Industrial employment in Hawaii dropped 2.2% over the past twelve months according to the 2009 Hawaii Manufacturers Directory, a compilation of state industry published annually by Manufacturers’ News.

MNI reports Hawaii lost 569 industrial jobs from December 2007 to December 2008.

Hawaii is home to 1,211 manufacturers, employing 24,911 workers.

Nearly 40% of Hawaii’s industrial employment is concentrated in the food products sector, with 9,688 jobs, down 1.3% over the year, due partially to continuing layoffs at Gay and Robinson sugar plant. Printing and publishing ranks as the state’s second largest sector by employment, currently accounting for 4,035 jobs, with no significant change reported over the past twelve months. Textiles and apparel account for another 2,544 jobs, down 5.3% in 2008.

Other sectors losing jobs include paper, down 39%, following the closure of a Weyerhaeuser packaging facility in Honolulu.