By Christopher R. Griffin and Sarah Messa
Guest columnists
From the assembly line to the latest breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing, Michigan remains the engine that drives American innovation. Today, we are at the forefront of an industrial revolution — one defined by innovative technology, sustainable production, and a diverse workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
In fact, Michigan created more than 148,000 new manufacturing jobs from 2009 to 2023 — an increase of 32% — thus remaining a national leader in manufacturing job creation and outpacing most other states, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, manufacturing is the largest sector of the Michigan economy, accounting for one-sixth of state’s non-farm jobs, as well as one-sixth of gross state product.
Most importantly, as we celebrate this year’s Manufacturing Week, the approximately $100 billion that the State of Michigan generates annually in total manufacturing output represents significant new investment in advanced technologies and new facilities that offer great-paying jobs. These investments are helping transform how we build the products of tomorrow. Michigan manufacturers are leading the way in smart factories, where real-time data analytics and precision engineering are increasing both efficiency and safety.
USG is proud to continue to make products in Michigan — our operations here in the state predate Ford. We exist to help our global customers more easily, safely, and affordably create sustainable and accessible spaces for all. Our advanced gypsum-based building materials made right here in Michigan are used in health care and corporate offices, as well as apartments and college campuses in metro Detroit and across the state.
Recent USG projects include working with Pontiac Ceiling and Partition for Acadia Health in West Bloomfield and for South Fifth Student Housing at the University of Michigan. We also worked closely with Southfield-headquartered Barton Malow, including the Ford HUB Central Campus Building and, in Detroit, the Joe Louis Apartments and the Hudson Building. As we can see, southeast Michigan is growing!
Great careers await.
Michigan manufacturers appreciate that our modern economy reaches its fullest potential when we can make best use of the skills, training, and productivity of a highly motivated and diverse work force. At USG, we are committed to making this happen at all levels of our company, including at our manufacturing facilities.
Through targeted programs like the USG Manufacturing Leadership Initiative and partnerships with community colleges, we’ve increased the number of women in our workforce over the past five years. These programs offer mentorship, leadership training, and skill certification pathways, making it easier for women and other underrepresented groups to excel in manufacturing careers. As noted in a Detroit News article by Candice Williams, at present, women make up about 28 percent of the manufacturing field in Michigan, slightly below the national average of 30 percent. We know we can continue to do better as a company in bringing women into the manufacturing arena; and we further support the State of Michigan’s efforts to increase manufacturing production and its workforce pipeline, including for skilled workers. We are making similar efforts and progress with Latino, African American and LGBTQ+ candidates.
Moreover, it is abundantly clear that a modern economy must embrace manufacturing to advance the domestic knowledge base, supply a broad range of needed products and materials, and generate gross domestic product. Also, as noted, we can only achieve these goals when we make the best use of the skills, experiences, motivations, and insights of all people in our society. This is especially important as the large population of Baby Boomers is moving into retirement.
We join Governor Whitmer in highlighting the excellent career opportunities in manufacturing, which includes providing all necessary support for students and those already in the workforce to access today’s good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand manufacturing jobs. As we look toward the future, Michigan’s manufacturing sector is not only building the economy of today, but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, globally competitive tomorrow. The future of manufacturing is here in Michigan, and it starts with us.
Christopher R. Griffin is President and Chief Executive Officer, USG (United States Gypsum). Sarah Messa is Plant Manager, USG River Rouge.
Sarah Messa
Originally Published: October 9, 2024 at 1:05 PM EST
