July 15, 2024 Publisher’s Letter

Volume 27 | Issue 2

A look at several issues confronting manufacturing today ranging from plugging the jobs skills gap to getting more plugs for EVs.

Click here to read the complete issue.

We’re halfway through 2024! Our second quarterly issue of this year covers a wide range of topics, including profiles of two innovative manufacturers as well as the latest news on how industry is confronting a number of pressing issues, ranging from plugging the jobs skills gap to getting more plugs for EVs.

Read our feature article Right Part, At the Right Time, At the Right Price. While many companies struggled during COVID, Saskatchewan, Canada-based Fastener Warehouse actually doubled its business. An inventory management system that dramatically reduces supply chain expenses as well as other process improvements along with a commitment to quality and understanding customer requirements is how this company literally fastened onto growth during challenging times.

Another feature covers The Bid Group, which has provided industry-leading solutions for customers in the wood processing industry since 1924. One of its brands, Comcat, is celebrating its centennial with a new product introduction, the ResawExpert, an AI-powered linear resaw optimizer with vision to maximizes yield, reduce waste, and generate superior products. One of the key factors behind the Bid Group’s success is its emphasis on innovation. The company invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Also in this issue, we look at strategies to strengthen value chains in light of continuing global disruptions. The findings are based on a survey of over 300 global operations executives, including more than 30 in-depth interviews.

Since June 2021, the manufacturing sector has experienced a 42 percent gap between the number of job openings and hires. McKinsey’s Talent Trends recommends providing environments more conducive to attract and retain Gen Z workers.

The BlueGreen Alliance unites labor unions and environmental organizations to solve today’s environmental challenges in ways that create and maintain quality jobs and build a clean, thriving, and equitable economy. BlueGreen Alliance Director Jason Walsh provides examples of what it calls the clean industrial revolution, initiatives that both reduce pollution and generate good paying jobs.

Here’s a Jeopardy!-type challenge for you. The answer: Georgia. The question: The U.S. state that is home to almost half of the country’s top 100 food processing companies. We take a look at Georgia food processing operations that contribute more than $11 billion each year to the U.S. $661 billion GDP.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ identifies key cybersecurity threats to supply chains. It is no longer a matter of if an organization is attacked, but when. Advanced cybersecurity technologies and practices are vital to minimize potential threats.

Last but not least, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) tries to untangle the EV infrastructure web. According to the Pew Research Center, there are 61,000 EV charging stations in the United States today. By 2030, the Biden Administration has set a goal of 500,000 charging stations. NEMA considers issues related to closing that gap.

Thanks for reading this issue of Industry Today. As always, you can find timely coverage on a weekly basis at industrytoday.com.

Subscribe to Industry Today