Tennessee manufacturing employment inched up for a sixth straight year, according to new data collected by Manufacturers' News Inc. (MNI). MNI reports the state added 3,251 jobs over the past year, a 1 percent increase, and is now home to 6,517 manufacturers employing 382,972 people. Manufacturing employment in Tennessee has grown at a steady clip over the past six years, rising 5 percent since October 2011.
"Tennessee’s pro-business environment and generous incentive programs have helped attract a great deal of foreign investment, and existing manufacturers are generally thriving," said Tom Dubin, MNI president. "However, Tennessee’s post-recession growth has largely been based on the auto industry, which now shows signs of slowing, while competition with neighboring states continues to be tough."
