Manufacturing employment in Arizona declined over the past year, according to the 2014 Arizona Manufacturers Directory, an industrial database and directory published by Manufacturers' News Inc. (MNI). MNI reports that Arizona lost 499 manufacturing jobs from April 2013 to April 2014 and is now home to 5,202 manufacturers employing 216,094 workers.
"Defense department cuts and global competition, particularly in the solar/wind industries, have affected many manufacturing companies in Arizona," says Tom Dubin, MNI president. "However, given its favorable regulatory environment and its skilled labor pool, the state remains a top candidate for major projects such as Tesla's 'gigafactory.'"
Industrial locations announcing closures included Suntech's solar panel facility in Goodyear, Southwest Windpower's Flagstaff wind turbine plant and a PaperWorks Industries folding carton plant in Phoenix.
Manufacturing sectors in Arizona reporting losses included paper products, stone/clay/glass, furniture/fixtures, lumber/wood and electronics.
Transportation equipment remains the state's largest industrial sector by employment with 31,128 jobs. Industrial machinery ranks second with 26,832 jobs, while fabricated metals is third with 26,117 jobs.
Gains were reported in metal mining, rubber/plastics and food products. Other bright spots for Arizona's manufacturing sector included Apple's plans to open a facility in Mesa, bringing a potential 2,000 jobs to the state. In addition, Vermont-based Commonwealth Dairy announced plans to open a new plant in Casa Grande, and snack maker Leclerc Foods will expand its facility in Phoenix.
MNI's city data shows that Phoenix remains the state's top city for manufacturing employment with 72,720 workers. Tucson was second with 32,044 jobs, followed by Chandler, which is home to 22,703 manufacturing jobs.
For more information, visit www.manufacturersnews.com.