The Manufacturing Industry Can Grow in East Metro MSP

Manufacturing is the third-largest industry in Washington County, Minnesota. It supports more than 11,000 jobs with an average annual wage of $75,300. These regional statistics align with statewide averages. According to the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA), 11% of the state’s workforce is employed in manufacturing, totalling 320,000 workers.

“Minnesota has a wide variety of manufacturing firms,” says Chris Eng, Economic Development Director for the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA). “Our local firms develop tech, food, healthcare, energy, and wood products for the nation and abroad.”

October is National Manufacturing Month and an excellent opportunity to reflect on the value this industry provides to the community. Here’s why manufacturing thrives in East Metro MSP. 
98.6% of Manufacturing Companies Are Small Businesses

There’s a common misconception that manufacturing companies require large warehouses and hundreds of employees to operate successfully. In reality, the vast majority of manufacturing firms (98.6%) are small businesses with less than 500 employees. In fact, 75.3% of manufacturing companies have fewer than 20 employees.

This data is also reflected in East Metro MSP, where 95% of businesses have fewer than 50 employees and 86% have fewer than 20. At its core, Washington County is a small business community.

The Washington County CDA does its best to support these businesses by sharing resources to help firms find the funding, upskilling, and tools needed to succeed. From hiring trained employees to navigating the permit process to expand their operations, the CDA is ready to support local companies. 

Washington County Has a Highly-Skilled Labor Pool

Washington County is home to 99,098 employed workers, but hiring managers can also tap into a much larger labor pool. The Twin Cities metro area has a population of 3.76 million, many of whom are a short commute from Washington County.

Not only is the labor pool large, but it is also educated. Minneapolis is frequently named one of the most educated cities in the United States, with 20.7% of the population having a graduate or professional degree and 31.5% having a bachelor’s degree.

These education numbers keep up with the needs of modern manufacturing. According to the Manufacturing Institute, hiring is one of the biggest challenges of the industry. Notably, skill requirements are evolving as companies need workers with more digital and soft skills. The high education rate in East Metro MSP means manufacturers can find employees who have the skills they need or who are ready to learn. 

Washington County is in an Excellent Location

Companies that operate in East Metro MSP can enjoy several location advantages that make it easy to establish or expand their operations. Washington County accounts for a large area outside of Minneapolis, allowing for ample room for businesses to spread out.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is easily accessible and was named the Best Airport in America for the third straight year. MSP is the 19th busiest airport in the United States, offering 131 domestic and 32 international destinations on 18 commercial airlines. Companies that send sales teams and executives to meet clients will enjoy calling this airport home.

Additional infrastructure benefits for manufacturing companies in Washington County include easy proximity to I-35 and I-94 for interstate freight and access to BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway lines. Businesses can also collect materials and ship goods out of the nearby Duluth Seaway Port Authority, which handles 35 million tons of cargo annually.

The value of East Metro MSP’s location is already proven. One-third of wood products manufactured in Minnesota are produced in Washington County. This is a key industry for the region.  

Minnesota manufacturing firms are responsible for creating essential items that move America forward. From automotive parts to aerospace technology and agricultural equipment, East Metro MSP can help manufacturers establish their operations and support clients across the country – and the globe. 

Learn More About Manufacturing in East Metro MSP

There are several opportunities for manufacturers in East Metro MSP and employees who work in this field. Discover business opportunities for companies that expand here and workforce resources for job seekers exploring new careers. The Washington County CDA can help your organization get settled or expand, depending on its goals. Your manfauctuing business has a future here.