Analysis projects manufacturing will lead job growth in Oklahoma

For every 100 new manufacturing jobs, 240 additional jobs will be created in the state, researchers at Southwestern Oklahoma State University found in analysis sponsored by Oklahoma 21st Century.

“The data shows manufacturing not only is alive and well in Oklahoma, but also the sector will create thousands of new jobs for Oklahomans,” said Mike Seney, executive director of Oklahoma 21st Century.

Based on 2009 data, nearly 4,500 state manufacturers today employ 130,000 Oklahomans, and have an overall economic annual impact of $41.826 billion on the state's gross state product, the report shows.

Though Oklahoma's manufacturing sector is down with the recession, Seney said, it hasn't taken the hit other states have. His foundation's initial report, based on 2007 data, numbered manufacturing jobs at 151,000, Seney said. But between then and now, that number has dipped as low as 124,000, he said.

“Because of our diversification of industries following the oil bust, we haven't had as dire manufacturing losses as other states,” Seney said.