Sunheat operates primarily in the electric industry within the electrical components sector allowing for creation of innovative products, such as infrared heaters, for global distribution.

A ‘vital economic engine’

Johnson said manufacturing provides a wide variety of career opportunities in Grand Island.

Jobs such as those at Penrose and Sunheat comprise 24% of the Grand Island job market, she said.

Ricketts said Nebraska manufacturers support about 100,000 jobs.