IT IS time to dispel a myth. To paraphrase Mark Twain, the rumors of manufacturing's demise are greatly exaggerated. In fact, manufacturing in America is not only alive, it's thriving.

America's manufacturing industry is expected to grow by 6.2 percent this year, outpacing the overall economy. Last year, the auto industry's Detroit Three of Chrysler, GM, and Ford gained U.S. market share for the first time since 1995. And this July, motor vehicle and parts manufacturing jumped by 5.2 percent over the year-ago month, a direct contributor to the increase in factory outputs of 0.6 percent that month.

Better yet, this industrial growth has spurred job growth. In July alone, manufacturers created 24,000 jobs. Since December, 2009, the manufacturing sector has created more than 289,000 jobs — more than 1 in 10 of all jobs created during our recovery.

GM announced this summer that it is creating 4,000 jobs at 17 facilities, including at least 250 at its Powertrain plant in Toledo. It is investing $204 million there.

In all sorts of industries, manufacturers are making investments that hold great promise for American workers and our economy. Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC is spending more than $85 million to set up a manufacturing hub that will retrofit a vacant 416,000-square-foot plant into a center that will create more than 260 jobs.

Then, there's the ripple effect. For every job created in the manufacturing sector, four to seven jobs are created in the broader economy. The auto industry supply chain now employs three times as many workers as auto companies themselves. This supply chain accounted for almost 3.5 million workers last year.

This growth contributes to gains in other industries, from retail to hospitality to tourism. That's good news for every small business near the Powertrain facility — from Craig's Flowers & Gifts to The Original Gino's Pizza on West Alexis Road.

Manufacturing companies also are finding new ways for their facilities and processes to become efficient and cost-effective — and not by cutting jobs. The auto industry offers a phenomenal example of how manufacturers are realigning themselves with innovation in mind.

Chrysler has saved more than $50 million a year through environmental and energy-efficiency innovations. A Subaru plant in Lafayette, Ind., recycles 99.8 percent of its waste with a goal of contributing zero waste to landfills.

Meanwhile, new industries are emerging within the green sector — adding to job creation across the country. The solar energy market in 2010 grew by 67 percent in value to $6 billion, according to the National Solar Jobs Census.

The industry has doubled its number of U.S. workers since 2009. That growth is expected to continue.

Half of solar energy firms expect to keep adding jobs next year, totaling an estimated 24,000 new jobs.

The thriving of the manufacturing industry also speaks volumes about American workers, who continue to reinvent themselves, in many cases through new education and training. The Labor Department has invested $500 million in 189 green jobs training programs to make careers in solar, wind, biofuels, and other clean energy sources available to Americans.

Many companies are doing the same. In Portland, Ore., increased demand for well-trained workers in the solar-energy industry is prompting Ontility and Graybar Electric to offer entry-level solar electric training for careers ranging from solar photovoltaic installer to solar business owner.

Navy veteran Karl Mier, after losing his position with a medical equipment company, enrolled in the Veterans Go! Green training program. Two months after the course ended, he landed a job at a local company to work on the production line, recycling textiles into stuffing for seats and similar applications.

Do we still have work to do? Absolutely. But on this Labor Day, I am proud to say that America is bouncing back as a manufacturing powerhouse.

Far from its reputed demise, the manufacturing sector — critical for our economy and for creating new, sustainable careers — continues its healthy, inspiring reinvigoration.

Hilda L. Solis is U.S. Secretary of Labor.

First Published September 5, 2011, 4:15 a.m.