Multimedia series highlights resilience in America’s industrial heartland

The importance of the manufacturing sector and its workers past, present, and future has been made even clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic, when American manufacturers have been asked to step up to produce the things their country needs.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland has published a three-part multimedia storytelling series, “Manufacturing under Pressure,” that weaves together observations, thoughts about the sector’s future, and family stories from roughly 20 people, including the insights of Cleveland Fed researchers.

Produced during the past year in light of continued changes to the manufacturing sector, the series features 16 data visualizations, photography, and videography that offer a glimpse into what U.S. manufacturing looks like, highlighting the resilience of workers, companies, and communities.

Part I examines changes to the manufacturing industry and the debate about trade versus automation. Part II explores the critical need for talent and the difficulty attracting people to manufacturing work. Part III shows how cities such as Grand Rapids, Mich., and Pittsburgh have evolved and how manufacturers are changing.