The manufacturing industry in the state of Nebraska is getting some new direction. Four major manufacturing groups have come together to form 'Made in Nebraska Alliance' in an attempt to advance the industry.

The four groups include The Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council, Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska’s affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. 

Scott Volk, Chair-elect of  Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council said, “Nebraska has a huge opportunity to be a high-tech leader in the manufacturing space in the world. And this alliance is going to allow us to put the resources together to make sure that happens.” 

The new alliance is promoting manufacturing as a high-tech destination for science and technology students. The Alliance's ultimate goal is to increase jobs in manufacturing for the state and become a worldwide leader for manufacturing technology. 

Manufacturing is the second largest industry for the state only behind agriculture. 1 out of every 10 people is employed in manufacturing. 

Jim Smith, president of Blueprint Nebraska and chairman of the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, said manufacturing is "part of the fabric of our communities."

"It supports our producers and provides good-paying jobs. The stability of the sector has helped bring us through the pandemic," Smith said. "And now, manufacturing is playing the critical role of tech-accelerator. It’s time to up our ante in this sector.”