A drive through the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park can show you the strength of manufacturing in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, manufacturing in the state produced $63 billion in total output in 2018, good for almost 20 percent of its gross domestic product. That has helped Wisconsin see the second-highest manufacturing job growth in the country according to government reporting web site The Center Square. That is not surprise to NEW Industries owner Chris Moore, who says he has been investing millions of dollars into equipment and training for his employees just to keep up with demand.

The only thing hindering the further expansion of the business according to Moore is the worker shortage in Door County. Eleven businesses highlighted dozens of open positions at last week’s Door County Manufacturing Day.