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Lawrence is Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the hidden gems in the community. We see the structures and the activity, but unless we are working for the company or directly impacted, we often hear asked, “What is going on there?” In this issue, we highlight some of what’s going on and how important it is to the community; and the tremendous benefits created for the City of Lawrence in having a strong manufacturing sector.
“A lot of people find it surprising how important and how vital it is,” says Steve Kelly, Vice President of Economic Development at the Lawrence Chamber/Economic Development Council of Douglas County. “Quite a number of manufacturers in this community have a significant impact on the economy.”
The importance of manufacturing in the United States cannot be understated. A community with a solid manufacturing base benefits from increased research and development, exploration of innovative ideas, improved processes and productivity, and the creation of new products and jobs. Manufacturing helps raise the standard of living and, most importantly, fuels the U.S. economy. Manufacturing workers are more likely than other workers to have significant, highly valued employer-provided benefits, including medical insurance, retirement benefits, vacation time, sick days, and maternity leave.
Companies such as Allen Press, Amarr Entrematic, Berry Global, Grandstand Glassware & Apparel, Hallmark Cards, ICL, Lawrence Paper Co, Leander LLC, P1 Group, Plastikon, Pretzels Inc, Prosoco, and J.M. Smucker provide good paying jobs, in safe environments with opportunities for employees to advance up the corporate ladder and keep working for one employer the majority of their lives and enjoy the benefits of consist employment for themselves and their families.
Then there are the local startup businesses that start small but grow to become self-sustaining, expanding and creating new jobs. Growing businesses like Blue Collar Press, 1900 Barker Bakery and Café, Caramelo, Central Soyfoods, Mediterranean Market & Café, and Waxman Candles (which has been in business for 50 years).
As usual, we could not cover all of the manufacturing in Lawrence and Douglas County, but we tried to highlight businesses in various sectors and showcase our manufacturing community. Good employers offering a quality of life for their staff and helping enrich our community.
PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.
Shop Local. Shop Baldwin, Eudora, Lecompton, and Lawrence. Shop Douglas County!
Sincerely,
- Ann Frame Hertzog, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
- Steven Hertzog, Chief Photographer/Publisher
