Governor Laura Kelly today convened a call with a group of Kansas Manufacturers to discuss how her administration can support the state’s equipment manufacturing industry as the state moves forward into economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My priority is getting Kansans back to work and back to school – safely,” Governor Kelly said. “Since day one, my administration has worked to grow the manufacturing industry in Kansas. We supported trade agreements like the USMCA, created a dynamic 10-year transportation plan, and have rebuilt our economic development team. Today’s conversation was a great chance to discuss how my administration can support this industry as they take steps to keep their workers safe and healthy.”
The equipment manufacturing industry in Kansas contributes $3.4 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year and directly supports approximately 8,700 Kansas jobs.
On the call, Governor Kelly and manufacturers discussed how COVID-19 has affected their industry – from the economy to their supply chains, operations, and more – and how the Governor’s administration, along with the Kansas Department of Commerce, can help as it rebuilds Kansas’ economy.
“The manufacturing industry is key to our state’s economic health,” Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Commerce is always committed to being a strong partner to Kansas manufacturers and other businesses in fostering new development in our state. That’s why we created the Framework for Growth, our comprehensive strategy to accelerate economic growth as states re-evaluate priorities based on the new normal. And, we’re emphasizing reshoring – encouraging companies to shorten their supply chain to reduce cost and risk. In this and many other ways, we are prepared to meet the new challenges and new opportunities on the horizon.”
Representatives on the call included:
- AGCO (Hesston, KS)
- Deere & Co. (Olathe, KS)
- Great Plains Manufacturing (Salina, KS)
- Kuhn North America, Inc. (Hutchinson, KS)
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers