Nebraska's manufacturing jobs rose nearly 2 percent over the past 12 months according to the Nebraska Manufacturers Register, a guide published annually by Manufacturers' News Inc. of Evanston, Ill. MNI reports the Cornhusker State gained 2,086 jobs and 45 plants between July 2005 and July 2006.
"Many of the Nebraska's leading sectors such as the food and agricultural industries are benefiting from the demand for exports from America's heartland," said MNI president Tom Dubin. "While many other states are still losing manufacturing jobs, Nebraska has defied the trend by maintaining a grip on industries that can't be easily outsourced."
Nebraska is now home to 3,174 manufacturing companies employing 132,797 workers, reports the register. MNI's survey profiles both large and small Nebraska manufacturers, including start-up companies with just a few employees.
Omaha remains Nebraska's largest industrial city with 780 companies and 43,782 jobs. Lincoln accounts for 355 companies and 17,322 jobs, while Grand Island represents 112 plants and 7,748 jobs.
According to MNI, the food industry accounts for a majority of Nebraska's manufacturing employment. Meatpacking is Nebraska's top industry by employment, representing 20,905 jobs. The food sector accounts for 400 Nebraska manufacturing plants including Tyson Fresh meats with four statewide locations and 8,600 workers.
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