The current forecast for the Automotive and Metal Fabrication cluster for the year 2005 shows a decline in jobs by an average annual rate of -2.1 percent, roughly on a par with the national average. If the Automotive and Metal Fabrication cluster is able to secure the skilled labor force required for expansion, the region might be able to slow or reverse the expected decline. Moreover, the cluster could possibly experience increased growth among regional firms and less loss of established production to other locations.