Made Locally, Utilized Globally

BY JOHN GOODEN AND RUSTYN STOOPS

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING within the manufacturing sector in Delaware and last year was a busy one for the Delaware Manufacturing Association (DMA), an affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The DMA strives to enhance the competitiveness of Delaware manufacturers; serves as manufacturers’ advocate at the state and local government level; advises the State Chamber on topics that specifically impact manufacturers such as government regulation, trade, and tax policy; and sponsors events focused on manufacturer’s needs.

The DMA’s signature event is the Spring Manufacturing and Policy Conference. The half-day conference was held at Delaware Technical Community College’s Terry Jr. Campus in Dover and featured keynote remarks from Governor John Carney and Bill Keller, managing director and senior investment strategist at Bank of America. They discussed the state of manufacturing in Delaware, ways to improve the state’s economic climate and support manufacturers’ growth, and the top issues impacting the industry such as fluctuating energy prices, inflation, and scarcity of resources.

This conference in 2024 will feature a new twist—the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Delaware contest. Delaware may be small geographically, but the manufacturing sector is anything but small— Delaware is home to major pharmaceutical companies, advanced manufacturing facilities, medical equipment manufacturers, large food processing companies, and more. We make many cool products right here in Delaware that have global impacts and meet the needs of consumers worldwide, like chemicals, aircraft parts, paper and metal products, biopharmaceuticals, space suits, and so much more.

The contest will highlight Delaware’s vibrant and diverse manufacturing industry and the excellent career opportunities that exist within the sector. Designed as an online, March Madness-like bracket competition, public voting will determine the finalists each round. The winner will be revealed at the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference in March.

Despite some misconceptions, the manufacturing industry in Delaware is strong and growing. Delaware’s low cost of doing business, central location, and skilled workforce position the state as a center for manufacturing. With output of nearly $5.6 billion, the industry is a major force in Delaware’s economy and the third-largest traded sector. According to the Delaware Department of Labor, as of October 2023, the industry employs approximately 28,000 workers in Delaware, which is up almost 2,000 people from 2022.

Manufacturers also offer individuals great paying careers. Based on NAM’s most recent data, the average annual compensation nationally for manufacturers is $83,882. Manufacturing is the backbone of the Delaware economy and the foundation of the middle class.

In 2024, with the DMA’s guidance the State Chamber will continue to advocate for manufacturers. We’ll highlight the opportunities that exist within the industry right here in the First State and advocate to support manufacturers’ interests in Dover so they can continue to support Delaware’s economy and serve consumers worldwide.