Expansion Management

What? Equipment is Too High Tech so You Can't Train Workers?

June 24, 2011

In reading an article about President Obama's recent trip to the Cree factory and his emphasis on getting people back to work in the manufacturing sector, I came across an interesting comment on MSNBC

Darlene Miller, CEO of Permac Industries in South Burnsville, Minn., who is member of President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, pointed out that these days there is no time for on-the-job training to teach someone how to operate machinery.

While that sounds a little short-sighted to me, it gets worse.

"We just can't afford to take the time and the money to hire and have someone just shadow someone else and learn hands-on," she said. "The equipment is just too high-tech to do that."

What?

Sounds like another comment I read in the NYT in which Dan Mishek, managing director of Vista Technologies, a manufacturer of plastic products said: "People don't seem to come in with the right skill sets to work in modern manufacturing. It seems as if technology has evolved faster than people."

Am I missing something here?

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.