Ups, Downs in Manufacturing

July 21st, 2008 at 11:49am Bob Trojan

In this week’s BusinessRockford.com and its Economic Index, it’s unfortunate that the headlines don’t match reality.

I think by now, most of us realize that the Rock River Valley no longer has the large manufacturing firms that once dotted our landscape and filled our workforce. We are now mostly small to medium sized companies employing 100 or fewer employees. Yes, we still have a few larger ones, such as Chrysler.

Unfortunately, when a Chrysler lays off 1,100 employees locally, it tends to distort the positive impact of the many remaining small to medium sized manufacturing companies. For the most part, these companies are still enjoying good, steady business and some are still growing.  Some are still looking for engineers and factory employees.

So if you only read the headlines, you are not getting the correct view of what is really taking place. Manufacturing is more healthy that headlines indicate. Further, most of these companies are locally or family owned and not subject to the pressures that Wall Street gives to the big guys who are more concerned about their stock prices than the basics like customer service. Yes, we have our challenges, but there is nothing wrong with being a successful niche player!

So just ask around, as I do, and you’ll hear a different story than the headlines lead you to believe.

Entry Filed under: People, Productivity, Economy