A new survey shows more than half of Kentucky’s manufacturers plan to add workers in the new year. A total of 184 companies in the state responded to the annual Manufacturing, Wage, and Benefits survey. The survey by the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet finds 52% of manufacturers plan to increase their workforces in 2013, although slightly. Respondents say they anticipate hiring between one and 19 employees.
The average manufacturing salary is $47, 000 a year. Ninety-four percent of the companies offer health insurance to their employees and 92% cover family members, as well.
Sixty-four percent of manufacturers are placing emphasis on education and training in green practices. That’s a ten percent increase from last year’s survey.
Kentucky’s manufacturing sector employs more than 217, 000.