Title
Recognizing October 2018 as Manufacturing Month, and Further Honoring Weber Display and Packaging for their more than 120 years of dedication to the Manufacturing Industry in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Careers in manufacturing are characterized by above average wages and rewarding work with a well-defined career path. There are over 20,000 manufacturing jobs in the City of Philadelphia, yet area manufacturing companies regularly have difficulty filling open positions; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the ongoing work of the Mayor's Manufacturing Task Force, manufacturers, government and nonprofits have started to address the skilled-labor shortage they face, through outreach, education and program development; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia's manufacturing companies add to the vitality and prosperity of our community by providing above average wages and creating family sustainability. Manufacturing makes a significant contribution to the local, state and national economy; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia and the region helps to support an estimated 17.2 million jobs in the United States—about one in six private-sector jobs. Nearly 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, Since 2012, the first Friday in October has been recognized as National Manufacturing Day and has been previously recognized by this body. To celebrate Manufacturing Day, groups locally, regionally, and nationally will sponsor projects and programs designed to create greater awareness and consciousness of the manufacturing sector; and
WHEREAS, This year the City, led by the Office of Industry and Manufacturing, with external partners including the School District of Philadelphia, Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, Philadelphia Works, Weber Display and Packaging, NextFab, Rhoads Industries, First Quality Retail Services, has expanded the celebration to span the month of October; and
WHEREAS, There will be events around the City including tours of local manufacturing facilities for Philadelphia School District students, a manufacturing summit focusing on leadership, talent and culture & technology; a 3D Printing Innovation Challenge that will engage students in using 3D Printing technology to create a Philadelphia attraction presentation; and
WHEREAS, Manufacturing Month aims to communicate the opportunities in the sector and spotlight the range of products made in the City of Philadelphia for fields including aerospace, food and beverage, healthcare, packaging, and technology; and
WHEREAS, Weber Display and Packaging began operations over 120 years ago at a facility on 5th and Locust Streets. David Weber developed multiple patents in corrugated packaging and was an innovator in the industry; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, Weber Display and Packaging was named Philadelphia’s manufacturer of the year. Currently located in Port Richmond, the company continues to expand and thrive and reported highest sales to date in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Weber Display and Packaging is now a 2nd and 3rd generation anchored company thriving on its roots and familial ties and seen tremendous growth. In 1991 the company employed 80 dedicated people and has since expanded its operations to employ 170 workers at the oldest corrugated house in the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the month of October, 2018 as Manufacturing Month in Philadelphia.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Weber Display and Packaging in the City of Philadelphia as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body for their more than 120 years of dedication to the Manufacturing Industry in the City of Philadelphia.
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