The Data that Demonstrates Manufacturing's Importance to the US Economy [SLIDESHOW]

Sept. 5, 2013

Think the U.S. "doesn't manufacture anything anymore?" Here are the charts that show how wrong you are.

Do YOU still get that inane question? You know the one: "But, really, does the U.S. still make anything?"

Me too.

And I've just about reached the end of the proverbial rope with the people who still just don't get it -- especially the ones who are in a position to really make a mess of things by influencing public policy.

So, in the interest of helping to end the asking of this stupefying question, please review the facts. Here, for starters, are ten charts for your review.

The charts and information are excerpted by permission of Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) from http://www.manufacturingfacts.org/charts.html, where additional interesting and informative charts can be found. The site is based on data from "Facts About Manufacturing," a publication jointly produced by National Association of Manufacturers, MAPI, and The Manufacturing Institute.

About the Author

Patricia Panchak | Patricia Panchak, Former Editor-in-Chief

Focus: Competitiveness & Public Policy

Call: 216-931-9252

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In her commentary and reporting for IndustryWeek, Editor-in-Chief Patricia Panchak covers world-class manufacturing industry strategies, best practices and public policy issues that affect manufacturers’ competitiveness. She delivers news and analysis—and reports the trends--in tax, trade and labor policy; federal, state and local government agencies and programs; and judicial, executive and legislative actions. As well, she shares case studies about how manufacturing executives can capitalize on the latest best practices to cut costs, boost productivity and increase profits.

As editor, she directs the strategic development of all IW editorial products, including the magazine, IndustryWeek.com, research and information products, and executive conferences.

An award-winning editor, Panchak received the 2004 Jesse H. Neal Business Journalism Award for Signed Commentary and helped her staff earn the 2004 Neal Award for Subject-Related Series. She also has earned the American Business Media’s Midwest Award for Editorial Courage and Integrity.

Patricia holds bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and English from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. She lives in Cleveland Hts., Ohio, with her family.