“We must resolve the skills gap in order to reshore supply chains that are crucial to U.S. national and economic security.” Harry Moser, November 15, 2022, Workforce Skills Gap Threatens Reshoring of Supply Chains Critical to U.S. Economic and National Security | Casting Source
Great article. I have also devoted most of my career to "making things", and I heartily endorse your points about the unique value of proprietary manufacturing "know how".
For example, one of my clients demonstrated that -- by combining ultra-high speed automation with AI -- their Swiss operation could achieve lower manufacturing labor costs than their high performing locations in China.
The price of entry for this feat was a small cadre of highly skilled technicians and engineers with a zen-like knowledge of how to make those automat "race cars" consistently perform at a high level. To keep and attract this type of talent, you have to reward them handsomely ... and they are worth every penny.
As my client looks to deploy this manufacturing technology globally, labor costs are no longer a major determinant. The key factor is the stability of the workforce and the ability to develop a reservoir of deep, proprietary manufacturing know how.
For this reason, I believe that manufacturing jobs can return to the USA, but as you noted, mostly in small and mid sized facilities. The new jobs may be small in number, but will enable manufacturing jobs to again be a gateway to the middle class in America.
I have two grandsons who will likely pursue this career option one day because it fits their talents, avoids mountains of college debt, they have access to good technical schools in their area, and have role models to show how it can be done.
That story is inspiring, yet so invisible to people outside of the manufacturing environment. Thank you for sharing it. I whole-heartedly support your conclusion that talented people are worth every penny. Figuring out how to pay them, whatever it takes, is one of our jobs as managers and owners...
Your grandchildren are clearly blessed to have you as a role model. I expect they will find success, whatever education route they choose!
I love the characterization "zen-like knowledge." OK if I steal that?
Thank you for continuing in your role! That 30 years of experience is another topic I hope to address in the future; how our roles change as we age. Transferring know-how is part of our tribal responsibility; but the context for that know-how changes as well. And this is new to society! We are the first generation living that could plan careers into our '70's or even '80's and work elbow to elbow with our grandchildren. Fun to think about.
Great article. I have also devoted most of my career to "making things", and I heartily endorse your points about the unique value of proprietary manufacturing "know how".
For example, one of my clients demonstrated that -- by combining ultra-high speed automation with AI -- their Swiss operation could achieve lower manufacturing labor costs than their high performing locations in China.
The price of entry for this feat was a small cadre of highly skilled technicians and engineers with a zen-like knowledge of how to make those automat "race cars" consistently perform at a high level. To keep and attract this type of talent, you have to reward them handsomely ... and they are worth every penny.
As my client looks to deploy this manufacturing technology globally, labor costs are no longer a major determinant. The key factor is the stability of the workforce and the ability to develop a reservoir of deep, proprietary manufacturing know how.
For this reason, I believe that manufacturing jobs can return to the USA, but as you noted, mostly in small and mid sized facilities. The new jobs may be small in number, but will enable manufacturing jobs to again be a gateway to the middle class in America.
I have two grandsons who will likely pursue this career option one day because it fits their talents, avoids mountains of college debt, they have access to good technical schools in their area, and have role models to show how it can be done.
That story is inspiring, yet so invisible to people outside of the manufacturing environment. Thank you for sharing it. I whole-heartedly support your conclusion that talented people are worth every penny. Figuring out how to pay them, whatever it takes, is one of our jobs as managers and owners...
Your grandchildren are clearly blessed to have you as a role model. I expect they will find success, whatever education route they choose!
I love the characterization "zen-like knowledge." OK if I steal that?
Be my guest! :-)
Im doing this as we speak
Working for a small Intergrator sharing what I’ve learned 30 years of trial and error
Thank you Joel
Thank you for continuing in your role! That 30 years of experience is another topic I hope to address in the future; how our roles change as we age. Transferring know-how is part of our tribal responsibility; but the context for that know-how changes as well. And this is new to society! We are the first generation living that could plan careers into our '70's or even '80's and work elbow to elbow with our grandchildren. Fun to think about.
Great article.
“Know-How” requires wisdom. “Skill” may not.
Great summary!
And “wisdom” combine’s experience with common sense.
Thanks! Know-How is to art what Skill is to science. Having both is wisdom and the intangible you describe.