The" Making Kansas Bus Tour" Visits The Capital City
The Making Kansas Bus Tour made a stop in Topeka to hear about the state of the manufacturing industry. Curtis Sneden and Joe Pennington wowed the group of industry leaders and advocates from across the state. The tour is monthlong event, sponsored by the Kansas Manufacturing Council, in partnership with Kansas Manufacturing Solutions and Kansas Chamber of Commerce, highlights the state’s manufacturing industry and the career opportunities.
Mr. Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, said “Although the capital city is correctly regarded as a government hub, the manufacturing sector is poised to take over as an economic engine.” He shared information showing 12,000 people in Shawnee County work in public administration, while 11,500 have jobs in manufacturing and distribution. “Over the last decade, food manufacturing grew here by more than 5% annually,” he reported. “Expect that growth to accelerate because of our competitive advantage of central location and work ethic.”
Alan Cobb, president of Kansas Chamber, said manufacturing jobs bring good wages and quality of life to communities. “Manufacturing workers earn $75,000 per year. Compare that to $46,000 in non-manufacturing jobs.”
At Stevenson Company, tour participants saw examples of innovation on the shop floor. President Joe Pennington demonstrated their flagship product, a spiral chute that transfers food from one conveyor to another inside industrial plants. “These are high end food handling equipment because of the intense craftsmanship that goes into building each one. Every weld you see here is done by a skilled hand. Average tenure around here is about twenty years, and I feel blessed to be surrounded by such talent.”
Mr. Pennington said manufacturers are actively dealing with supply chain issues, even as labor shortages are easing. “Meeting others in the industry has been inspiring. Coming in, I thought we could all commiserate. Instead, we are collaborating. It lifts me up to hear how similar businesses are adapting to challenges in creative ways. One fabricator has partnered with Leavenworth Correctional Facility to train welders for their operation. A vineyard in western Kansas brings in people with developmental disabilities to make wine. How uplifting is that!”
“The Kansas manufacturing industry is responsible for more than 16% of our state’s total economic output,” said Mr. Cobb, “and employs more than 165,000 Kansans. Still, many in our state do not realize the impact the industry has on their communities. We are excited to visit dozens of manufacturers and showcase the many types of products made in Kansas.”
