Gov. Walker talks manufacturing at summit in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker on Wednesday, October 9th attended the Manufacturing and Distribution Summit for the announcement of the 2013 McGladrey Manufacturing and Distribution Monitor survey results.  The survey gathered information about business conditions, company costs, workforce skills, and growth prospects.

“The results of the 2013 McGladrey survey indicate Wisconsin is on the right track in moving our economy forward,” Governor Walker said.  “Manufacturers and distributors in the state are optimistic about the economic outlook of Wisconsin.  We will continue working day in and day out to improve the business climate in Wisconsin so job creators have the confidence they need to hire and expand in the state."

The 2013 McGladrey Manufacturing and Distribution Monitor used an online questionnaire to gather its data.  Forty-eight Wisconsin companies participated in the survey which also gathered results from companies around the United States.

Results from the 2013 survey indicate that manufacturers and distributors are optimistic about their growth prospects for the coming year, but they are concerned about economic conditions and various regulatory hurdles.  Responses from Wisconsin businesses demonstrated a more positive outlook within the state than on the national level.  Seventy-one percent of Wisconsin employers predict favorable changes in employee levels in the next 12 months.  Additionally, 86 percent believed that their net income would increase or remain the same in the year to come.

Manufacturing is a growing industry in Wisconsin.  The approximately 9,400 manufacturing companies employ nearly 450,000 workers across the state.  Wisconsin had the nation’s sixth-highest gain in manufacturing jobs in 2011-12 with over 19,300 manufacturing jobs added.  The manufacturing industry accounts for 19.9 percent of Wisconsin’s gross product and resulted in $49.9 billion in gross state product in 2012.