Glen Raven
Burlington
May 16, 2012 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Daimler Trucks
Mount Holly
June 26, 2012
1:30 - 4:30 pm
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"We enjoyed the affair and were surprised at the diversity of the manufacturers from across the state.Since the first meeting, we are now doing business with Flextronics' in Charlotte, NC. This is the start of a good thing."
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Greensboro (August 25, 2011) - The latest Manufacturing Makes It Real Network event at TE Connectivity drew more than 120 people, almost three-quarters of them proud to call themselves manufacturers in North Carolina.
Dr. Pat Gallagher, director of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), reminded the group that manufacturing is one of the few bright spots on the road to recovery, and that innovation is key to continued growth. NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), of which NC State University's IES is an affiliate, works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. But he added that, "As important as you are, you are not heard enough." Small- to mid-size manufacturers need a stronger voice in Washington, and he offered to turn up the volume. "Events like today are a great start," said Gallagher.
Key to the event agenda is the "manufacturers' spotlight," where each manufacturer is asked to address the audience with a show-and-tell on what they make, who they employ and in some instances, what their challenges are.
David Hartmann of Johnson Controls, a lead acid battery manufacturer in Kernersville, talked about some upcoming challenges his company faces. They have about 330 employees with an average tenure of 25 years. Within the next year, 100 workers will qualify for retirement. He's looking for workers that can think critically and have strong work ethic.
Workforce needs often lead to the discussion of education, and Barry Sink, currently on the steering committee for the Yadkin Valley Regional Career Academy (YVRCA), was happy to address that need. The YVRCA is a high school that will serve the Piedmont Triad, educating approximately 1200 students per year.
"We are reinventing high school based on the needs of industry in our region," said Sink. Those needs include advanced manufacturing, aviation, health sciences, interactive design and global logistics. The school, slated to open in the fall of 2012, has been identified as one of 20 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-focused schools in the state by the state’s Board of Education.
STEM was a recurring theme as members of The Flying Platypi demonstrated their robot at Wednesday's event. The Flying Platypi is a FIRST Robotics Competition team based in Colfax. They are comprised of members from the public, private, and home schools from Guilford, Forsyth and Alamance counties. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) seeks to inspire and challenge youth to pursue careers in STEM-related industries, like manufacturing.
The event, attended by manufacturers and those who support them, including workforce development representatives, education proponents and federal partners, are all part of the ecosystem that keeps manufacturing healthy and sustainable.
Part of keeping that system healthy is to keep supply chains local. Wayne Buchanan, of Daetwyler, Inc. in Huntersville, and Network member, urged attendees to not only look for customers at Network events. "A lot of people come here looking for customers, but you should also look for suppliers," said Buchanan.
This event has had the highest attendance, of the seven that will take place by the year's end. "We're filling conference rooms from the Research Triangle Park all the way to Cherry Point," said Gene Fornaro, Manufacturing Makes It Real Network manager.
Fornaro's not the only one who sees the excitement. "This event has a tent revival feel to it," said Gallagher. "That’s how you really know you’re on to something."
The Manufacturing Makes It Real Network is a project of the Industrial Extension Service at North Carolina State University for the purpose of promoting Made in North Carolina products. IES has worked since 1955 to advance manufacturing in North Carolina. Since 2000, IES has provided more than $2 billion of value to the state’s manufacturers, and created or retained more than 5,000 jobs.
The network was designed to promote a positive image of manufacturing, connecting manufacturers and those who support them and providing access to university resources to help build a stronger, more competitive base of industry in the state. The network is supported by manufacturers who join as members and receive promotional benefits and easy access to IES expertise.
The Manufacturing Makes It Real Network charter members:
Go to our Facebook page to view pictures from the TE Connectivity event.
NC State University Industrial Extension Service
Phone 1-800-227-0264
