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Manufacturing tour visit to Lake County highlights sector's role in state, local economy

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association continued its statewide "Manufacturing Matters" tour on Thursday with a stop at the College of Lake County's Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee to detail the results of a new economic impact study measuring the industry's significant contributions to the state and local economy.

Conducted by independent economists at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, the study found the total economic impact of manufacturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year - the largest share of any industry to the state's gross domestic product. Manufacturing directly employs 662,298 workers but ultimately supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs, generating up to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents annually. In all, it's estimated that the manufacturing industry supports nearly 30 percent of all jobs in Illinois, making it among the state's largest industry sectors.

"Manufacturing is a key pillar of our state economy, and the industry's success is vital to our state's success. Illinois manufacturers feed the world, make lifesaving products, power our homes and businesses, build our infrastructure, transport people and products around the globe and provide for our nation's defense," said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association.

"Manufacturers are the innovators and entrepreneurs, the builders and producers, and the dreamers and leaders who are solving our challenges and creating our future. It's imperative our elected officials enact polices to allow for the industry's continued success, foster capital investment and grow new jobs for generations to come."

Manufacturing is particularly important in Lake County, which is dominated by pharmaceutical, plastic product and medical equipment production. The study found the industry creates $48.4 billion in economic output each year in Lake County, supporting an estimated 31 percent of the county's economy. This includes 98,949 jobs, which is among the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the state. Manufacturers generate $12.2 billion in salaries and benefits in Lake County, with the average manufacturing employee making an annual salary of $160,968.

"Advanced manufacturing has a tremendous impact on our local economy - one in every seven jobs is in the industry. Much of the success is owed to our workforce," said Kevin Considine, President and CEO of Lake County Partners. "Our partners have made strategic investments in education at the College of Lake County, the Lake County Tech Campus and area high schools to nurture talent and arm students with in-demand skills. As a result, we have over 1,000 students in manufacturing programs at the college and high school levels. That fuels business growth."

The study's findings were detailed during an event at the College of Lake County's new Advanced Technology Center that is planning to open to the public this September. The 142,000-square-foot facility, a former Lowe's home improvement store, has undergone an extensive renovation to transform into a state-of-the-art center for manufacturing education. The ATC will strengthen Lake County's workforce by providing industry-relevant career pathways that focus on industrial technology, fabrication, and welding during phase one of the ATC's launch.

"Studies like this underscore the importance of manufacturing in Lake County, and CLC is a dedicated partner in meeting workforce needs. We made the important decision to invest in the ATC to align our programming with Lake County's most in-demand jobs," said Lori Suddick, President of CLC. "This project represents enormous potential to grow a diverse skilled talent pipeline that is responsive to such a critical Lake County industry. The ATC will give our students new opportunities to build rewarding careers in Lake County, while also supporting our thriving manufacturing businesses."

Photo courtesy of College of Lake CountyThe College of Lake County's new Advanced Technology Center that is planning to open to the public this September.
Photo courtesy of College of Lake CountyHardhats at the College of Lake County's new Advanced Technology Center that is planning to open to the public this September.
Photo courtesy of College of Lake CountyFrom L-R: Ali O'Brien, Vice President of Community & Workforce Partnerships; College of Lake County; Kevin Considine, President & CEO of Lake County Partners; Sen. Melinda Bush; Sen. Craig Wilcox; Rep. Daniel Didech; Sen. Adriane Johnson; (at podium) Mark Denzler, President & CEO, Illinois Manufacturers' Association.
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