Next Generation Manufacturer Newsletter
February 2015
Next Generation Manufacturer is a monthly enewsletter designed to provide the resources you need to put advanced manufacturing to work for your company. Please forward this newsletter to interested colleagues or use our online sign-up.
In This Issue…
Insights, best practices, how to’s, and success stories from manufacturing organizations in New England. Let us know if there’s something in particular you’d like us to cover. – Kathie Mahoney, Editor, [email protected] or 508-831-7020.
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From the Desk of Jack Healy
Overcoming the Manufacturing Skills Gap
A study of manufacturing enterprises in North Central and Western Massachusetts found that 69% and 77% of manufacturers, respectively, indicate a lack of qualified job candidates as their biggest barrier to growth. The Boston Consulting Group reports, "The real problem is that companies have become too passive in recruiting and developing skilled workers at a time when U.S. education systems have moved away from a focus on manufacturing skills." Find out how things are changing in Massachusetts. Skills Gap.
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Manufacturing Metrics
Advanced Manufacturing Critical to Regional Economies and National Prosperity
Advanced industries represent a sizable economic anchor for the U.S. economy and have led the post-recessions employment recovery. Modest in size, the sector packs a massive economic punch. As of 2013, the nation’s 50 advanced industries employed 12.3 million U.S. workers, about 9% of total U.S. employment. Even with this modes base, advanced industries produce $2.7 trillion in value add annually, 17% of all U.S. GDP, more than any other sector, including healthcare, finance, or real estate. Manufacturing Metrics.
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Video of the Month
America’s Advanced Industries
America’s "advanced industries" stand out as a vital component for the future of the U.S. economy. Defined by their deep investment in R&D and STEM workers, these industries encompass the nation’s tech sector at its broadest and most consequential. The advanced industries create good jobs in dozens of high-value, high technology fields including auto making, medical device manufacturing, and energy generation. From the Brookings Institution. Advanced Industries.
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Growth Manufacturers Case Study
Impact of MassMEP Clients on the Manufacturing Economy
MassMEP has released its latest annual report, which is an overview of the programs and results obtained by Massachusetts manufacturers as they work with MassMEP on operational excellence, workforce strategies, and innovative growth solutions. Results include 66.67% of clients saw an increase in jobs created, 70.97% saw an increase in new hires, 63.04% experienced an increase in sales, and 78.82% showed cost savings. MassMEP Annual Report.
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Workforce Strategies
Sutton Student Tour Mayfield for Manufacturing Video Project
Nearly 40 students from Sutton Middle School visited Mayfield Plastics to participate in the AMP it up! Video Challenge, which required them to research the inner workings of an advanced manufacturing innovation and how it impacts the world around them. The students are challenged to bring this topic to life in a three-minute video that captures the product: how it is made, why it matters, and what it means. AMP it up!.
Soft Skills a Shortcoming of Young Professionals?
Business and education leaders in MetroWest say a so-called "soft skills gap," encompassing a lack of communication skills and business etiquette among recent college graduates, is as confounding to professional services firms as the manufacturing skills gap is to employers in that economic sector. Soft Skills.
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Industry News
Submit Nominations for New England Innovation Awards by March 6
The SBANE New England Innovation Awards recognize those companies that have transformed their innovative ideas into a product or service that delivers proven value to customers. Nominees welcomed from a wide variety of companies, including technology, manufacturing, service, non-profit, and retail/distribution. Nominations are due March 6th. Innovation Awards.
Super Bowl of Manufacturing: Washington vs Massachusetts
Super Bowl XLIX, Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots, provides an interesting comparison of the teams’ states off the field. New England has a long history of manufacturing, from clothing and shoes to electronics and chemical products. Washington has a legacy of innovation in transportation (Boeing), food (Starbucks), and technology (Amazon and Microsoft). Check out this lineup. Super Bowl Manufacturing.
Bring a Product to Life Challenge
Students across Massachusetts are invited to create a video that brings a product to life using advanced manufacturing innovations. Schools will receive $30,000 in prize money, provided by the Manufacturing Futures Fund. Deadline: April 30, 2015. AMP it up! Challenge.
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Job Opportunities
- Demand Planning Analyst, Savage Arms, Westfield, MA. Submit resume.
- Senior Buyer, Savage Arms, Westfield, MA. Submit resume.
- Assistant Professor/Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston, MA. Submit resume.
- Retail Line Tech, 2nd Shift, Blount Fine Foods, Fall River, MA. Submit resume.
- Machine Operator, 2nd Shift, Blount Fine Foods, Fall River, MA. Submit resume.
- Production Planner, 1st Shift, Blount Fine Foods, Fall River, MA. Submit resume.
- Bulk Packout Lead, 1st and 2nd Shifts, Blount Fine Foods, Warren, RI. Submit resume.
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MassMEP Programs & Events
For complete details about these programs for manufacturers, visit the MAC Events Calendar.
- Lean Management in the Fast Lane, Leominster, MA – April 15, 2023
- Value Stream Mapping, Worcester, MA – April 21, 2023
- Problem Solving for Lean, Taunton, MA – May 14, 2023
- Principles of Lean Manufacturing, Western MA TBD – May 20, 2023
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Partner Events
- SBANE, Advanced Manufacturing Committee: Finding and Retaining Manufacturing Talent, Marlborough, MA – March 3, 2023
- Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, NX9 Intermediate Design and Assemblies Workshop, East Hartford, CT – March 3-5, 2015
- AME, Getting Started: Vigorous Learning Organizations, Webinar – March 4, 2023
- MSBDC, Transforming Your Ideas into Successful Ventures, Worcester, MA – March 5, 2023
- Tech Sandbox, Analog Devices, Arrow, and Tri-Star Present Medical Technology Day, Hopkinton, MA – March 5, 2023
- Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, NX9 Turning Applications Workshop, East Hartford, CT – March 10-12, 2015
- The Venture Forum, Grant Funding 101: Gain Funding Without Giving Away the Store, Worcester, MA – March 10, 2023
- Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum, Taking Dad’s Picture Off the Wall, a Generational Look at Business, Fall River, MA – March 12, 2023
- Employers Association of the Northeast, MA Workforce Training Grant Briefing, Auburn, MA – March 13, 2023
- Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, How Nano-Onions Can Improve Machine Tool Performance, East Hartford, CT – March 19, 2023
- Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Advanced Shop Floor Management Technology, East Hartford, CT – April 2, 2023
- Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Career, Internship and Live Local Fair, Worcester, MA – April 9, 2023
- SBANE, New England Innovation Awards Presentation & Gala, Waltham, MA – May 6, 2023
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Partner Highlight
BuyMass.org
Massachusetts is home to world-class providers of everything from pharmaceuticals to jet engines. BuyMass.org, powered by Associated Industries of Massachusetts, makes it easy to search this innovation-rich landscape for customers, suppliers, and even a good restaurant. The site features thousands of products and services from every corner of Massachusetts, from computer software to candles, from biotech to basic research. BuyMass.org.
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About the Manufacturing Advancement Center
The Next Generation Manufacturer Newsletter covers the business of manufacturing in New England. Running a manufacturing business requires attention to countless details. To compete in this new, global economy, you must pay attention to the entire business process — from front office marketing and accounting, to back end inventory management. The Manufacturing Advancement Center is here to guide you in your quest for continuous improvement and growth. For more information, see https://massmac.org |