He also did some work with a manufacturing firm.

In 1988, he returned to Kansas to head a manufacturing firm.

And before that, president of a big manufacturing firm - doesn't say here what they manufactured.

With the development of commerce, a few large manufacturing firms appeared.

About 4 out of 10 jobs were in manufacturing firms.

Today a range of manufacturing firms still operate within the town.

But manufacturing firms were hit hard, especially those in the garment industry.

At the same time the decline of the small manufacturing firm has been just as dramatic.

"We expect five small manufacturing firms to go in, creating 200 jobs," he said.

Most manufacturing firms have also been able to reduce their costs by 15 to 20 percent over the same period.