The semiconductors powering our smartphones. The IV devices delivering life-saving fluids. The peanuts at the ballpark. 

The factories of Infinera, B. Braun, and Bazzini are among about 700 in the Lehigh Valley, a powerhouse of American manufacturing making products that touch every corner of our lives. Those producers drive the largest part of the Lehigh Valley’s economy, providing family-sustaining jobs and creating opportunities for people of all education and skill levels.

During National Manufacturing Month, we explore five facts that show the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing might.

Top 15% Market

Manufacturing represents $9 billion of the Lehigh Valley’s $55.7 billion Gross Domestic Product. That places the Lehigh Valley among the Top 15% of all markets nationwide for manufacturing output.

Job Growth Rate 3x the U.S.

Since 2010, the start of the rebound from the Great Recession, employment in manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley has grown by 28.8%. Nationally, manufacturing jobs have grown by 9.6%. 

“The Lehigh Valley is a manufacturing success story in America,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). “Not only has the region rebuilt its manufacturing base back to being the largest part of our economy but we’ve outpaced national manufacturing job creation by three times.”

Movers & Makers Top Employers

There are 73,732 people employed in making (37,197) and moving (36,535) products in the Lehigh Valley. Making and moving goods ranks as the top employment sector, followed by health care and social assistance.

GDP Exceeds U.S.

The $9 billion in GDP produced by the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturers represents 16% of the region’s economy. Nationally, manufacturing is 12% of GDP. 

Manufacturing makes up the largest part of the Lehigh Valley’s balanced $55.7 billion economy.

Diversity of Makers

Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing economy is diverse and balanced. A mix of large and small companies, including global corporations and internationally recognized brands such as Crayola, Mack Trucks, Olympus, and Martin Guitar, produce a variety of items such as: 

• Semiconductors and optoelectronics
• Food and beverages
• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
• Clothing and other consumer products
• Hydraulic systems
• Chemicals 
• Metal products
• Mineral products
• Plastics
• Building supplies
• National defense components