Manufacturing and making "stuff" has always been cool. For years, our economy lost manufacturers to relocation and to places where the cost of production was inexpensive. Even after adding in the expense of transportation and distribution, some pulled up stakes and went elsewhere.

Although Delaware has lost some of its better-known manufacturing “brands” like Chrysler and General Motors, we’ve experienced steady growth in this sector amongst smaller or mid-sized manufacturers. While most are not household names because they don’t run television ads that appeal directly to consumers, they’re the hidden gems in industrial parks and commercial developments. Together, these companies make manufacturing Delaware's third largest sector.

Hosted by our Delaware Manufacturing Association, the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference is scheduled for the morning of March 16th. We are focusing on a number of interesting topics including the talent needed to fill manufacturing jobs, the biopharmaceutical industry and its growth here in Delaware, as well as trends happening here and elsewhere that might shape our playbook for the future. Governor Carney and NIIMBL Institute Director Dr. Kelvin Lee will be our keynote speakers. Click here to register and participate in this virtual event!

Manufacturers in Delaware account for 6.30% of the total output in the state, employing 5.84% of the workforce.

Monday is a holiday and most markets are closed. On Tuesday, we’ll see the S&P Case-Shiller home index results for December, FHFA home price index for December, and the February Consumer confidence index. On Thursday, insights on the early February jobs situation will be released in addition to Gross Domestic Product figures from Q4 of 2021 and January new home sales. Friday will be the busiest day of the week for economic data and reports. January personal income, spending, and core inflation reports are out then as well. Real disposable income and consumer spending data from January will be released too.

Companies with earnings calls this week include Caesars Entertainment, Agilent Technologies, Fluor, Home Depot, Krispy Kreme, Public Storage, and Toll Brothers on Tuesday. Lowe’s kicks us off on Wednesday, along with Barclays, Chesapeake Utilities, Overstock.com, and Molson Coors Beverage. Alamo Group, Alibaba Group Holding, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Beyond Meat, Carvana, Moderna, Planet Fitness, Lending Tree, and MoneyGram International round out the short week.

Bay to Bay News

Delaware Business Times

Delaware Online