NTMA Member Strohwig Industries Featured in Media Story on Skilled Worker shortage

Thank you Strohwig Industries for keeping the issue of a shortage of skilled workers in the media.  Strohwigh was featured in the Wisconsin media in a story titled "State manufacturers have jobs, need workers," published on WisconsinWatch.org and reprinted in several publications.

The story features quotes by Stohwig Controller and NTMA Milwaukeee Chapter head Mike Retzer who discussed BOTS IQ Wisconsin, an innovative competition for high school kids who build and design robots in partnership with manufacturers.

The story begins: "Last year, 47 hourly workers at Strohwig Industries took home more than $100,000." 

The reporter quotes Mike:

"They’re not dirty smoke-stack industries that everybody thinks is manufacturing....And they’re not the mundane, routine jobs. They’re mentally challenging and they’re very fulfilling from the mental and from the career and earnings part.”

And here's chart that shows the recent comback of manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin

Way to go Mike and Strohwig Industries!

Congrats to Joe Kelly, Winner of the NTMA Pittsburgh Chapter Apprentice Competition

Congratulations to Joe Kelly, Apprentice Machinist at Stellar Precision Components in Jeannette, PA.  Joe won first place in the 2012 National Tooling and Machining Association Pittsburgh Chapter Apprentice Competition at New Century Careers Training Innovation Center.  Joe was featured in the Newsmaker section of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

NTMA is undertaking a number of initiatives to recruit and train the next generation of skilled manufacturing workers.  To learn more about these programs, visit our Workforce Development page on the NTMA website.

One Voice Member Ralph Hardt Testifies on Manufacturing and Tax Reform at Congressional Hearing

We are proud that our colleague Ralph Hardt, President of Jagemann Stamping Company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was asked to represent small and medium-sized manufacturers at an important Congressional hearing on tax reform last week.  At a hearing of the House Committee on Ways and Means on “Tax Reform and the U.S. Manufacturing Sector," Ralph called on Congress to keep in mind the impact on small U.S. manufacturing businesses when undertaking tax reform, particularly concerning “S-Corps” and similarly structured companies.  Ralph is a member of NTMA and PMA.

Ralph told the Committee: “More than 70 percent of manufacturers are structured as S-Corporations or other pass-throughs paying taxes at the individual rate.  There is a lot of noise in Washington right now about only raising taxes on the ‘wealthy’ to pay for social programs and hopefully balance our federal budget. However, as a small business, we may report $250,000 or more in profit, but few manufacturers take those profits home – they are overwhelmingly reinvested in the business and our employees manufacturing in America. The less resources we have due to paying more taxes ties our hands and does not allow us to buy new million-dollar machines that need new employees to run.”

Ralph also emphasized the distinction between the perception of ‘wealthy’ taxpayers and the realities of small business owners: “What many policymakers in Washington do not understand is, unlike larger corporations, small manufacturers like us are required to provide a personal guarantee for most loans when purchasing capital equipment or expanding our facilities. I just recently signed a personal guarantee for [a] new $270,000 grinder. This means as a small business owner, I have to put my family’s home on the line, and take significant risks if I want to grow my business and compete globally.”

Changing banking terms have created additional burdens for small business owners, Ralph testified: “Banking and other lending requirements have toughened, forcing most owners to leave retained earnings in the business for the sole purpose of meeting collateral requirements. Profits left in the business are still subject to taxation even before distribution to the owner, creating a system which penalizes and taxes business owners who leave money in the business for reinvestment, resulting in reduced ability to secure loans. Therefore, increased tax liability means less money in the business,  restricting its ability to access timely and sufficient credit to purchase machines, expand facilities and hire new employees.”

Ralph called on Congress to work to speedily resolve potential changes to the tax code for the good of U.S. businesses: “How our businesses are organized and the way we pay taxes has the single greatest impact on our companies and how much we reinvest in the business … The uncertainty in the tax code and over what the future holds keeps many manufacturers from investing as much as they should or could to grow their businesses.”

Read the full version of Ralph’s testimony at http://www.metalworkingadvocate.org/pdf/Hardt-Testimony.pdf.

NTMA Members host Mitt Romney at Ohio Facilities

NTMA members are accustomed to hosting elected officials and political candidates.  NTMA members host many Members of Congress (both Democrats and Republicans) for plant tours throughout the year.  In a sign of the growing importance of manufacturing and its influence in Washington and to this election, two NTMA members recently hosted Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at their facilities in Ohio, a battleground state.

Last week, NTMA member Ken Seilkop of Seilkop Industries hosted Gov. Romney at his plant in Carthage, OH.  Ken is a big supporter of NTMA's advocacy initiatives in Washington to urge elected officials to strengthen American manufacturing.  A snapshot of Ken introducing Gov. Romney:

Below is a video of Gov. Romney's remarks at Ken's facility, which was broadcast live on CNN:

In May, Gov. Romney visited NTMA member Bill Sopko's company, Stamco Industries, in Euclid, OH.  Bill has made a tremendous contribution to strengthening manufacturing.  He has made many trips to Washington for more than a decade to advocate on behalf of U.S. manufacturing.  Bill travelled directly from hosting Gov. Romney to Washington, DC to participate in our Legislative Conference.    

A photo of Bill greeting Mr. Romney:

And here are Gov. Romney's remarks at Stamco:



These events show the importance that candidates are giving to the issue of strengthening manufacturing in this country and NTMA's growing influence as the face of small and medium-sized manufacturing in America.  Our voices are growing stronger -- to keep manufacturing strong -- thanks to our members!

Congratulations to NTMA Member Ron Borst - Recipient of the 2012 James C. Denneny III Award

Congratulations to NTMA member Ron Borst, recipient of the 2012 James C. Denneny III Award, given by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, MO each year to an individual who embodies  Denneny's spirit, dedication and civic pride.  Ron is Chairman  and CEO of Clay & Bailey Manufacturing, a maker of aboveground and underground  tank accessories for the petroleum industry as well as construction castings including manhole covers for municipalities.

From the EDC's Press Release:

"Ron embodies the commitment and dedication of the award's namesake, Jim  Denneny. His efforts helped us maintain and grow jobs and investment in our industrial  areas. His tireless devotion to the EDC, to Kansas City and its workers and residents has  inspired the EDC staff and the community around him. He is truly an economic hero for  Kansas City."

NTMA Members Featured in Bloomberg Story on Skilled Worker Needs

NTMA continues to take the lead on raising the issue of the problem of workforce development in manufacturing.  NTMA members Paul Bonin, President of Bertrand Products, and Kevin Ahaus, President of Ahaus Tool and Engineering , were featured yesterday in a Bloomberg Story on the inability of manufacturers to find skilled workers and declared that this issue "is holding back manufacturing, the industry that led the U.S. out of the worst recession since the 1930s."  The interview was conducted during the One Voice Legislative Conference last week.

100 Manufacturing CEO's, 175 Congressional Meetings

NTMA and PMA just finished their annual legislative conference in DC.  Approximately 100 CEOs and other leaders of small and medium sized manufacturing companies held more than 175 meetings with Members of Congress and staff over the past 36 hours.  Our priority issues discussed with these elected officials includeworkforce development, tax reform, energy costs, trade and labor issues.  It was an outstanding trip.  Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) tweeted this photo of his meeting with NTMA and PMA manufacturers yesterday:

Thanks to all those manufacturers who travelled to DC and took the time away from running their businesses to join this important effort.  As we always say about engaging our elected officials:  "if you are not at the table, then your on the menu." 

NTMA -U Graduates to Receive College Credits at University of Akron

We are very excited to announce NTMA-U's partnership with the University of Akron:

For Immediate Release

May 2, 2012  

Contact: Caitlin Andrews, 202-828-7637

caitlin.andrews@bgllp.com

NATIONAL TOOLING AND MACHINING ASSOCIATION’S “NTMA –U” GRADUATES TO RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDITS

AT UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

Twenty-one Credits to be awarded to NTMA-U Graduates in University’s Prestigious Manufacturing and Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology Degree program

Cleveland, OH – The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) announced today that it has finalized an agreement with the University of Akron to grant up to 21 college credits to graduates of NTMA-U, the association’s innovative advanced manufacturing skills training program.  The new apprenticeship program, developed with a focus on key industry standards and National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) guidelines, allows NTMA-U graduates to earn college credits through the university’s Manufacturing and Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology Degree program starting in August 2012.

The University of Akron is considered one of the foremost engineering schools in the United States.  NTMA-U is a new program that provides an online curriculum through participating institutions of higher education, and is designed to be completed over a three-year period to allow participants to continue working full time.  The program offers a number of easily accessible, lecture-style YouTube videos on topics such as Shop Theory, Practical Math and Blueprint Reading, Computer Numerical Controlled manufacturing, Statistical Processes and Controls, Geometric Tolerancing and Dimensioning, and Manufacturing Processes.

“We are very excited about the launch of this initiative, which will bring tremendous benefits both to NTMA member companies and the apprentices,” said NTMA Vice President Ken McCreight. “Through NTMA-U, students will gain firsthand knowledge of the many new technologies in manufacturing, including - Interactive CNC Emulators, almost all of ToolingU modules, well over 200 NTMA custom developed You-Tube videos, that will assist the successful apprentice in an understanding of how to apply the learned course outcomes in the highly skilled segments of our industry.  This is a great opportunity for new employees, as well as current employees at NTMA member companies who wish to enhance their skills and prepare themselves to take on future roles.”

The NTMA-affiliated apprentices will be able to access the credits at a significant discount from regular tuition rates. 

McCreight continued, “‘Apprenticeship’ is no longer a word that is looked down upon.  It is once  again a highly regarded career pathway to employment.  The 2009 Skills Gap Report stated that more than 80 percent of U.S. manufacturers report an overall shortage of qualified employees.  As an industry, we must invest in growing our own the talent base.  Unfortunately, many of our members do not have training centers in their regions. That's why NTMA-U on-line curriculum is so important.”

“Workforce development is one of our top priorities,” said NTMA President Dave Tilstone. “The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that repetitive manufacturing career pathways (defined as education coursework and/or training credentials) will decline by more than 10 percent as a share of total workforce, while employment in advanced manufacturing positions has risen by 37 percent.  A number of NTMA members are in the aerospace and defense industry, which has a backlog of production extending to 2030.  These companies must maintain and expand their skilled workforce.  If manufacturing in this country is to prosper in years to come, we will need to ensure the continued availability of highly trained workers.”

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About NTMA:

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NTMA’s over 1,300 member companies design and manufacture special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gages, special machines and precision-machined parts.  Some firms specialize in experimental research and development work as well as rapid prototyping.  Many NTMA members are privately owned small businesses, yet the industry generates sales in excess of $40 billion a year.  NTMA’s mission is to help members of the U.S. precision custom manufacturing industry achieve business success in a global economy through advocacy, advice, networking, information, programs and services.

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ROBOTS TO INVADE INDIANAPOLIS THIS WEEKEND

Two days away from the start of NTMA's National Robotics Championship.  We are pleased that 22 teams with more than 30 robots from across the country will be battling it out -- and learning skills that are needed by our member companies!  Latest Press release here and below.

For Immediate Release                                         Contact: Caitlin Andrews

May 2, 2012                                                                         202-828-7637

                                                                                               caitlin.andrews@bgllp.com

ROBOTS TO INVADE INDIANAPOLIS THIS WEEKEND:

22 TEAMS VIE FOR

2012 NATIONAL ROBOTICS LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

NTMA Sponsored League Helps Students

Learn Skills Needed for Careers in Manufacturing

Independence, OH: Twenty-two teams from as far away as Arizona and Florida will bring robots ready to do battle to the 2012 National Robotics League (NRL) Championships at the Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis on May 5-6, 2012, the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) announced today.  NTMA created the NRL, a robot combat competition, to introduce a new generation of Americans to manufacturing.

The following schools have currently qualified for the 2012 NRL Championships:

•           Bloomsburg Area High School – Bloomsburg , PA

•        Blue Ridge High School – Lakeside, AZ

•        Cambridge Springs High School – Cambridge Springs, PA

•        Centerville High School – Centerville, OH

•        Conneaut Lake High School – Conneaut Lake, PA

•        Dunwoody College of Technology – Minneapolis, MN

•        Highlands High School – Natrona Heights, PA

•        Milford High School – Milford, OH

•        Mooresville High School - Mooresville, IN

•        North St. Paul High School – Maplewood, MN

•        Plum Senior High School – Plum, PA

•        Propel Braddock Hills High School – Pittsburgh, PA

•        Prosser Career Education Center – New Albany, IN

•        Slinger High School – Slinger, WI

•        Springboro High School – Springboro, OH

•        The Pennsylvania State University-University Park – University Park, PA

•        University of South Florida – Tampa, FL

•        Upper Valley Career Center – Piqua, OH

•        West Geauga High School, Chesterland, OH

•            Winchester High School, Winchester, MA

•            Wright State University – Dayton, OH

•        Wright State University – Lake Campus – Celina, OH

Clashes begin Saturday, May 5 with preliminary rounds followed by quarterfinals, semi-finals and final rounds that will take place through Sunday, May 6.  Circle Centre Mall is located at 49 West Maryland St. in Indianapolis.

NTMA founded the NRL to help change misperceptions about manufacturing and attract a new generation of students to well-paying technical careers.  The program partners teams of middle school, high school, and post-secondary school students with local NTMA manufacturers to build robots designed to do battle.  The result is not only a destruction-driven face-off of incredible machines, but also an opportunity to develop high-tech skills and cultivate the interest of a new generation of students who will determine the future of manufacturing

Media can register for the event by contacting Caitlin Andrews at 202-828-7637 or caitlin.andrews@bgllp.com.

For additional information about the NRL, visit www.gonrl.org.  For additional information on NTMA, visit www.ntma.org.

NTMA member Roy Sweatman interviewed by Plant Engineering Magazine

The June issue of Plant Engineering magazine will feature an interview with Roy Sweatman, President of Southern Manufacturing Technologies in Tampa, FL and an NTMA member.  Roy was recently appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Council.  The interview is posted on the publication's website.  Read it here.