of manufacturing is dispelled by the evolving nature of the industry. Today’s factories are safe, bright, and energetic centers operated and managed by capable, educated individuals. Here, you’ll find new, exciting, advanced, and higher-paying positions. Today’s manufacturing provides the foundation upon which innovation stands.
Innovation and Technology
As we enter an era when automation and cognitive computing are on the rise, supply chains are embarking on a fourth industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0. Through advanced technologies in engineering and manufacturing, this transformation will require a sustained pipeline of talent and strong domestic manufacturing centers.
Whether it’s developing new materials, automating processes with robotics, or implementing artificial intelligence (AI) for quality control, the manufacturing industry is a hub of innovation. This constant push for progress not only improves product quality but also challenges companies to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact. This is why STULZ aims to be at the forefront with cutting edge technology. We prioritize investments in research and development to create energy-efficient cooling solutions that meet the ever-evolving demands of modern industries.
Economic Impact
Manufacturing contributes significantly to the US GDP. In 2023, the manufacturing sector contributed 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars to the US GDP and in Q1 2024 contributed $2.87 trillion at the annual rate, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). This accounts for 10.1% of value-added output in the U.S. economy. The sector also has a strong multiplier effect, meaning that for every dollar spent in manufacturing adds another $2.69 to the overall economy—one of the largest sectoral multipliers in the economy.
Supply Chain Resilience
Manufacturing domestically can reduce reliance on overseas suppliers and minimize disruptions. At STULZ, we are committed to manufacturing our products in the regions where they are sold. This not only ensures that our solutions are optimized for the specific conditions where they will be deployed, but also supports local economies and contributes to a more stable supply chain.
Additionally, our engineers are onsite to oversee almost all aspects of the manufacturing process in our facilities. This allows them to follow new products through the manufacturing process and make design modifications as needed.
STULZ USA manufacturing handles full-scale production on-site; including piping, sheet metal, a woodshop to build shipping crates, painting, welding and testing.
Jobs in Our Communities
Beyond infrastructure and innovation, the manufacturing sector creates jobs and provides career opportunities for a wide range of skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced worker or a student just entering the workforce, manufacturing offers numerous paths for personal and professional growth.
Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million people, accounting for 8.3% of all US jobs. These jobs are not just limited to the production floor; they span across various roles including engineering, management, and logistics. For experienced workers, manufacturing offers a stable and often well-paying career with competitive benefits.
Additional Stats and Facts
To further appreciate the importance of manufacturing, here are some more stats and facts:
- Manufacturing accounts for 60% of U.S. exports, highlighting its importance in global trade and its role in reducing the trade deficit.
- Manufacturing firms account for more than 60% of private-sector R&D spending, driving innovation in everything from materials science to advanced robotics.
- The sector invests heavily in technology and automation, with manufacturers projected to spend over $400 billion on Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025.
A Future of Opportunity
The future of manufacturing depends on attracting and training the next generation of skilled workers. Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute found that over the next decade, 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed with more than 2.1 million jobs expected to go unfilled by 2030. This is largely due to retirements and a lack of qualified applicants. Attracting and retaining talent is a primary focus for today’s industry.
Many educational institutions are partnering with manufacturing companies to offer apprenticeship programs, co-ops, and internships. These programs provide hands-on experience and training in areas such as computer-aided design (CAD), robotics, and advanced manufacturing techniques. At STULZ, we are committed to fostering talent by offering job opportunities that provide real-world experience in the manufacturing industry.
STULZ currently employs over 650 employees between our two manufacturing facilities in the USA located in Frederick, MD and Dayton, TN. To build and upskill the talent pipeline, we participate with local schools to provide on-the-job training. You can learn about one such partnership in this previous blog post.
The Manufacturing Mission at STULZ
We believe that local manufacturing is not just a business strategy—it’s a commitment to our customers, employees, and communities. That’s why we research, design, manufacture, test, and support our solutions for North America right here in the United States. This approach not only ensures product quality and reliability but also supports local economies and reduces our environmental impact by minimizing transportation needs.
Our dedication to local manufacturing extends beyond just production. We are actively involved in supporting local communities through job creation, educational partnerships, and sustainable practices. This commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen is at the heart of everything we do.
Celebrating Manufacturing Day
As we celebrate Manufacturing Day, let’s take a moment to recognize the immense contributions of the manufacturing industry to our economy, workforce, communities. From creating jobs to driving innovation and supporting local economies, manufacturing is truly an engine of growth. We are proud to be part of this vital industry and committed to advancing its future by offering manufactured cooling solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers in the US and around the world.
Happy Manufacturing Day to all the hardworking individuals and companies that make this industry so exceptional!
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