Celebrating Manufacturing Month in Broken Arrow
October marks Manufacturing Month, a time to honor the ingenuity, skilled labor, and economic impact of the manufacturing sector, especially here in Broken Arrow!
Why Manufacturing Matters in Broken Arrow
- Third-largest manufacturing hub in Oklahoma: With around 300 manufacturing plants spanning aerospace, heat exchangers, combustion equipment, medical-grade glass, and more, Broken Arrow ranks third in the state behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
- These firms support about 5,490 local jobs and contribute $771.1 million annually to our local economy.
- Manufacturing employee wages in Broken Arrow totaled approximately $375 million, with an average salary of $62,000 per year, roughly 85% higher than the national manufacturing average.
- At the regional level, manufacturing accounted for $762 million of Broken Arrow’s gross regional product in 2023, the largest share among all sectors.
The Many Faces of Manufacturing Jobs
Manufacturing in Broken Arrow is not just numbers, it’s people, skills, and innovation:
Manufacturing’s Ripple Effect Across Industries
Broken Arrow’s manufacturers touch a wide web of sectors beyond just metals and machinery:
- Aerospace – FlightSafety International produces flight simulators with over 675 employees, half engineers
- Energy and environmental technology – Companies like Zeeco specialize in combustion and environmental systems, and McElroy, Alfa Laval, Continental Industries serve oil, gas, water, and food industries
- Food systems and cold chain – Blue Bell Creameries creates local jobs and recently expanded its 100,000 ft² cold storage facility with a $78 million investment
- Medical and glass – Advanced glass manufacturing for medical applications contributes to regional health infrastructure
- Transportation and distribution – Parts manufacturing, metal fittings, and logistics support operations across Oklahoma and beyond.
Beyond Broken Arrow: Statewide and National Impact
The momentum in Broken Arrow reflects broader trends:
- Statewide: Manufacturing represents 10 % of Oklahoma’s private employment, delivering ~$19 billion in annual output and a 46 % export growth since 2000
- Nationally: U.S. manufacturing contributes ~$2.65 trillion to GDP, employs ~13 million Americans, and accounts for 10.3 % of national GDP. Over $1.6 trillion in manufactured goods were exported in 2022, with the vast majority coming from small-to-midsize firms
Supporting Our Local Economy and Workforce
Broken Arrow is proud to champion its manufacturing sector through workforce development, infrastructure, and incentive programs:
- Tulsa Technology Center offers certifications in CNC machining, welding, logistics, and more, preparing students for high-growth roles
- Public support includes mayoral proclamations, state and federal trade resources, and local incentives to expand capacity and global reach
How You Can Get Involved
As Manufacturing Month unfolds, the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation invites manufacturers, educators, students, and community members to celebrate:
- Tour local plants – experience the innovation and teamwork driving our economy.
- Attend workshops or career events – learn about jobs in robotics, automation, logistics, and engineering.
- Partner with schools – encourage the next generation through apprenticeships, internships, and STEM outreach.
Manufacturing continues to be a pillar of Broken Arrow’s economic vitality by driving innovation, skilled employment, and community prosperity. Let’s build on this momentum… together!
