Illinois manufacturers the focus of statewide tour

[October 10, 2023]  By Andrew Hensel | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers and officials from the Illinois Manufacturers' Association continued their week-long bus tour on Monday, hoping to highlight the value of the industry.

The "Makers On The Move" bus tour started at The Boeing Company in Mascoutah on Friday, Oct. 6, and made stops Monday in Springfield, Jacksonville and Peoria.

"'Makers on the Move' tour is designed to shine a spotlight on our dynamic and diverse industry. With tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs available in Illinois, there's no better time to pursue a career in this revolutionary field," said Mark Denzler, president of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "We look forward to connecting with a new generation of manufacturing leaders who will move our state and nation forward."

The manufacturing industry in Illinois is estimated to generate about $600 billion in economic activity annually for the state and employs more than 600,000 workers.

At a stop in Springfield Monday, Denzler spoke of the importance of manufacturing in Illinois and throughout the country.

"Manufacturing built our nation and continues to do so today, and manufacturers are hiring," Denzler said. "Manufacturing is the greatest driver of economic progress, wealth and innovation in our nation. It makes the world a better place."

A working making donuts at Mel-O-Cream in Springfield, Illinois - BlueRoomStream

Denzler said they are looking to improve their workforce.

"We need to change the perception of manufacturing to attract the next generation of talent," Denzler said. "Too many people think of manufacturing as dark, dirty and dangerous, but nothing can be further from the truth."

State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, joined the officials and said she is doing her part to spread the word of manufacturing.

"I am really excited to say I am working very closely with high schools, community colleges and universities to mirror and bring together those two things so that we do get the best-skilled workforce that we can possibly get," Turner said.

Denzler also addressed the United Auto Workers strike, which has taken place throughout the country and at two Illinois plants.

"We hope that it gets settled sooner than later. Illinois has a very strong automotive supply chain with thousands of jobs and these are good paying jobs," Denzler said. "I think Ford has made a very strong offer, but ultimately we hope that gets settled and everyone gets back to work."