Iowa ranks fifth out of the 50 states in manufacturing as a percentage of its gross domestic product. But, as more baby boomers prepare to retire and leave the workforce, Iowa’s strong manufacturing sector could be in danger.

“We have a skilled labor shortage,” Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal told a group of more than two dozen Newton manufacturing executives and community leaders during a town hall meeting Thursday afternoon at the Newton Development Corporation office.

“I’m sick of hearing about it. I want to know what we can do about it,” he added. “I want to see what the Legislature can do to expand the training available in Iowa, but I want to hear what those gaps are from you.”