While manufacturing job growth was positive throughout the nation, both Georgia and Missouri saw even more extended rises in comparison.
Georgia saw 7,769 manufacturing jobs added to its ranks in the span of the year from May 2012 to May 2013, with the cities of Atlanta, Dalton and Norcross seeing the most growth, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting. The rise of 1.6 percent for the state was a full percentage point above the national average, with companies including Kia Motors, Starbucks and FPL Food contributing to their success.
Meanwhile, Missouri saw comparable growth in the same period, according to Ozark's First. Citing Manufacturers' News figures, the news source reported that between August 2012 and August 2013, where national growth dropped to .1 percent, the region saw nearly 3300 manufacturing jobs added to their totals, growth of 1.1 percent during the period. That growth was largely thanks to the transportation equipment manufacturing industry, according to Manufacturers News president Tom Dubin, with specific examples coming from General Motors and Leggett & Platt expanding their operations into Wentzville and Carthage, respectively.
Overall, Missouri manufacturers employ more than 366,000 people.