When people think of Hawaii, they tend to think about warm sunny beaches, palm trees and volcanoes. What they may not realize is the presence of manufacturing in the state and what a huge generator it is for the state’s economy. Manufacturers employed 13,500 workers in Hawaii in May. In addition, manufacturing activity continues to accelerate, with output in the sector growing from $1.3 billion in 2010 to $1.5 billion in 2014. That represents roughly two percent of overall gross state product – a ratio that we anticipate will grow moving forward.
Hawaiian manufacturers continue to explore growth opportunities through increased exports. Indeed, exports of manufactured goods have more than doubled in recent years, expanding from $543.0 million in 2010 to $1.24 billion in 2014. The top destinations for these products include (in order, as of 2014 data): Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and Panama.
Of course, we know that manufacturing provides good-paying jobs for all Americans. Nationally, the average manufacturing worker earns $77,506 annually including benefits. Hawaii’s manufacturing economy, while a 14-hour plane ride away from the continental U.S., is no exception. For this reason, Hawaii has doubled down on its focus to grow manufacturing in the state.
In fact, Hawaii’s Governor David Ige signed legislation providing $2 million in grants to assist manufacturing development. Businesses throughout the Aloha State will, no doubt, benefit from this new program. By making manufacturing a priority, Hawaii will continue increase its opportunity for company growth, product growth and global market competition.