August Report: Manufacturing Employment Down in Missouri, Up Nationally

Missouri manufacturing jobs fell by 1,500 in August. That is according to a new analysis by the Center for Economic and Policy Research. And according to the analysis, employment in blue collar sectors actually grew by 26,000 nationally.

Although manufacturing jobs continue to grow nationally, Missouri was not alone in its losses as a state. Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio also experienced drop-offs.

While the Center for Economic and Policy Research reported that Missouri lost manufacturing jobs, Donna Gordon, manager at KC Manufacturing Network, whistled a different tune. “I know everybody is looking for people. Well, I shouldn’t say everybody, but it’s a common phenomenon for manufacturers to decry the lack of qualified applicants,” Gordon said. “Frankly, I have not heard of any large layoffs in our organizations, it’s the other way around. I’m getting people asking where they can share their job postings.”

Looking towards the future, Gordon said manufacturing employment will pose a challenging dichotomy.  While there will be fewer jobs due to automation and productivity enhancements, there will also be a tremendous opportunity for jobs as the average age of the manufacturing workforce increases and retirements start to happen.

To read the full report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, visit this link.