Gov. Whitmer Highlights Michigan’s Trade, Transportation, Utility, Mining, and Logging Job Growth 

8,900 more jobs in these key industries since governor took office 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted growth in Michigan’s trade, transport, utility, mining, and logging industries since she took office. 

“Michigan’s distinct geographic advantages position our state as a center for trade and a hub of natural resources ensuring that we have the momentum to keep growing our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “In the last few years, we have grown our trade, transportation, and utility workforce and our mining and logging industries. which and have strong momentum as our manufacturing workforce grows. There is still plenty of work to do to grow both of these industries, and I will work with anyone to ensure hardworking Michiganders have paths to land high-skill construction or manufacturing jobs with good pay and great benefits. Let’s keep getting it done.” 

Trade, Transportation, and Utility Sector Growth 

Before the governor took office, Michigan had 794,300 jobs in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector. As of August 2022, there are 802,700 jobs in the sector, a gain of 8,400 jobs. This broad sector includes jobs in air, rail, and truck transportation, retail jobs selling furniture, cars, groceries, gas, and clothes, and utility workers who keep our water and power on. 

“Consumers Energy and other Michigan energy providers are forces for change and offer opportunities for rewarding careers that are transforming our state,” said Cathy Hendrian, Senior Vice President of People and Culture at Consumers Energy. “We are developing new clean energy solutions, from solar and wind energy to battery storage and electric vehicles, that will not only continue to grow our industry but help Michigan innovate and lead the nation.” 

Mining and Logging 

Before the governor took office, Michigan had 7,300 mining and logging jobs. As of August 2022, there are 7,800 jobs in the sector, a gain of 500 jobs. This sector includes forestry, oil and gas extraction, and natural resource mining—including metals like copper. 

“Michigan is rich with critical minerals to support the transition away from fossil fuels, said Matt Johnson, Manager of External Relations for Eagle Mine. “Currently, Michigan is the only state in the country mining and processing nickel, which is required to manufacture electric vehicle batteries. New technologies being researched by Michigan’s universities will help make the mining industrial more sustainable and keep these essential materials in the United States; sustaining jobs and creating new jobs in Michigan’s rural communities.” 

“Michigan has abundant and diverse forests across the state which provide the renewable raw material for our diverse forest products industries,” said Bill O’Brion, General Manager at Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands. “These industries produce a wide array of products ranging from bioenergy to paper, lumber, flooring, and furniture. The skilled workers in our manufacturing, logging and transportation sectors are the backbone of our industry. The good news is we continue to grow more wood than we use in the state, so there is ample opportunity to continue to expand the forest products economy and the jobs it creates.” 

###