U.S. manufacturing added 7,000 jobs in May, offering a welcome sign of resilience after revised April data showed no net job losses or gains.

The broader labor picture also improved. Manufacturing unemployment fell to 458,000 in May, down from 547,000 a year earlier, meaning roughly 89,000 fewer manufacturing workers were unemployed than at the same point last year, a 16% decline.

“Manufacturers are still proving why this sector matters,” said Ryan Augsburger, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “Even in a challenging economy, manufacturing continues to create opportunity, support families and anchor communities. The job is to make sure public policy helps that momentum instead of getting in the way.”

The numbers underscore why workforce policy remains central to manufacturing competitiveness. Ohio’s ability to keep building momentum will depend on strong training pipelines, competitive energy costs, modern infrastructure and a business climate that supports investment and job creation. 6/8/2026