Macomb County took center stage in the manufacturing world last week when the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) parked their event at RCO Engineering in Roseville to deliver the much-anticipated 2024 State of Manufacturing Address. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons was at the helm, giving his annual rundown on the industry's health and forecasting its future. "We travel the country to deliver the NAM’s State of Manufacturing Address," Timmons said. He lauded manufacturers for their contributions, claiming, "we’re driving the American economy forward."
Michigan was chosen for this year's address due to its formidable history in the manufacturing sector, and not by coincidence. According to a release by Macombgov.org, in the speech that was streamed nationwide, Timmons pointed out that "Manufacturing represents more than 10% of the U.S. economy, or $2.9 trillion, and 16% of the economy here in Michigan."
Local bigwig and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel was buzzing with pride having been chosen out of over 600,000 manufacturing companies nationwide for hosting the event. Thrilled by the opportunity, Hackel shared with Macombgov.org his view of the county's deep industrial roots, noting, "The address championed the unrivaled achievements of our 1,600 manufacturers in Macomb, and illustrated how manufacturing is the heartbeat of our economy."
Giving NAM officials a taste of what Macomb County has to offer, tours were arranged following Timmons's address, showcasing local industry giants like Second Nature Brands and Triumph Geared Solutions. The officials were welcomed inside facilities churning out products that ranged from delightful Kar’s Nuts and Sander's confections to complex gearboxes and transmission assemblies vital to the mechanics of our modern world.
Day's snapshots, courtesy of David Bohrer from NAM, immortalized the gathering of industry chiefs and lawmakers alike, ranging from candy shoppe chats in the Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe to getting down and dirty with the inner workings of RCO Aerospace & Engineering. The images can be peeped at through the link provided by Macombgov.org for those who missed the live broadcast or want to soak up the industrious vibe.
