Mayor Barrett proclaims "Milwaukee Manufacturing Day"

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett spent Monday morning, October 14th recognizing the manufacturing industry and proclaiming it "Milwaukee Manufacturing Day."

Manufacturing plays a big role in Milwaukee's economy and provides a lot of jobs.

"The Milwaukee region is among the top manufacturing centers in the entire country ranking number 2 among the nation's top 50 metros for the percentage of its workforce in manufacturing," said Mayor Barrett.

But many companies are struggling to find skilled labor, and some qualified individuals are having a tough time finding a job.

To help solve this problem, Mayor Barrett started the Mayors Manufacturing Partnership in 2012.

"Which takes workers and takes employers and trains them for specific jobs. Jobs that already exist for that manufacturer already," said Barrett.

Manufacturing companies such as Solaris have hired many people through this training program.

"It's bridging that divide and how do you connect great people who are eager to work hard, eager to advance within a company and put them with great companies that are going to give them that opportunity," said Solaris President Kyle Weatherly.

Mayor Barrett is using his proclamation to educate people about this program and the benefits of joining the manufacturing industry.

"In 2011, the average manufacturing worker in the United States earned $77,060 annually, which includes pay and benefits. That is a family supporting job," said Mayor Barrett.

So far, the Mayors Manufacturing Partnership has advanced the careers of more than 800 people.

For more information on joining the Mayors Manufacturing Partnership visit: