Minnesota hoping to reverse manufacturing job losses after a September slide

Minnesota posted a third month of overall job growth in September but is targeting a reversal of declines in one major area this month: manufacturing.

In the past year, the state has lost nearly 8,500 manufacturing jobs, including 500 last month as one of four “supersectors” to lose ground, per the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The department deemed manufacturing as a high-growth area — a “critical backbone” of the state’s economy, according to a DEED news release — with more than 93,000 job openings projected there through 2032.

Since October is Manufacturing Month, DEED is highlighting the industry by offering in-person and virtual factory tours to spark interest in future careers.

Angelina Nguyễn, labor market information director for DEED, said September’s manufacturing declines came mostly from durable goods: long-lasting products like cars, appliances and electronics. Jobs in manufacturing of non-durable goods — like food, clothing and gasoline — grew slightly, she said.

In all, Minnesota added 6,300 jobs in September, with DEED Comissioner Matt Varilek saying the state has posted net job growth in nine of the past 12 months.

“We see the economy in Minnesota remaining in a very strong place,” Varilek said.

Four of the the state’s 11 supersectors added jobs: government (3,600 jobs), professional and business services (2,300 jobs), education and health services (1,600 jobs) and trade, transportation and utilities (1,200 jobs).

The private sector added 2,700 jobs for the month, which represented 43% of the state’s employment growth. And beyond manufacturing, financial services (700 jobs), indormation (600 jobs) and other services (600 jobs) all experienced declines.