Manufacturing is one of the country’s most vital sectors. It’s responsible for producing the goods that both consumers and businesses use on a daily basis. But while most people are familiar with the general concept of manufacturing, there are some myths about American manufacturing that you shouldn’t believe.
#1) It Doesn’t Create Many Jobs
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. As of March 2017, the American manufacturing industry has employed more than 12.4 million people, making it one of the country’s largest job markets. From managers and line workers to delivery couriers and sales representatives, manufacturing companies have a wide variety of job openings.
#2) Only Small Consumer Products Are Manufactured in the US
U.S. manufacturing companies produce a wide variety of products. Some of the industry’s top products, based on revenue, including petroleum, steel, automobiles, telecommunications, lumber and aerospace, the latter of which is particularly important. With companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Cessna, the United States is the world’s leading aerospace manufacturer.
#3) It’s a Dangerous Industry for Workers
There’s a risk of injury when working in any industry, but the American manufacturing industry has a relative low risk of injury and illness among workers. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that the number of missed work days in the American manufacturing industry due to work-related injury or illness declined by 4% in 2016. This is partly because of newer, safer production techniques used by American manufacturing companies.
#4) Robots Are Replacing Human Workers
There’s no denying the fact that more and more manufacturing companies are investing in automation technology, but that doesn’t mean robots are replacing human workers. As previously stated, 12.4 million Americans work in the American manufacturing industry — a number that’s expected to increase in the months and years to follow.
#5) Manufactured Products Are Becoming More Expensive
Products manufactured by American companies aren’t becoming more expensive. They are actually becoming cheaper. As American manufacturing companies refine their production process and receive new tax breaks, they are able to pass these cost-savings down to buyers in the form of cheaper product prices.
#6) R&D Is a Minor Expense for American Manufacturing Companies
Research and development (R&D) is essential for manufacturing companies. According to Wikipedia, manufacturing companies in the United States spend more on R&D than manufacturers in any other country. As a result, they are able to produce better, more innovative products, thereby giving them a competitive edge in the global market.