JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves proclaimed today “Manufacturing Day in Mississippi”, joining the national celebration organized by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The day highlights the vital role of manufacturing in America’s economy and promotes exciting career opportunities for the next generation.
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Manufacturing Day is about the future,” said John McKay, President & CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA). “To sustain the positive momentum we’re seeing in our state, we must continue educating our future workforce about the incredible opportunities available in Mississippi. Manufacturing is the engine that powers our economy, and our young people are the fuel that will keep it moving forward.”
Across Mississippi, manufacturers are opening their doors to students from local schools, giving them a firsthand look at modern facilities, innovative products, and rewarding career paths. Companies hosting events this month include:
- ABB – Columbus
- BlueScope Coated Products - Byram
- Nissan – Canton
- Taylor Power Systems – Clinton
Manufacturing Day serves as a reminder of the industry’s impact on Mississippi’s economy, and the need for skilled workers in manufacturing continues to grow. A study by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte projects that 2.1 million U.S. manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030. In Mississippi, many of these opportunities require only a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. The average annual wages for typical manufacturing roles include:
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologists: $65,300
- Industrial Engineers: $91,800
- Production, Planning & Expediting Clerks: $52,500
- Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters: $48,400
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators & Tenders (Metal & Plastic): $39,900
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers: $50,900
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For more than 70 years, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association has represented the interests of Mississippi’s manufacturers at both the state and national levels. As the Voice of Industry, MMA represents manufacturers in the Mississippi Legislature and U.S. Congress. MMA promotes a strong manufacturing environment within Mississippi and is a central source of information and assistance in industrial management. To learn more about MMA and manufacturing in Mississippi, please visit www.mma-web.org.