For Manufacturers

Why Manufacturing?

Manufacturing is the third largest industry sector in the Western New York region. The five-county region of Western New York including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara County served by Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) includes over 1,615 manufacturers, employing 70,000 people and generating $26.8 billion in manufacturing shipments per year.  Manufacturing in the WNY region accounts for 12% of the total workforce which is well beyond the 8% national average. Over the next 10 years, industry estimates indicate that, due to retirements and growth, there will be a substantial shortage of qualified employees to fill this gap. Without a concerted effort through a private, public and education partnership to address the manufacturing workforce demand, the Western New York economy will be devastated, leaving manufacturers unable to produce, grow, and meet the challenges of competing in our global economy.

Among the priority skilled job categories are welding, machining, electro-mechanical technician, mechanics, quality assurance inspecting, and electrical and production operations. The average salary in these roles is $50,000 in addition to health insurance, retirement and paid vacation benefits.

An up-turn in the economy, compounded by the re-shoring of manufacturing has helped the sector rebound and gain strength in Western New York.  A reinvigorated manufacturing sector will require a skilled workforce to continue this growth pattern. Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) is addressing the workforce needs of manufacturers through the coordination of stakeholders and resources.