Manufacturing Matters
National Manufacturing Week Recognition
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) wants to say a big thank you to its manufacturing industry for National Manufacturing Week!
The gratitude for manufacturers is not limited to one week, though. COED provides year-round support for manufacturers, as well as other industries.
Cherokee County fosters a strong manufacturing community. There are almost 400 advanced manufacturing establishments located in Cherokee County – with a projected 6% growth rate over the next five years. Universal Alloy Corporation, CAIRE Inc., Roytec Industries, Raydeo Enterprises, MSK Covertech, FactoryMation and more call Cherokee home.
The local impact of this extensive industry is huge. More than 45,400 workers in Cherokee are employed in advanced manufacturing.
Advanced manufacturing is identified as one of Cherokee’s target sectors. This industry integrates technology into production processes to increase quality and meet industry specifications or standards. The advanced manufacturing target industry is a cluster of manufacturing that includes automotive, aerospace and medical sectors.
With close proximity to major highways, regional and international airports and the massive Atlanta market, Cherokee is in a perfect geographical position. But it’s the Cherokee people that make a difference for manufacturing corporations. Within a 30-minute drive of the county seat of Canton, there is a population of approximately 519,000.
The skillset and qualifications of Cherokee residents are unmatched. With 42% of residents holding an associate degree or higher, Cherokee is highly educated. This is thanks to the Cherokee County School District and local higher education system; Chattahoochee Technical College even offers certificates in building, manufacturing, engineering technologies and transportation.
COED is also working to strengthen this workforce pipeline with its Workforce Collaborative. This collaborative brings together educators and industry professionals to help bridge the talent gap. You can read more about the Workforce Collaborative here.
Additionally, COED launched the Be Pro Be Proud Georgia initiative that is leading the movement to bring a new generation of pride, progress and professionals to Georgia’s skilled workforce. The Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop tours Cherokee County and the state, bringing skilled trade simulators to high school students.
Be Pro Be Proud highlights 15 high-growth, high-demand careers, including automation, robotics, CAD/CAM drafter, computer programming, CNC operator, machinist, web developer and more. Over three years, the workshop has reached almost 46,000 students, connecting them with technical training and career opportunities.
To read more about what COED is doing for local industries, visit our website cherokeega.org – and happy National Manufacturing Week!