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PA Manufacturing Matters

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Manufacturing has historically been one of Pennsylvania’s important wealth generators and should continue to play a key role well into the future. Today, Pennsylvania manufacturers employ a half-million workers — representing one out of every nine private sector jobs. Small to mid-sized manufacturers represent roughly 12 percent of total gross state product, making a big contribution, as well.

According to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, manufacturing has an $84 billion impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, ranking it the eighth largest in the United States. Manufacturing also offers high-paying jobs. Pennsylvania’s average annual wage in manufacturing is nearly 15-percent higher than the average salary across the state.

According to a report conducted by the state’s Industrial Resource Centers with research led by Dr. Edward W. (Ned) Hill of Cleveland State University, manufacturing remains a key part of Pennsylvania’s innovation infrastructure. In fact, manufacturers are responsible for driving innovation and are responsible for almost three-fourths of all private sector R&D.

The report also states that an essential measure of importance or centrality to an economy is the size of an industry’s multipliers — meaning, the additional jobs, sales or income generated from sales in the industry.

Manufacturing has the highest multipliers of any other Pennsylvania industry. Every $1 increase in final demand for products manufactured in Pennsylvania leads to a total increase in gross value added by all industries of $2.52. No other industry in the state comes close to rivaling the impact of manufacturing.

In this issue of the Business Magazine, we’ll celebrate these accomplishments and more in our 9th annual Made in PA edition! Here, we’ll showcase some of the exciting investments and improvements under way at Essentra Components in Erie as the company marks its 50th anniversary of manufacturing in the Keystone State. In addition, we’ll hear from Mark Paup, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing in Bradford, on how the company has lit a fire on innovation with its trademark, windproof lighters.

Plus, this special issue includes our annual Showcase of Manufacturers, highlighting the many companies that have paved the way for modern manufacturing in a highly competitive business world.

As always, the Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing its members, especially manufacturers, with the programs and services that can help their operations succeed. Visit our website, www.mbausa.org, to learn about all the resources and programs that are available today!