General Manager of Cummins High Horsepower Business Mark Levett

One-third of Indiana's Jobs Come from Manufacturing

Oct. 17, 2012

Auto industry is key engine of growth.

While many states bemoan the loss of manufacturing jobs, Indiana has increased employment in the sector by 4.6% since the recession. These jobs appeal to employees as they pay 50% more than non-manufacturing jobs, and they bolster the economy as they produce one-third of the state's revenue.

From a national perspective, Indiana ranks No. 1 in the U.S. with regard to direct manufacturing as a percentage of total employment.

Cummins Inc. (IW500/64), a manufacturer of diesel engines, is an important contributor to employment growth. In the past two years the company has announced two expansions creating 950 new jobs.

By 2015 another 290 new jobs will be added with the addition of a large engine platform at its Seymour plant.

To bolster the workforce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Cummins training incentives, a contributing factor in a $219 million plant expansion. "The support will ensure the availability of a skilled workforce for many years to come," says Rich Feeland, president of the company's engine business.

Growth also is coming from Indiana's robust auto sector where more than one of every 10 cars produced in the U.S. is assembled. The sector employs 120,000 workers across 600 companies and contributes nearly $9 billion.

"It's an exciting time to be engaged in Indiana's auto industry," notes Jeffrey Owens, president of Delphi Electronics and Safety. "We've established ourselves as a leader in vehicle electrification, the state is attracting record levels of foreign investment, and the domestic auto industry is making a significant comeback as well."

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.