SPRINGFIELD – October is now known as Manufacturing Month in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) served as chief cosponsor of Senate Resolution 581, which allows Illinois to join other large manufacturing states in the nation to acknowledge the contributions manufacturers make to the state’s economy.

“I am glad to join the Senate in celebrating the women and men who work tirelessly to keep the shelves of our grocery stores stocked, equip our health care workers with the tools to keep Will County’s residents healthy and safe, and keep Illinois strong,” Loughran Cappel said.

Manufacturing generates more than $304 billion in economic output, which contributes the largest share of any industry in to the state’s gross domestic product. Manufacturers employ 550,000 women and men in Illinois at an average salary of $88,691, providing $52 billion in wages and benefits.

Senate Resolution 581 was adopted with bipartisan support.