SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing the importance of an industry that employs more than a half million workers in the state, Gov. Bruce Rauner today proclaimed October Manufacturing Month in Illinois.
“Manufacturing is at the heart of the Illinois economy,” Rauner said. “For decades, Illinois manufacturers have shown their savvy by adapting to changing market conditions and embracing innovation to stay at the top of their game. I am proud to recognize this strong industry.”
Manufacturing Month events will take place throughout October in Illinois. These events showcase some of the nearly 13,000 manufacturing firms that call Illinois home. October is a time to highlight the benefits of working in the industry and continue to build a talent pipeline that guarantees Illinois remains a leader in manufacturing for years to come. Manufacturing Day will be celebrated nationwide on the first Friday of the month, Oct. 5.
Illinois companies manufacture a wide range of products including farm equipment and machinery, automotive parts, plastics, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and food products.
Illinois Manufacturing Highlights:
- Manufacturing is the third largest industry in Illinois by employment with more than 580,000 workers.
- Illinois is the fourth largest manufacturing state in the nation by output.
- Manufacturing makes up 93.6 percent of all Illinois goods exported.
- Average annual income for Illinois manufacturing workers is $70,174.
“Manufacturing accounts for 12.4 percent of our gross state product,” said Deputy Gov. Leslie Munger, acting director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Every day we work with businesses, community leaders and stakeholders across the state to support, strengthen and grow this critical Illinois industry.”
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