Pasadena Acknowledges Its Manufacturers

Pasadena, Texas, is a major industrial hub, known for its contributions to the manufacturing industry in the petrochemical, aerospace, solar panels, and industrial equipment sectors. We would be remiss if we didn’t thank them for stimulating and leading Pasadena’s economic growth and stabilizing the workforce as we end National Manufacturing Month.

The manufacturing industry creates careers full of opportunities for advancement and stability. Manufacturing jobs are no longer just dirty, dark, dangerous environments with monotonous tasks. As technology advances, including AI, so does modern manufacturing and the need for manufacturing plants. Schools S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs support and contribute to the modern manufacturing industry. From the vocationally taught to innovative thinkers skilled at problem-solving, the manufacturing industry is the workforce gift that keeps giving. “There no such thing as a low-skilled job in manufacturing anymore,” NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray.

Manufacturing Month Then and Now

In October 2012, Manufacturing Day started as a national grassroots movement to empower manufacturers to unite, address their challenges, and build excitement about manufacturing careers. Since then, Manufacturing Day has been honored annually on the first Friday of October, when manufacturing businesses open their doors to students, families, and the community in an effort to spark excitement and future commitment.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), as of 2024, the manufacturing industry:

• 13M are employed by 244K manufacturers in the U.S. 
• $102,629K is the average annual earnings for manufacturing employees.
• $2.91T, yes trillion, added to the U.S. economy in Q2 of 2024.
• $1.6T, yes trillion, generated from manufactured goods exported in 2023.

According to NAM’s Texas stats:

• 924.9K are employed by 20K Texas manufacturers.
• $105,699K is the average annual earnings vs. $82,217K non-farm average.
• $269B, yes billion, added to the Texas economy.

With numbers like these, it stands to reason why Texas celebrates Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month.  

Ending Manufacturing Month

Whether in or out of Texas, remember to thank your local manufacturers this month and beyond. Today’s typical manufacturing roles far exceed what they once were and now include quality control, computing, and sustainability as companies seek ways to produce customary items that positively coexist with natural environments. 

Power with Pasadena

Pasadena is the home of powering possibilities. Whether expanding, relocating, or considering a new start, Pasadena, Texas, has space for you. Our target industries range from petrochemical value chains to health care to retail, restaurants, hotels, and more.  As the second-largest city in the Greater Houston Metro Area, Pasadena offers a variety of facilities and incentives that make starting a business here a breeze. You are sure to prosper in Pasadena. Contact Pasadena EDC today to power your possibilities.