Indiana Custom Machining: Advanced Manufacturing Industry Dynamic Advancements

Advanced manufacturing is growing in the United States albeit with an ever-changing definition. While traditional manufacturing involved hard product industries that converted raw materials into finished products via manual or mechanized techniques (e.g., automotive, steel), advanced manufacturing involves using integrative and innovative technologies during manufacturing to help improve products or processes (e.g., computer technologies, medical device manufacturing, automation). Basically the focus of advanced manufacturing is on the processes by which products are built rather than on the products themselves as was the case with traditional manufacturing.

Advanced manufacturing usually requires fewer workers than traditional manufacturing since many of the lower-skill processes have been automated. But while fewer workers are needed, the type of workers required are higher skilled and harder to come by. According to the 2015 Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Skills Gap Study, 84 percent of manufacturing executives surveyed think there is a talent shortage in advanced manufacturing in the U.S. And while baby boomer retirement and economic expansion are two major reasons, it is perpetuated by the lack of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field graduates and the lack of preparation the education system offers students to verse them in mathematical and scientific concepts. Training and skills development are crucial to deal with changes in technology and to help fill the skills gap.

Some locations are addressing this problem through employee training and development programs and getting involved with local schools and community colleges. This is a win-win situation for government and industry: the advanced manufacturing sector will continue to grow with the necessary workforce, residents will be provided a career pathway and competitive wages and the gross regional product will grow.

From East to West and in between, here are some locations that currently suit the advanced manufacturing industry and are looking to expand upon that success.

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