October 7 marks National Manufacturing Day in the U.S. Here at Kaizen HR, we work with manufacturers across the country to recruit leaders in multiple areas, so we often get an inside look at the state of the sector and where it’s headed in the months and years to come.
Like other sectors, manufacturing is seeing a general uptick this year after the challenges of the past two years. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, August 2022 saw a total of 315,000 new jobs added to the whole American workforce, as well as a 62.4% labor force participation rate: people working or actively looking for work. In particular, manufacturing remains one of the top-growing sectors, adding 22,000 jobs in August and bringing the 2022 total (so far) up to 461,000 new jobs and counting. As of June 2022, the sector had regained its pre-pandemic (February 2020) employment level and has continued to grow.
Manufacturing has seen ongoing growth throughout the year, and it remains central to the US economy. Research from McKinsey highlights this importance: manufacturing accounts for $2.3 trillion in GDP (11 percent of America’s GDP) and employs 12 million people, while also accounting for 20 percent of the nation’s capital investment, 35 percent of productivity growth, 60 percent of exports, and 70 percent of business R&D spending.
And yet, American manufacturing continues to face global challenges to its place as a worldwide leader. In order to remain competitive on the world stage, American manufacturing is going through a period of redevelopment and reevaluation, and it’s critical that the right leaders be in place to guide these considerations and develop strategies for long-term success.
At Kaizen HR, we’re dedicated to helping find the right talent for roles across the manufacturing industry, from mid-level roles up through senior management and even the C suite. The Kaizen approach is right there in our name, prioritizing positive change and continuous improvement in every recruiting task we take on. On this National Manufacturing Day, we’re proud to be part of a broader movement to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S. and to find leaders with the vision and drive to help the sector thrive for a long time to come.
By Rose Dorta
Are you a high-performing leader or believe you have the potential to tackle a more challenging role? Would you be interested in career opportunities that are seeking these attributes?
I’d love to chat with you and answer any questions that you have. Email me, Rose Dorta, managing director of Kaizen HR Solutions, here.
