ST. PAUL, MN - Today, Governor Mark Dayton /governor/assets/20131021_manufacturers_week.pdf_tcm1055-93272.pdfissued a proclamation declaring the week of October 20, 2013, to be "Minnesota Manufacturers Week" - highlighting the importance of an industry that employs one out of every nine workers in Minnesota. The annual event is designed to educate the public about the role manufacturing plays in the state's economy, and to highlight opportunities for employment in the industry.

"For decades, manufacturing has been a crucial sector of Minnesota's economy, providing good jobs and living wages for middle class families," said Governor Dayton. "I want to thank our state's manufacturers, and the 300,000 Minnesotans who work hard every day to build the high-quality, innovative and reliable products our global economy demands."

Throughout the week, tours of manufacturing facilities around the state and other activities are planned in recognition of Minnesota Manufacturers Week. Besides plant tours, other events during the week include speakers, educational activities and the unveiling of the new Made in Minnesota Directory of manufacturers and suppliers.

"Manufacturing accounts for one in nine jobs in Minnesota and is vital to the health of the state economy," said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "Minnesota Manufacturers Week enables us to thank the industry and to put a spotlight on the companies that are creating jobs and investing in our state."

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is sponsoring the event along with the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association, Dream It, Do It and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

The Economic Impact of Minnesota Manufacturers

About 300,000 people work in manufacturing in Minnesota, primarily in such areas as computer and electronic products, foods, fabricated metal products and machinery. Manufacturing contributes $40 billion to the state economy - 15 percent of Minnesota's gross domestic product - and the industry accounted for $18.6 billion in state exports last year.

Salaries in the sector are much higher than most other industries in the state because many manufacturing jobs require high-tech skills to operate advanced technology and computer-controlled equipment. The average manufacturing position in the state paid $58,760 last year, about $10,000 more than the typical job in Minnesota.

Many of Minnesota's Fortune 500 companies are manufacturers, including General Mills, Medtronic, 3M, Ecolab and Hormel.

Minnesota companies will be offering tours in every region of the state during the week. Click here to see the complete list.

Made in Minnesota List
DEED also plans this week to introduce its new Made in Minnesota Directory, an online database of products and supplies manufactured in the state. The tool was created to encourage Minnesota manufacturers to buy products and supplies from each other, rather than from out-of-state firms or foreign companies.

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More details about Minnesota Manufacturers Week are available on the DEED website at www.tinyurl.com/MinnesotaManufacturersWeek.