Trends: Advanced Manufacturing
What's happening now...United States manufacturing companies are producing more now than any other time in history. Manufacturing accounts for almost two thirds of US exports and we continue to be the world's leader in manufacturing market share, at 24 percent. Japan is in second with 22 percent and China in a distant third with nine percent. It is then no surprise that manufacturing is the largest contributor to economic growth.
One of the most fascinating trends with all these new processes and technologies is that advanced manufacturing is becoming a source for innovation. Over 65 percent of US private research and development dedicated to creating new products and the methods for producing them. With that, it is no wonder why the "new" manufacturing plant is a source of creativity.
Manufacturing plants will continue to be sources of innovations if they are filled with inventive people. A skilled workforce is the brainpower of a globally competitive company. That is why the employers continue to seek the best they can find.
When you combine a creative environment with a skilled workforce, extraordinary products can be produced. One such product that we seem to hear a lot of lately is composite materials. Composites are being used for airplanes, skis, racing bikes, and are taking over the traditional metal market. We are sure to see composites in many more things to come. Where the industry is going...The manufacturing plant is constantly changing because of innovative processes and the creative people that think of them. This is not just a phenomenon is Snohomish County, or even just the United States, but internationally. Only those who can produce the best product most efficiently will survive. Manufacturing is an industry where, in order to remain competitive, the quality of the product and the bottom line are always being revised for efficiency. Composite parts are going to play a major role in this, from new material molds to modified process methods. However, this means that there is a real demand for a creative workforce. The employers are working feverishly to change the image of the industry, so that the employees feel engaged in the manufacturing process. Currently, but even more so in the future, a skilled workforce will be the company's most valuable asset.
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