Outdated notions about manufacturing don’t align with facts about the work today.

What do you think of when you hear manufacturing job? Unfortunately, many people see manufacturing work as undesirable, but their point-of-view may be stuck in the past. Manufacturing does have a PR and skills problem as reported on a recent Planet Money broadcast. Let’s take a look at what working in today’s manufacturing industry is really like.

Modern manufacturing is clean

Manufacturing jobs are often perceived as dirty even though advances in technology, standards and regulations have made them much cleaner. “Today’s manufacturing environments look more like clean rooms or lab settings and emphasize being ‘green,’” says the SME Education Foundation. “For example, more than 150 of today’s auto manufacturing facilities are landfill-free operations.”

Technology makes manufacturing safer

There’s always been a risk of severe worker injuries in manufacturing, but technology has improved safety by automating many tasks. Collaborative robots, called cobots, work side-by-side with humans and often do work that falls into the Four Ds territory: that which is dangerous, dull, dirty or dear (expensive). One manufacturer in North Carolina uses robots to do the initial grinding of axes and sledges, cobots to load and unload lathes and workers do the final hand sharpening.

Additionally, advanced safety protocols, equipment with safety features and OSHA regulations help keep workers safe. Yes, there’s still a risk to manufacturing work but it is much safer than it was decades ago.

Earnings are significantly higher than non-farm jobs

The National Association of Manufacturers reports that the average annual earnings for manufacturing employees in Michigan is $96,691. This is significantly higher than the average $69,277 earned by non-farm employees.

Workers are educated and skilled

With robots and cobots to perform the dull work, there’s been a shift in what workers focus on and now, “Roughly half of the open positions in manufacturing require at least a bachelor’s degree,” Planet Money says. Those with knowledge of electrical systems, electronics, robotics and hydraulics are key to keeping today’s manufacturing companies going.

In addition to line workers, manufacturers need professionals in research and development, engineering and design as well as sales and marketing.

Workers without degrees but with skills as maintenance technicians and machine or forklift operators are in high demand right now.

We work with manufacturers

At Consumers, we love working with manufacturers! Whatever you make, we can help with your business banking to equipment loans. Give us a call at 800.991.2221.

 

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