GROWING MANUFACTURING

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

In the first quarter of 2022, manufacturing was ranked the largest industry sector in Nebraska in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), according to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis. The manufacturing sector generated $19.1 million in economic activity in first-quarter 2022 alone. The next two largest sectors by GDP were government ($18.2 million) and finance and insurance ($17.4 million). (1)

​There were more than 2,000 manufacturing establishments in Nebraska as of the fourth quarter of 2021. These establishments employed more than 100,000 workers across the state. The largest specific industry within the manufacturing sector was food manufacturing, which accounted for 16.8% of all manufacturing establishments in Nebraska and 38.4% of manufacturing employment. The second-largest industry was fabricated metal product manufacturing, which made up 14.8% of manufacturing establishments and 9.2% of manufacturing employment statewide. (2) 
BUILDING FOR TOMORROW

Blueprint Nebraska, a statewide economic development plan, identifies the state’s manufacturing sector as one of its most promising economic growth opportunities.

Advanced manufacturing sectors have seen the most significant growth over the past three decades. Nebraska ranks No. 40 in concentration of advanced industries, according to the Brookings
Institution.

The Nebraska Chamber is working to build partnerships that:

  • invest in automation. At 60% automation potential, the manufacturing sector can easily grow in productivity.
  • Build broadband connectivity.
  • Launch a venture capital investment fund and productivity incentives, focused on next-generation manufacturing companies.
  • Attract more workers by scaling internship and apprenticeship programs, enhancing training and customized workforce solutions and boosting STEM talent among graduates.
  • Create a multi-partner manufacturing innovation center of excellence, focused on Industry 4.0/automation.
  • Develop an “inland port” to cluster transportation and industrial hubs for efficiency and innovative potential.


Visit the NE Manufacturing Alliance Web Page
* Manufacturers of the Year *
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NE Chamber's Mike Johnson (COO/EVP, Manufacturing) and Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Committee (NeMAC) Chair Scott Volk were the featured guests on the popular industry podcast "Manufacturing Happy Hour" after a successful inaugural manufacturing tech expo in Columbus. They highlight the benefits of the five-organization NE Manufacturing Alliance

Quotables
 
Volk: "The Chamber of Commerce is the engine to get things done, that’s just the simplest way of putting it.”
 
Johnson: “What's happening in manufacturing now, and what's going to happen in manufacturing in the next ten years is a quick way to a comfortable life for anyone who's willing to work in the industry.”

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