Governor and Lt. Governor, Commissioner Grove Host Manufacturing Discussion
October 16, 2020
St. Paul - Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove engaged Wednesday in a virtual roundtable discussion with ten leaders from around Minnesota about how the manufacturing industry is doing during the pandemic and key issues it’s facing in the future. Manufacturing, which has long played a key role in the state’s economy, is even more important now as Minnesota focuses on economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession. As the state’s second-largest industry, manufacturing contributed $52.7 billion to Minnesota’s economy last year and employed 324,000 people, with a total payroll of $22.1 billion.
Participants in the October 14 virtual roundtable highlighted key challenges they face right now, outlined potential opportunities and detailed how the State of Minnesota could help their industry now. The biggest challenge facing Minnesota manufacturers participating in the discussion is the lack of applicants for open positions. Continued emphasis on raising awareness about good-paying manufacturing careers with students, more state support for apprenticeships and skills training, and help getting the word out about good jobs available now were all mentioned as ways government could help manufacturers find the employees they need now and in the future.