Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/880319
F A L L 2 0 1 7 / M A K I N G I T I N M A I N E 9 M anufacturing Month" is the month of October each year to celebrate the world of "making things." Who doesn't like to cre- ate things with their hands? Who doesn't like to see something or have an idea and make it even more than what it is? Who doesn't like to see something created from nothing or make something that solves a problem? All this makes up the world of manufacturing and the world of "makers." Manufacturing in Maine plays a critical role in the lives of our citizens and communities, as well as in the operation of businesses. Maine is home to approximately 1,800 manufacturing business establishments and annually, the manufacturing industry in Maine realizes over $5.6 billion dollars in GDP, equaling 10 percent of the state's total GDP. Manufacturing provides more than 50,600 jobs statewide with a payroll of approximately $2.7 billion, accounting for 13 percent of statewide wages paid. The average manufacturing wage in Maine is $53,924, which is 32 percent higher than all in- dustries in Maine. Manufacturing in Maine plays a vital role in the United States and globally in military and defense, aerospace, metal, paper, marine & boat building, semi-conductor, wood, textile, aquaculture, biotech, medical device, electronics, RF and wireless communications, plastics, composites and bioplastics, studio and food manufacturing. The Manufacturers Associa- tion of Maine gathers companies from all manufacturing sectors with their respective trade asso- ciations to collect their ideas on top issues and challenges and a recommended plan of action. The goal is to leverage the strengths of these organizations, avoid du- plication of effort, and promote a coordinated manufacturing sup- port strategy. The average manufacturing wage in Maine is $53,924, which is 32 percent higher than all industries in Maine. MONTH Maine native and U.S. Army non-commissioned offi cer Michael Thibault at work at American Rheinmetall Systems Manufacturing in Maine Creates 50,600 jobs statewide, representing a payroll of approximately $2.7B, or 13% of the entire state's payroll Total State Payroll $2.7B / 13% Article P H O T O / A M E R I C A N R H E I N M E TA L L S Y S T E M S MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' MAKERS' C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L O W I N G PA G E ยป