Across the nation Manufacturers were recently recognized for their contributions to all our lives on Friday October 1st, denoted as "Manufacturing Day." Wisconsin and other states have taken that appreciation 1 step further recognizing October as Manufacturing Month. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – will be celebrating the state’s top industry throughout the month.
Midwest = Manufacturing
When most think of the exports from the Midwest, I suspect they think of agriculture, farming and livestock. And while that is a large part of the midwestern economy, it is still #2 to another focus… one that has been part of midwestern culture for a long time – Manufacturing. The industry has continued changing over the years, especially recently with trade/tariff aspects, as well as a decline of the auto industry, automation, and other shifts. Despite this, manufacturing and the Midwest continue to be a strong contributor to the US economy.
Wisconsin Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a part of Midwestern heritage. And Wisconsin companies make an impressive and incredibly diverse list of products. Top goods include food and beverage products, as well as machinery and fabricated metal products - these categories alone account for nearly 1/2 of the state's manufacturing employment. Our state’s manufacturing industry employs nearly 1 in 5 Wisconsinites. And in 2018, 87% of our state's exporters were small businesses.
Coolest Thing Made In WI Contest
This marks the 6th year of this annual contest, celebrating the novel and needed products manufactured by people in our hometowns.
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), along with Johnson Financial Group, have partnered together for the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. Last year the Mobile Autonomous Robotic Cart (MARC) from MuL Technologies in Mequon was crowned the winner. Nearly 50,000 votes were cast in the final round of the contest. Other finalists from 2020 included: Caterpillar Global Mining in South Milwaukee, C.C. Moo LLC in Stoughton and Kimberly-Clark in Neenah.
This year's contest is quickly approaching its final stages, with the field now having been voted down to Top 4 finalists.
Take me to the grid, I want to know who's in the running!
Congratulations to all the nominees and Good Luck to the Finalists!
Lets celebrate Wisconsin and increase
the buzz around Manufacturing Month!!
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