Precision Manufacturers Address Shortage of Skilled Personnel on Many Levels

July 25, 2012

Precision Manufacturers Address Shortage of Skilled Personnel on Many Levels

Baby Boomers retiring, Congress, continued education, Elkhorn, joint efforts, manufacturing in the U.S., manufacturing jobs, manufacturing training, national problem, new jobs, new opportunities, PMPA, precision manufacturers, Precision Plus, Senate, shortage of skilled workers, the danger zone, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Shortage of skilled precision manufacturing craftsmen is rapidly approaching the danger zone. As Baby Boomers retire from their positions at a rate of 10,000 per day, we are confronted with vacancies which are unable to be filled due to the lack of availability of qualified and trained men and women.

As manufacturers, Precision Plus and many others are undertaking a targeted bulls-eye campaign, to address this issue from all possible points:

BY WORKING WITH OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
In March of 2012, a group representing PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association ) flew into Washington, DC to engage in conversation with government officials regarding this impending issue. The Franklin Partnership arranged 75 congressional visits for members of PMPA , while Second Vice President Darlene Miller of Permac Industries, arranged meetings and a tour with White House Officials. Many important issues relevant to preserving manufacturing in the U.S. were discussed, with an emphasis in tax reform and job training. A second Fly-In is scheduled for early October. By then, according to PMPA, “Attendees will have a chance to tell their elected officials directly about the importance of manufacturing as they campaign. It will also better position PMPA as we head into the lame duck session having recently briefed members of Congress about our priorities on tax reform and other issues.”
BY WORKING WITH OUR LOCAL STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Precision manufacturers have vowed to bring awareness to local elected officials by inviting them to tour our facilities and sitting down for frank discussions on how to improve the future of manufacturing.
BY ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING AND SUPPORTING TRADE ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS PMPA
We are many, but collectively, we are a force and we have one voice. Nothing comes without acute dedication to our beliefs, in that our country deserves to once again soar in the manufacturing world.
BY CONTINUING TO OFFER EDUCATION AND ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR CURRENT EMPLOYEES
Precision manufacturers understand that time does not stand still and that in every person exists the goal is to better themselves.We promote and provide further education to solidify their skills and knowledge. By being involved in formulating high-caliber continuing technical education curricula, such as that provided during the PMPA’s Annual Technical Conference, we ensure that our employees are at the forefront of industry and technology know-how.
BY WORKING WITH LOCAL TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO DEVELOP COURSES AND TRAINING TO PROMOTE THE RESURGENCE OF MANUFACTURING IN THE U.S.
Precision manufacturers are actively working with local colleges and technical institutes to establish courses and training that will result in the opportunity to provide high-school graduates with a valuable option of going into a trade. Specialized technical curricula will ensure graduates comprehend and can fulfill the responsibilities of a craftsman-type job.
BY WORKING WITH ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW TO HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
We are committed to bringing technical studies back to the high-school level. As such, we will support organizations who are actively engaged in the promotion and advancement of technology training at the high-school level.

The precision manufacturing community commits to pursue a targeted bulls-eye campaign to address the deficit in skilled manufacturing labor force that exists in the United States today.

Community Involvement

July 10, 2012

Pier 290: Good Food for Good People in Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Bill Gage, Gage Marine, ingenuitity, Lake Delavan, mahogany boat manufacturing, marina, Mother Nature, new restaurant, Pier 290, Precision Plus, reclaiming, recycling, restored wood, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, year-round

Michael Reader

Wisconsin craftsmanship takes on a new challenge!

The Gage family has been serving the Lake Geneva boating community for three generations and now embark on another venture, Pier 290. With excursion boats based at the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva, boat service/sales in Williams Bay and Hwy. 50, and pier service around the lake, Bill and Rachel Gage set their sights on further complementing the boater experience.
Their vision was to remake the Williams Bay operations into more than just boating and fuel, but expanding into dining, refreshments and a comfortable place to unwind.

The vision must have been long in the making as the trove of memorabilia and repurposed pieces is impressive to the visitor. One foot through the door and your eyes are overwhelmed with the woodwork and creative use of old propellers and other pieces. Bill had salvaged many of these over the years, including classic woodwork from several of the old Lake Geneva mansions as the wrecking ball threatened to turn them into splinters.

Also salvaged before being torn down was butternut paneling from the “Reader House” at Lake Lawn Lodge in Delavan, and hand-hewn beams from one of the lodges. The master wood craftsmen with Gage Marine’s wood boat restoration team were challenged to bring all these old pieces of hardwood back to life, doing a fantastic job.
Another opportunity presented itself last year when a storm knocked down several old Black Walnut trees in the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay. Always an opportunistic looking to turn lemons into lemonade, Bill saw this as flooring materials for the new restaurant. Here again, the Gage woodworking team set about transforming logs into flooring planks. Not the typical work for the skilled team of classic mahogany boat refinishers, but very successful nonetheless.

So check out Pier 290 and all the other great things Gage Marine has going on in Williams Bay and watch this great video by Bill Gage where he talks about his vision.

A Note from Mike Reader

June 28, 2012

A Note From Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus

automobile, bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., Economic Predictions, Elkhorn, high quality, hydraulic, industry, lack of trade crafstmen, manufacturing., Michael Reader, movie, part difficulty, pneumatic, Precision Plus Inc., Precission Swiss Machining, President, trade, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

As we enter the second half of the year I am happy to report we have many good things happening here at Precision Plus All and all, it was a successful first half with sales surpassing those of last year, and the addition of our 4th Miyano ABX lathe. Our customers remain optimistic and continue to ask us to take on more work from them. It is a testament to the hard work of all our staff when I hear a long-standing customer ask me “we need to resource a package of parts, how much more can you take on?”. Especially with existing customers, we have developed a trust that ensures them that we know what we are doing and that we will produce what they ask for. As the degree of difficulty in developing and manufacturing new components continues to increase, we understand that the complexity of the part will make a difference in our customers’ profitability and efficiency.

We are continually improving “embedding” ourselves with our customers’ product engineering teams, so as to add more value and be in the best position to transition from prototype to production. Our customers love this because they can understand cost and manufacturing challenges early on in a design project. We love this because we want to make the entire process seamless. Bill Wells, our Sales and Engineering Manager, devotes much of his time working with these engineers. It’s a time-consuming proposition, but an investment in both our futures.

Since the beginning of the year, we have taken on over 100 new jobs, not only from new customer-partners, but from our existing customer-partners from a variety of industries, including pneumatic and hydraulic, aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical and dental and movie and still motion product manufacturers.

This organic growth, coupled with new opportunities developed through our website and media efforts have us plenty busy. As I mentioned earlier, we continue to reinvest in capital equipment and technology to support our customer’s needs, and remain committed to ongoing improvements.

However, while we can put all the new equipment we want on the floor, it is the difficulty in finding/developing skilled machinists that will constrain our growth moving forward. This is a real problem for us, our industry and our country that requires a true Manufacturing Training Plan. We are addressing this issue on many levels. Locally, we are participating in trade school and college programs designed to instruct young and/or unemployed individuals in the crucial trade of manufacturing. On a national level, with the PMPA, we are talking to Congress and Senate leaders in order to create a mind shift with respect to training younger people in the trades, so they can fill in the open spots that retiring Baby Boomers are leaving at a rapid pace. The goal is to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

Reach out to me with any questions, suggestions or comments you may have! My door is always open.

Mike Reader
President

Community Involvement Industry News

June 27, 2012

Walworth County, WI and Gateway Technical College: Light Years Ahead in Addressing Impending U.S. Manufacturing Needs

collaborative effort, Elkhorn, Gateway Technical College, Job Center and the Walworth Gateway Technical College LogoCounty Economic Development Alliance, manufacturing courses, manufacturing., new opportunities in manufacturing, Precision Plus Inc., the trades, trade schools, training, USA, Walworth County, WCEDA, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Recently, we received this invitation from Debbie Davidson, Vice President, Workforce & Economic Development Division at Gateway College:

“Dear Walworth County Manufacturer,

Due to the increased need for skilled manufacturing employees, Gateway Technical College, Walworth County Job Center and the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA), invite you to attend a planning meeting on July 26^th at Gateway’s Elkhorn Campus (400 County Road H, Elkhorn, WI, South Building, Room 112) from 7:30am to 9:00am.

At this meeting we will discuss a variety of options to provide you with skilled technicians including:

Developing curriculum to meet your needs;
Offering training at the Elkhorn Campus and/or at your facility;
Modifying and/or developing boot camps in manufacturing-related skills;
Implementing an “Earn-and-Learn” model which would allow students to work for you while attending classes providing an opportunity for on-the-job skill application;
Scheduling classes such as, Applied Math, Blueprint Reading, Safety, Gauging and Inspection, Measurement, Communication, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and more;
Identifying funding models to support new and unique training models.

Please join us and be part of the conversation. The meeting is free. However, we ask that you make a reservation for our planning purposes. Please contact Debbie Davidson at 262-564-3422 or email davidsond@gtc.edu no later than July 20, 2012 to reserve your spot. We look forward to working with you to meet your hiring needs. If you are unable to attend, please consider sending a designee from your company. Feel free to share this invite with others throughout Walworth County.

Debbie Davidson
Vice President, Workforce & Economic Development Division

Gateway Technical College

3520-30th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53144
Office: 262-564-3422
Cell: 262-914-0154
Email: davidsond@gtc.edu ”

We’re planning to be there. Are you?

Industry News

June 10, 2012

The Blue Oval is Back

bail out, Blue Oval, bring manufacturing back to the U.S., car manufacturers, Elkhorn, federal bail outs, Ford, GM, government, Precision Plus Inc., Renaissance, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

On May 22, 2012, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Ford’s credit rating to investment status. This milestone is to be congratulated because of the time, effort and commitment it took to regain this rating. According to Bill Ford, great grandson of Henry Ford, “At great emotional cost, the company used its Blue Oval logo as part of the collateral for a $23.5 billion loan it obtained in 2006.” The loan enabled Ford to do a major restructuring allowing the automotive manufacturer to avoid the crisis that led GM and Chevrolet to obtain a Federal bailout. Part of the loan requirements was the regaining of the investment status by two of the credit rating agencies. Fitch Ratings upgraded Ford’s credit rating last month.

In looking over the recovery that has occurred within the Ford Motor Company, several steps have been noted:

In 2006 the company raised $23.5 billion in liquid assets through the combination of secured and unsecured loans. The Blue Oval logo along with a substantial part of it domestic assets secured the loan.
In 2007 Ford negotiated a labor agreement with the UAW that allowed for a lower wage structure for new employees as well as a new set of flexible work rules.
In March 2009 it reached another major agreement with the UAW that brought in the ability for the company to reach equality with transplant automakers. This resulted in annual savings and efficiencies on an incremental basis.
In October 2009 Ford reported its first quarterly pre-tax operating profit since the first quarter of 2008.
At end-of-year 2009 Ford achieved its first full-year of operating profit. It also had a net income of $2.7 billion, which was an improvement of $17.5 billion over its losses in 2008.
At end-of-year 2011 Ford reported the third year in a row of improved annual operating profits. It also reduced its debt by more than $20 billion compared with year-end 2009.
In September of 2011 Ford was able to completely pay back its loan.
In March of 2012 Ford was able to make its first dividend payment.

The day after Moody’s Investors Service announced its decision, Ford’s accomplishment was being touted in the National News Services. Michael Reader, President of Precision Plus Inc., added , “My personal congratulations to the Ford Team, this is an impressive accomplishment as the only domestic auto group to do it on their own.”

Community Involvement Industry News

May 1, 2012

Midwest’s Rockford, Illinois: A Shining Star In The Aerospace Industry

aerospace, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Illinois, industry, manufacturing in the United States, Midwest, Nothern Illinois University, precision parts, Precision Plus, Rockford, Swiss turned components, up and coming

Michael Reader

The Rockford, Illinois region is located in the middle of North America, equidistant between Milwaukee and Chicago and part of the third largest economic corridor in the U.S. According to the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, “The region offers abundant land for development at a low cost per acre, much of it within Foreign Trade Zone #176. This strategic location provides excellent direct access to markets via four interstates (I-90, I-88, I-39 and I-43); Global III, Union Pacific Railroad’s intermodal hub; and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), the 18th largest air cargo airport in the United States and home to the second largest UPS hub in the nation (parcel and heavy freight).”

The Greater Rockford Area is also a hub for the U.S. aerospace industry, hosting over 170 aerospace suppliers and employing over 6,000 people. The Rockford region is home to five major tier one aerospace supply companies: Hamilton Sundstrand, Woodward, B/E Aerospace, Mag Aerospace Industries, Inc. and Supplycore. Additionally, local universities strive to bring science to the area. Rockford’s nearby Northern Illinois University (NIU) awards over 400 engineering degrees each year and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – a world leader in aviation and aerospace education – which established a campus at the Chicago/Rockford International Airport in 2008 and offers a number of aeronautical degrees, including masters in aeronautical science.

Jeff Kaney, an entrepreneur who has founded two aerospace companies in Rockford, and who is chairman of RAAN (The Rockford Area Aerospace Network) says companies in the Rockford cluster constitute all elements of the aerospace supply chain, including assembly, inspection, testing, repair and software.

Kerry Frank, president of Comply 365 Solutions, a software firm that develops software for the Kindle Fire, iPads and other portable devices used by pilots and flight attendants, says the cluster has brought a great awareness regarding aerospace to the Midwest.

Local news reported that the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) reported a strong start to 2012 with a 14 percent increase in first quarter passenger traffic year-over-year. Each month in the quarter saw strong passenger growth with March being the busiest month in RFD’s history. During its record-breaking month of March, 32,473 passengers came through RFD. March also had the largest increase in year-over-year traffic for the quarter, posting a nearly 18 percent jump. The previous busiest month at RFD was in March 2008 with 29,361 passengers. Punta Cana and Denver destinations have really helped drive passenger growth with their strong bookings,” said Mike Dunn, RFD Director of Economic Development and Government Relations.

Precision Plus is a proud supplier to the aerospace industry, supplying mission-crucial components that are used from single-engine aircraft to the Space Shuttle.

Company Updates

April 16, 2012

Precision Plus Sales and Engineering Manager Bill Wells Receives PMPA Recognition

awards, Bill Wells, Brookfield, Elkhorn, Mike Duffin, National Technical Conference, PMPA, Precision Plus, recognition, Richard Hoster, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

On April 11, 2012, during a PMPA district meeting which took place in Brookfield, Wisconsin, PMPA President Richard Hoster and PMPA Executive Director Mike Duffin presented Precision Plus’ Bill Wells with two awards: the first award recognizes him for his outstanding service as the 2011 National Technical Conference Chairman, and the second award commends him for his tireless efforts as PMPA’s Wisconsin District Chairman.

Bill, who serves as Sales and Engineering Manager at Precision Plus, invests a tremendous amount of personal time and energy to continuously improve the programs PMPA has available for its members.

We are all truly grateful for all his contributions and congratulate him on his achievements.

-Pictured are Precision Plus’ Bill Wells and PMPA President Richard Hoster-

Industry News

March 28, 2012

PMPA National Technical Conference to Take Place in Wheeling, Illinois – April 21-24, 2012

2012, April 21-24, certifications, Exhibitors, IL, Krish Dhanam, manufacturing., National Technical Conference, Personnel, PMPA, Precision Machinist, shop, Technology, Track Programs, Wheeling

Michael Reader

PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association) will be holding its annual national technical conference at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel in Wheeling, Illinois.

According to the organizers, “The precision machining industry relies on the best and the brightest people in manufacturing to produce safety critical parts for numerous applications. There is not a trade that has more advanced tools, machinery, or people. PMPA’s 2012 National Technical Conference has been designed to further develop the technical, quality and managerial talents of the people in shops.”

There will be a number of conference sessions ranging from new technology, shop safety, the quoting process, to critical thinking and many more. The keynote speaker for the conference will be Krish Dhanam whose “Top Performance” keynote will be sure to inspire those who hear it.

The program will include certification workshops in “Critical Process Thinking in the Quality Profession,” and “Leadership Gold.” There will also be track sessions targeted to three groups of personnel: technical, quality, and management. Both the certification programs and the track sessions are geared to the continuous improvement of precision machinists.

Photo courtesy of PMPA

Seventy exhibitors will also be showcasing the latest in technology and will be on hand to discuss with attendees.

Both members and non-members of PMPA are welcomed to attend this conference. PMPA members are encouraged to sponsor a prospective member or a student.

Precision Plus’ Bill Wells, serves as a senior advisor to the PMPA’s National Technical Conference. We believe the conference delivers a strong message to the importance of U.S. manufacturing.

For more information about attending this conference, please contact Monte Guitar at 440-526-0300, visit the PMPA’s National Technical Conference website, or scan the QR code below.

Company Updates

March 8, 2012

New State-of-the-Art Miyano Increases Production Capabilities at Precision Plus in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

ABX-51TH3, complex, components, Elkhorn, Miyano, parts, Precision Plus, state-of-the-art, Swiss-turned, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of our new Miyano ABX-51TH3. This new Super Precision Turning Center will be capable of processing high-end parts efficiently in a single setup by being able to mill and drill even more complex parts than what equipment allows now.. This will bring the number of Miyanos precision turning centers in our shop to four.

Miyano ABX-51TH3

The ABX-51TH3 Miyano is a 2-spindle, 3-turret turning center with 2-Y-axis. A Y-axis control is featured on each of the two upper turrets (right and left), which makes it possible to have revolving tools attached on all of 12 stations. A lower turret, which could operate either right or left, can also have revolving tools on its own 12 stations, which results in 3 tools being able to work simultaneously, performing complex operations both front and back, in a single machine setup.

Miyano’s newest precision turning center sets a new standard for bar machines with its high precision and high functionality features.

Our new custom-specked turning center will also come with three attachments: an FMB Turbo 5-55 Bar Loader, a ChipBLASTER High Pressure Coolant System and a Hainbuch Collet-Style Clamping System.

The FMB Turbo 5-55 is an automatic bar loading magazine for processing bars in diameters from 5 to 55mm and in lengths of up to 4200 mm. Quick change polyurethane guide channels allow for quiet operation at high RPM while feeding round, square or hex bar stock. There is no metal to metal contact and it features an automatic feed system.

The ChipBLASTER High Pressure Coolant System features automatic variable volume, double ChipBLASTER’s super duty pump, double compression filter hold down, and multiple pressure options. It is also equipped with four outputs for accommodate multiple operations.

The Hainbuch Collect-style Clamping System is a SPANNTOP Modular system, with a through-bore for bars and tubes. It features parallel/cylindrical clamping, and offers optimal holding power and rigidity. Its design allows for easy change-overs and minimal wear. Its concentricity is of < 0.01 mm.

Precision Plus is on a never-ending quest to design and manufacture precision components that will save our customers production time and money. Next week’s arrival of our new Miyano Super Precision Turnning Center will be just another step in our quest.

ABX-51TH3 Specs

Industry News

February 5, 2012

‘RIGHT SKILLS NOW‘ PROGRAM BRINGS HOPE TO U.S. MANUFACTURING

ACT, certifications, CNC, fast, fast-track, Inc., manufacturing., President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, Right Skills Now, The Manufacturing Institute, The National Institute for Metalworking Skills, track, U.S., U.S.A., US

Michael Reader

Call it a conundrum of sorts…in a down economy, when jobs are scarce while unemployment soars, the manufacturing sector struggles to find qualified candidates to fill available jobs.

Some refer to this void as the “perfect storm:” manufacturing being outsourced abroad, Baby Boomers in manufacturing approaching retirement age, and Gen-Exers and Milleniums pursuing broader-ranged careers.

In October of 2011, and in response to the lack of available talent to fill manufacturing positions, The Manufacturing Institute launched a fast-track education and training program called “RIGHT SKILLS NOW.” Based on the National Association of Manufacturers’ Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System, the program is designed to provide accelerated, intense training and education to potential workers, who upon completion of the 16 to 22-week program are able to meet the demands expected in precision machining jobs in manufacturing.

RIGHT SKILLS NOW is a grass root movement backed by some formidable partners: The President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, The Manufacturing Institute, ACT, Inc., and The National Institute for Metalworking Skills. The scope of the program involves aspects from professionalism in the workplace, integrity, communication, problem solving, and CNC milling and turning.

Several schools around the U.S., including Minnesota and Nevada, have already set up and implemented curricula for “RIGHT SKILLS NOW” programs. The first graduates are expected to receive their certificates in mid 2012.

Click now to see employment opportunities at Precision Plus

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