The Association of Industrialists of Puerto Rico (AIPR) will host Puerto Rico Manufacturing 2036: Building the Next Decade of Industrial Competitiveness on Thursday, October 22, at 8:30 AM at the Puerto Rico Convention Complex in Ponce. The summit will bring together manufacturing executives, government officials, investors and business leaders to discuss how Puerto Rico can strengthen its industrial base and attract new investment over the next decade.
Topics include investment, infrastructure, workforce development, technology and supply-chain opportunities as the island seeks to position itself as a competitive manufacturing platform through 2036. AIPR president Rafael Vélez Domínguez called the event "an invitation to think big and act now," saying it is about defining where Puerto Rico wants to be in 2036 and what decisions, investments, talent, technology and partnerships are needed to get there.
The event comes as the manufacturing sector continues to show signs of expansion. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index, produced by the AIPR and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, has remained in expansion territory for much of the year and has recorded three consecutive months of positive readings. The association also reported more than $2.37 billion in manufacturing investment commitments between 2025 and September 2026, with the potential to generate nearly 2,800 direct and indirect jobs.
Companies cited include Eli Lilly, Amgen, PharmaEssentia, Millicent, Terumo and Onovexa. Vélez Domínguez said the results show a strong industrial base on which to build.