Production lines are gearing back up, and a few
more people are going back to work in
manufacturing here, traditionally among the best-
paying jobs in Tennessee just as the national
employment picture dims again.
"We generally have seen gains this year, and while
the levels are really low, the pattern is at least one of
growth," said University of Tennessee economist Bill
Fox.
A 2 percent increase in factory jobs statewide this
year has largely been driven by a recovering auto
sector, which provides the bulk of Tennessee's
manufacturing work. The growth is particularly
strong among small auto-parts suppliers, whose
fortunes fell over the past two years as big
automakers struggled with poor sales.
"Detroit getting back on its feet is good for
Tennessee," said David Penn, an economist at
Middle Tennessee State University. "Our auto
suppliers produce not only for plants in the state,
but for other states as well."
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100820/BUSINESS01/8200332/Manufacturing+jobs+make+comeback+in+TN