Dear Rick,

I am sure you have read several articles discussing how the manufacturing sector in the US is steadily declining and quickly becoming a failing industry.

The Manufacturing Leadership Journal, a publication produced by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, offers a different opinion.

Let’s examine the facts:From 1979 – 2010, the Manufacturing sector lost close to 8.1 Million jobs – FACT

Offshoring and reshoring continue to be a common theme among US manufacturers– FACT

Factory floor jobs for unskilled workers are rapidly declining and can no longer be a guaranteed source of strong middle-class employment – FACT

While all these statements are true, the following points are also true:

US Manufacturing output on a value-added basis actually rose by 73% between 1993 and 2011

The Manufacturing sector in the US generates $1.7 trillion in value each year, or over 12% of the nation’s GDP

If US manufacturing was a country, it would be the 10th largest economy in the world – ahead of India and China

What’s your opinion? 

To join the discussion and find out more about this subject please read the full Manufacturing Leadership Journal article written by guest writer David Chavern, EVP and COO of the US Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about how to participate in the Manufacturing Leadership Council, a body of executive level thought leaders in the manufacturing industry, visit us.