The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons was in Alabama Thursday highlighting the state’s manufacturing industry as part of the NAM State of Manufacturing Tour.
Timmons joined Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield, Business Council of Alabama CEO Billy Canary, employees and business and community leaders to discuss manufacturing’s optimistic future, the rewarding opportunities the industry offers and the urgent need to build a modern manufacturing workforce across the country.
“Innovation is changing the way our industry looks. But it doesn’t change what’s at our core: men and women who have lent their talents to build something bigger than themselves, people finding purpose in making things that matter,” Timmons said. “Manufacturing in America is a confident industry. We’re growing—and the American people want to see manufacturing in this country grow even stronger.
In conjunction with the NAM’s State of Manufacturing Tour, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation naming February 15 “Creators Wanted Day.”
“More people than ever before are employed in the great state of Alabama,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “And as our economic opportunity continues to pick up, we must ensure our workforce is strong and prepared. Here in Alabama, we are bringing our leaders in government, business and education together to make certain our students are receiving the most advanced and appropriate training for career opportunities in industries like manufacturing. We couldn’t be more excited to have the NAM here today showcasing the future of manufacturing and all the opportunities it has to offer.”
Timmons today visited Altec, Inc., a leading equipment producer of electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs and contractor equipment, to discuss manufacturing and its growth in Alabama. During the discussion, Altec Chairman and CEO Lee Styslinger, III, President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) William Canary and Altec staff members explained how manufacturing is thriving in Alabama and providing highly technical and stable jobs.
“Alabama’s economy is strong, and manufacturing is a key driver of our growth,” said President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama William Canary. “Manufacturing facilities account for more than 17 percent of our total output and employ 13.3 percent of our workforce, and these numbers are only expected to grow. The BCA is proud to partner with the NAM to ensure manufacturing job creation and opportunities are robust throughout Alabama.”