The Midwest has a mixed reputation, depending on where you’re located in the United States. Twelve states comprise the Midwest, though they are sometimes lumped in with states just outside their geographical confines where they share similar tales of perceived misfortune. Whether jeered as hosting a number of flyover states that are excluded from the typical list of tourist destinations, or lamented as the rust belt after manufacturing was drained from the region, any mention of the Midwest can tend to evoke a somber or melancholy frame of mind.
However, when you speak to Midwesterners, most would take exception to the stereotypes and sympathetic gestures. Like the rest of the country, the region has experienced periods of economic downturn. However, the Midwest has persevered and adapted to the changing times. The decline of the auto industry when plants closed down and jobs were lost symbolizes the economic woes of a bygone era. Manufacturing is the leading industry in the Midwest today, with agriculture following behind as the second major industry. Local companies continue to contribute to the manufacturing effort like Tway Lifting, with plants in Indiana.
Manufacturing is an essential cornerstone of the economy and the job market. The industry gives an opportunity to workers without college degrees and typically has higher pay than other industries that employ non-college educated workers. Also, the manufacturing sector is again gaining prominence as a strong performer in the U.S. economy. The Midwest leads other regions in the United States with its manufactured products in high demand on a global scale.
Another natural resource in the Midwest is further boosting manufacturing efforts. Renewable energy is another key industry in the Midwest, with wind energy companies on the rise. The great windswept plains of the Midwest have set the stage to translate wind into a source of energy that can be used to advance the strides that manufacturing has already made in the region.
This positive news for manufacturing in the Midwest doesn’t necessarily mean that the U.S. is continuing on the same arc on a global scale. For decades, the U.S. led the world in manufacturing, but China has leapfrogged to the top, as the U.S. moves toward a more service-based economy focused on financial services and health care. The high cost of living in the United States drives higher wages for workers, which makes some manufactured goods less competitive. However, as standards of living improve across the globe, wages are increasing, which means there’s the potential for jobs to come back to the U.S., which is a trend that’s already in play.
Policies of the various presidential administrations have a direct impact on manufacturing, as legislation is passed regarding corporate tax rates, tariffs, and free trade agreements. The goal is always job creation and stability, but a strong economy is generally the best indication of the success of these policies. The United States has a long history of steadfastness and a resilient workforce. The ability to adapt to the fluid nature of a global economy will be the key to continued prosperity. Manufacturing has managed to keep its foothold from the beginning, even though the products may have evolved.
