Manufacturing Workforce Smaller, But Diverse Sector Still Critical
FOXBOROUGH, MASS., SEPT. 25, 2024…..What do bread, books, wines, windows and doors, ice cream, and mascara brushes have in common? They’re all manufactured in Massachusetts by companies that were recognized Wednesday with a “Making it in Massachusetts” Manufacturing Award.
Nearly three dozen lawmakers were on hand at Gillette Stadium as the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosted its 9th annual awards ceremony as part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, put on by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
“From local gourmet ice cream making in Lawrence, to the manufacturing of leading epaper technology in Billerica, to the production of innovative cell and gene therapy solutions in Hopkinton, to the manufacturing of the world’s largest kielbasa — weighing in at a whopping 600 pounds — in Chicopee, the diversity on display in this room shows why Massachusetts manufacturers are setting the global example in creativity and entrepreneurship,” said Sen. Paul Feeney, who co-chairs the caucus and co-emceed the event with Rep. Jeff Roy.
There were 58 different businesses recognized during Wednesday’s awards ceremony, having been selected by 62 participating lawmakers. Howlingbird Studio in Falmouth, which does screen printing and makes branded items often used as giveaways, was selected for the award by Rep. Dylan Fernandes. Rep. Joseph McGonagle chose Ultimate Windows in Everett for the honor, Rep. Francisco Paulino picked Lawrence’s Cremosos Gourmet Ice Cream to be recognized, Rep. Mindo Domb highlighted Harris Mountain Sugar Shack in Granby with an award, and Reps. Steven Howitt and Jay Barrows jointly selected South Shore Millwork in Norton for an award.
Manufacturing in the commonwealth provides high-paying jobs, contributes significantly to the state’s economy, and plays a vital role in driving innovation and technological advancements,” Roy said, jokingly adding that he is looking for a job when he noted the $115,000 average annual salary for the manufacturing sector here. “Today, we are proud to honor these companies and meet the dedicated men and women who make our economy soar.”
Manufacturing accounts for approximately 10 percent of Massachusetts’ total economic output, with an economic contribution of more than $56 billion as estimated by CAM. The state’s roughly 6,000 manufacturers employed about 232,800 people here as of last month, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That’s down from 238,000 people employed a year ago, from 241,400 employed just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, and from about 400,000 at the turn of the millennium.
The fourth annual Mash-Up, held just before Manufacturing Month begins Oct. 1, is meant to bring together industry players, state officials and more than 1,000 students from area schools and Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs. The intention is to give manufacturers a chance to learn about new trends and technologies, to lobby state officials for more favorable policies or regulations, and to present the industry to students who could address workforce talent needs as it increasingly shifts towards innovation and digital transformation.
“As you all learn and absorb from each other and hopefully connect with each other today, we as legislators — myself, Chair Roy, all the state reps and senators that are here — are working to better understand what we can do to best support all of you and facilitate your incredible success,” Feeney said. “We’re also cognizant, we know very well, that your success cannot come without its challenges. The lasting effects of the pandemic, rising costs, [and] ensuing supply chain disasters exacerbated the already competitive nature of manufacturing Massachusetts. That is not lost on us.”
The morning session featured the presentation of Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program awards to 24 companies, a keynote speech from a former National Economic Council special assistant to President Joe Biden for manufacturing and economic development, a session on possible partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense, and a state Office of Business Development-moderated panel on the resources Massachusetts makes available to manufacturers. The afternoon includes sessions focused on artificial intelligence, “finding success outside of Boston and Cambridge,” and navigating the impacts of automation on employees.
There was also a live start-up pitch contest hosted by the nonprofit FORGE. Five clean technology start-ups — Active Surfaces, Arbon, Atlas Urban Farms, Highland Park Technologies, and Quant AQ, Inc — made four-minute pitches in front of a panel of four judges. In addition, four other start-ups had a chance to made “rapid fire pitches” of one minute.
