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Gov. Pillen Tours Businesses & Celebrates Manufacturing Month in Nebraska
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen called attention to the vital contribution of manufacturers to Nebraska’s economy by touring two businesses and issuing a proclamation marking October as Manufacturing Month.
“I’ve had the opportunity to tour many manufacturers across the state. They are solving real-world problems through innovation and technology,” said Gov. Pillen. “It is a privilege to acknowledge the work they do and to encourage students to look at the many opportunities available in industries across our state.”
“Manufacturing in Nebraska is such a unique, vital part of our economy. It’s one of the state’s fastest growing industries and produces nearly 12% of Nebraska’s total output, and it’s happening right in our backyard,” stated President of the Nebraska State Chamber, Bryan Slone. “The economic development that manufacturing drives is unparalleled, from the high-tech and high-paying jobs to career opportunities for generations to come.”
Site visits today included Endicott Clay Products and TMCO, Inc. Endicott Clay was among the businesses to make it into the final four of the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” competition coordinated by the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A family-owned company, Endicott Clay makes clay building materials, including bricks, pavers and tiles.
“Innovation, productivity, and workforce solutions are critical to Endicott’s success and the success of Nebraska,” said Ryan Parker, president, and CEO of Endicott Clay. “We are thankful for Gov. Pillen’s leadership on these issues and his advocacy for Nebraska manufacturers.”
At his tour of TMCO, Gov. Pillen recognized the metal manufacturer as the Nebraska State Chamber’s “Manufacturer of the Year.” The company was launched by Roland Temme in 1974. His daughter, Diane Temme Stinton, is the current owner and chief executive officer (CEO).
“We appreciate the Governor’s support of the manufacturing industry as an economic driver for the state. As TMCO works to stay competitive, we continue to invest in technology and training to increase productivity and improve safety, efficiency, and quality. As automation helps stabilize our labor needs, we look forward to adding more high-skilled and higher wage jobs. The future of manufacturing in America is dynamic and full of opportunity,” said Temme Stinton.
Currently, there are more than 2,000 manufacturers across the state, making it the state’s second largest industry with over 107,000 workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nebraska’s current manufacturing employment is the highest in more than 20 years. Annual compensation has also increased, from $62,500 in 2017 to $75,000 today.
Gov. Pillen tours Endicott Clay
Gov. Pillen tours Endicott Clay with President Ryan Parker
Gov. Pillen with TMCO team (L to R): CEO Diane Temme Stinton, President Anwar Rida & Founder Roland Temme
