The future of manufacturing jobs in KY highlighted during tour

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – National manufacturing leaders were in Kentucky Tuesday to discuss the future of manufacturing and job opportunities in the industry.

Kentucky was one stop in the 2018 National Association of Manufacturers State of Manufacturing Tour.

Jay Timmons, the president of the National Association of Manufacturers, and Governor Matt Bevin toured Toyota’s new $80 million Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center in Georgetown.

They also participated in an employee town hall meeting.

The two discussed the future of manufacturing, saying there is an 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,” said Timmons. “Manufacturing in America is a confident industry. We’re growing-and the American people want to see manufacturing in this country grow even stronger.”

Bevin says Kentucky is becoming the nation’s “center of excellence for engineering and advanced manufacturing” and that there are many new opportunities emerging for those entering the workforce.

“Though some may not traditionally associate manufacturing with creativity, the truth is, the industry is driving innovation. Whether it’s programmers, engineers, technicians, coders, craftspeople or marketers, innovators are needed, and Kentuckians have the skills and creativity to answer the call,” said Bevin.

During the tour, Bevin presented a proclamation naming Tuesday, February 13th as “Creators In Manufacturing Day.”