KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Industrial economist Dr. Brian Long said the west Michigan economy is still outpacing the state and the nation when it comes to production and job growth, but not so much in May.
Long’s monthly survey of local economic indicators was essentially flat in May. He said it may be due to the latest numbers out of Detroit. Sales numbers for the big three automakers dipped in May because of two fewer selling days, in addition to other reasons.
Long said most plants are at or near capacity and the only real shortage is manpower.
He says about 80,000 skilled trades jobs are going unfilled because no one is trained to do them and they are even having trouble finding qualified people for factory work.
Long expects the economy to start growing again this summer.
