Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | M | Mississippi Business Journal

Manufacturing can remain competitive in the U.S.

Article Excerpt
Job losses in manufacturing were severe in the late 1990s and early part of the 21st Century. But that in no way means that the U.S. is destined to lose all of its manufacturing to locations overseas that have cheap labor.

"Manufacturing has been going through a transition for some time now," said Jay Moon, president of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. "There is no question about it. Some of the industries that have been in the Deep South including Mississippi that rely on unskilled labor, those jobs are continuing to migrate to other places in the world. But, a whole vast range of manufacturing opportunities remains. Those are strengthening and doing well."

Manufacturing employment in Mississippi peaked in the 1990s at approximately 220,000, and has declined to the currently level of 185,000. Once nearly a quarter of the state's employment, manufacturing now represents 16% of employment in the state.

Moon said there is no question that manufacturing is improving: The number of closures has dropped off dramatically this year. And the Mississippi Development Authority's reports indicate that a large number of existing manufacturers are investing significant amounts of capital funds in their facilities, which is always a positive sign. Some new industries have been attracted to the state, as well.

"People I have talked to have said orders are picking up," Moon said. "It is...