Letters: Manufacturing power fuels Louisiana’s future

October is Manufacturing Month, which is a time to celebrate an industry that often hums quietly in the background but powers nearly every part of our daily lives. From petrochemicals and industrial machinery to food processing and plastics, Louisiana’s manufacturing industry is central to our prosperity.

In Louisiana, we don’t just make things, we make things that matter. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, Louisiana manufacturers add roughly $59.4 billion in value, accounting for about 18.1% of the state’s GDP. At the same time, more than 140,000 Louisianans, with thousands more working in the supply chains and transportation networks, are employed in manufacturing. These are good-paying, high-skill jobs that sustain families and communities from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge to Monroe.

Manufacturing in Louisiana is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about the people and pride. It’s the welders, technicians, engineers and operators who show up every day to turn raw materials into products that move the world forward.

Even with our scale, challenges remain. For example, while manufacturing jobs have hovered in the 140,000-145,000 range in recent months, the sector lost a net 1,470 jobs in the third quarter of 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number suggests headwinds such as supply chain pressures or talent gaps are real. We need to continue investing in education, training and partnerships that help students see the range of careers available in this field. Every parish in the state has a role to play in building that future.

This October, as we celebrate Manufacturing Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the impact this sector has on our communities. Louisiana has always been a state that knows how to build, refine, and create. That’s something worth celebrating, not just this month, but every month of the year.

NATALIE KACZYNSKI

lead of strategic communications, The TJC Group