<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:foaf="http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/" xmlns:og="http://ogp.me/ns#" xmlns:rdfs="http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#" xmlns:schema="http://schema.org/" xmlns:sioc="http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns#" xmlns:sioct="http://rdfs.org/sioc/types#" xmlns:skos="http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core#" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0" xml:base="https://www.nist.gov/"> <channel> <title>Manufacturing Innovation Blog</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/</link> <description>Manufacturing Innovation Blog blog posts</description> <language>en</language> <atom:link href="https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/rss.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/> <item> <title>Video: Heroes of American Manufacturing – Mayville Engineering</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/video-heroes-american-manufacturing-mayville-engineering</link> <description> Small and medium-sized manufacturers know that employees are their most important asset. Without employee commitment, no company can succeed. Mayville Engineering Company (MEC) recognizes this. According to MEC’s Executive Vice President of Fabrication Operations David Higgs, “What embodies MEC most is our mission statement. It’s pride, personal responsibility and daily excellence. Our biggest strength is our people.” At this employee-owned company, the workforce is engaged because the solutions that drive the company’s success benefit them as well. A new video in the Heroes of American </description> <pubDate>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1831946</guid> </item> <item> <title>Start Your Market Scouting by Reviewing Your Value Proposition</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/start-your-market-scouting-reviewing-your-value-proposition</link> <description> Technology-driven market intelligence ( TDMI ) is a technology acceleration service developed for the MEP National Network ™ by RTI International to help small and medium-sized manufacturers refine their strategic direction and market validation. This helps firms stay competitive and grow their businesses. Gathering market intelligence can be daunting, especially since you are not just looking at recent trends, but attempting to determine where the market is headed. Market research and a proper TDMI assessment require significant time and expertise you may not have in-house. Your local MEP </description> <pubDate>Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Cindy Matsuki</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1830841</guid> </item> <item> <title>Illuminating Possibilities to Achieve ISO Certification</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/illuminating-possibilities-achieve-iso-certification</link> <description> Enova Illumination, a client of Enterprise Minnesota (Minnesota MEP), is a leading provider of LED surgical headlights, magnification systems, and other visualization solutions for healthcare professionals. The company was founded in 2006 to address the limitations of traditional fiber-optic surgical headlights. Enova employs 50 people and operates from a single location in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When Enova Illumination Vice President of Operations Jeremy Ward contacted Enterprise Minnesota, part of the MEP National Network™ , the company had been using an older quality management system (QMS </description> <pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1830441</guid> </item> <item> <title>Infographic – Integrating Cybersecurity With Industry 4.0: What It Means for Manufacturing</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/infographic-integrating-cybersecurity-industry-40-what-it-means</link> <description> Did you know that manufacturing is now the most targeted industry for cyber attacks? The average cost of a data breach for a small business is $105,000. Can your firm absorb that cost? Can you risk the down time and the damage that a data breach would cause your business? Industry 4.0: Managing cybersecurity where OT and IT meet Old style manufacturing equipment was not connected to a network, and that physical separation provided some level of security. Automation and other Industry 4.0 technologies bring many benefits and increased efficiencies to manufacturing facilities, but networked </description> <pubDate>Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1829421</guid> </item> <item> <title>10 Ways TWI Supports Employee Engagement and Retention</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/10-ways-twi-supports-employee-engagement-and-retention</link> <description> Workforce challenges these days are never-ending, not just for manufacturers but across the business spectrum. You have to be on top of your game to be successful building a talent pipeline, recruiting and hiring, onboarding and training, creating an engaging workplace culture, and promoting career development. Leadership skills in manufacturing are paramount, as is the ever-present need for standardized training. The turnover of experienced leaders and other subject matter experts only amplifies that need. You may have an old standby in your workforce toolbox that addresses manufacturing </description> <pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Phil Chadderdon</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1829401</guid> </item> <item> <title>Find Unique Workforce Solutions for Your Firm: A New Interactive Map Showcases MEP National Network Workforce Programs, Services and Trainings</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/find-unique-workforce-solutions-your-firm-new-interactive-map</link> <description> How can small firms without in-house expertise help their staff learn new skills? It’s not easy when resources are tight and staff are pulled in a million directions. Manufacturers face worker shortages, skills gaps and other workforce challenges that limit their productivity and growth. MEP Centers around the country help manufacturers fill those gaps and find unique workforce solutions based on each firm’s needs. A new interactive map, MEP National Network Workforce Programs, Services and Trainings , showcases these efforts across the country. This map complements a recently published list </description> <pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1828311</guid> </item> <item> <title>Building the Future Workforce on Manufacturing Day, Oct. 6</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/building-future-workforce-manufacturing-day-oct-6</link> <description> Young adults have many choices when it comes to their future careers. Some have a clear career path in mind, whether it’s pursuing a college degree, enlisting in the military, or entering the workforce right away. But for others, the road ahead is less certain, and they may not yet know where their interests and passions lie. Of course, this is perfectly normal, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. Young adults have time for exploration, self-discovery and personal growth. Adults can help them by providing tools and opportunities for them to explore options. That’s where Manufacturing </description> <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Jennifer Rosa</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1827401</guid> </item> <item> <title>Cost Containment Review Will Save Money, Provide Supply Chain Resiliency</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/cost-containment-review-will-save-money-provide-supply-chain</link> <description> Like many manufacturers, you may feel you are paying fair prices to your suppliers. Maybe you have a strong procurement team, great relationships with your vendors and suppliers, and your team spot-checks prices. Your finance staff may do a great job of tracking data and reporting trends and anomalies. But how do you really know if you are getting the best possible price? Maybe you review your health insurance every year because it can represent a significant portion of your operating expenses, and it often fluctuates from year to year. While it’s true that there are few ways in which most </description> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Michael Womack</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1826491</guid> </item> <item> <title>Video: Heroes of American Manufacturing – ZAGO Manufacturing</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/video-heroes-american-manufacturing-zago-manufacturing</link> <description> ZAGO Manufacturing is an award-winning, woman-owned business that began in 1993 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology Enterprise Development Center small business incubator. Now it’s one of the world’s largest and most respected producers of custom, high-tech, clean and inherently green sealing solutions and components. Thousands of engineers and onsite equipment manufacturers rely on ZAGO self-sealing fasteners and switch boots. ZAGO’s components are used across 100 different industries including aerospace, automotive and transportation, commercial LED lighting, medicine, robotics and </description> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1826186</guid> </item> <item> <title>NEW GUIDE: MEP National Network Workforce Programs, Services and Trainings</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/new-guide-mep-national-network-workforce-programs-services-and</link> <description> It’s no longer news that many manufacturers find it difficult to attract and retain enough skilled employees. The nationwide manufacturing talent shortage and skills gap pose complex challenges that threaten individual companies’ bottom lines. In a larger context, these issues weaken U.S. supply chains and ultimately national security. MEP Centers around the country are helping manufacturers solve workforce challenges through a wide range of programs and services. A new guide, MEP National Network Workforce Programs, Services and Trainings , showcases these efforts across the country. The </description> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1824251</guid> </item> <item> <title>Want to Replicate the German Apprenticeship Model? Look No Farther Than Cleveland for Inspiration</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/want-replicate-german-apprenticeship-model-look-no-farther</link> <description> When I first started at MAGNET (part of the Ohio MEP ) in 2015, I walked into my new office, and there was a whitepaper sitting on my desk. In it, our former Board Chair Felix Brueck outlined how we could adapt the German apprenticeship model of workforce development to Northeast Ohio and reap real benefits for the Greater Cleveland area. That incredibly effective German model, which we’ve discussed many times on this blog, could bring manufacturing awareness, certifications, and work experience to Cleveland’s inner-city students, just 15% of whom (at the time) were graduating from any form of </description> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1823416</guid> </item> <item> <title>Manufacturing Day: Changing People’s Perceptions</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/manufacturing-day-changing-peoples-perceptions</link> <description> Manufacturing Day, or MFG Day, has grown to mean many things since it was officially proclaimed in 2012 . Some celebrate on the first Friday in October with an event at a manufacturing facility or a school. Others participate in a regional celebration at an events center. Some areas have a Manufacturing Week, with multiple touch points, while others celebrate Manufacturing Month. No matter how it’s being celebrated, we can all agree that MFG Day is a great rallying point to change people’s perceptions about manufacturing and promote careers that depend on creativity, problem-solving, teamwork </description> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1822311</guid> </item> <item> <title>Adrianne Kroll: Be Open to Opportunities That Take You in New Directions</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/adrianne-kroll-be-open-opportunities-take-you-new-directions</link> <description> This blog is part of a series to celebrate and share the stories of Black American manufacturing leaders. Adrianne Kroll says she kind of stumbled into manufacturing. “With an electrical engineering background, I thought I wanted to design roller coasters!” she says. Sometimes the opportunities available where you live change everything, and Kroll was living in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. After finishing her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering technology at Old Dominion University, she stayed on to get a master’s in systems engineering. Kroll says, “Newport News Shipbuilding </description> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1822146</guid> </item> <item> <title>“The Creativity was Just Bursting!” – Recapping FireWorks 2023</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/creativity-was-just-bursting-recapping-fireworks-2023</link> <description> When America Works started and I was charged with creating the MEP National Network’s first-ever workforce conference, I set for myself one simple goal: create a conference that I would want to go to. There are so many conferences that I have to go to, either because they’re important for networking, or because the content is really important, or because it’s an important national partner … but I don’t actually want to go. My goal was for my national conference, FireWorks, to rise above the rest. Like its namesake, FireWorks should be exciting, engaging, and something that you look forward to </description> <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1821091</guid> </item> <item> <title>Video: Heroes of American Manufacturing – Hope &amp;amp; Main, Making Dreams Reality</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/video-heroes-american-manufacturing-hope-main-making-dreams</link> <description> Hope &amp; Main, a Rhode Island culinary business incubator, helps make dreams reality for people who want to start or own a food or beverage business. One of the top 10 food incubators in the country, Hope &amp; Main has launched nearly 300 businesses since 2014, making it possible for these firms to have a business and creating a more diverse food economy in the state. It takes a village Hope &amp; Main works with Polaris MEP (Rhode Island MEP) and other organizations to make this happen. “The hero of this story is actually a trio of partners,” said Matt Watson, Polaris MEP Center Director. “It reflects </description> <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1820436</guid> </item> <item> <title>Building the Career Path for the New Generation of Rosie Riveters</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/building-career-path-new-generation-rosie-riveters</link> <description> By 2028, American manufacturers could be facing a shortage of 2.4 million workers – and because of this the country could be facing potentially nearly half a trillion dollars in lost gross domestic product. Yet, in spite of the growing sense of urgency to engage young workers to feed the talent pipeline, our manufacturing industry has not closed the workforce gap between men and women. Women make up about 47% of the total workforce according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but they only make up about 30% of the 15.8 million people employed in manufacturing industries. Only one in four manufacturing </description> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1820431</guid> </item> <item> <title>Have Lemons? Make Lemonade!</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/have-lemons-make-lemonade</link> <description> The world economy went into a tailspin in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to face a new normal. From changes in the marketplace to shortages of materials and supply chain disruptions, manufacturing companies had to navigate hairpin turns. Some companies watched their primary source of income dry up overnight and found new business just to stay open. Other manufacturers stepped up to help the world battle COVID-19. Amazing stories of manufacturer resilience is inspiration for us all. Here are two of the many manufacturers that faced the pandemic’s challenges head on – </description> <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1819441</guid> </item> <item> <title>Needs and Opportunities in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Sector</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/needs-and-opportunities-semiconductor-manufacturing-sector</link> <description> In 2022, President Biden signed into law the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act – an investment to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, supply chains and our national security. The CHIPS and Science Act provides funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers to deliver services for workforce development, improve the resiliency of domestic supply chains, and adopt advanced technology upgrades at small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). MEP recently hosted a roundtable discussion featuring semiconductor original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and assembly and packaging manufacturers </description> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp, Jennifer Rosa</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1819151</guid> </item> <item> <title>This Shipbuilder is Rocking Its Workforce. You Can Too.</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/shipbuilder-rocking-its-workforce-you-can-too</link> <description> You may remember that back in May 2022, I attended a shipbuilding conference in Mobile, Alabama. In a blog post overflowing with maritime metaphors – I couldn’t resist! – I wrote about some of the fantastic things I heard from the presenters there. In fact, I was so impressed by the workforce strategies of one large shipbuilder, Austal, that I caught up with it a year later to hear how everything was going. I got to chat with its team members Michelle Alcathie, Rodney Patrick and Michelle Bowden to learn more. Not surprisingly, it’s maintained its amazing culture during the past 12 months, and </description> <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1817371</guid> </item> <item> <title>Do You Have a Plan for Becoming Part of the EV Supply Chain?</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/do-you-have-plan-becoming-part-ev-supply-chain</link> <description> The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) poses various degrees of risk to auto suppliers that make parts for internal combustion engines (ICE). While no one can say for sure what these domestic supply chains will eventually look like, big changes are coming. The slow transition to EVs will eventually expand more rapidly, creating challenges for manufacturers that aren’t prepared. EVs are not the only sector that needs to invest in new products and production methods before existing ones become obsolete. Intense change and opportunities are hitting the domestic semiconductor manufacturing sector </description> <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>David Boulay</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1816736</guid> </item> <item> <title>Video: Heroes of American Manufacturing – AMG Engineering and Machining</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/video-heroes-american-manufacturing-amg-engineering-and</link> <description> Small and medium-sized manufacturers sometimes think they’re too small to be a target for hackers. They may not have the resources to put into cybersecurity. But a cyberattack can wreak havoc for a small business – damaging machines, resulting in bad parts or even people getting hurt. Cyberattacks impact supply chains, making them a national security risk. AMG Engineering and Machining President Ted Gary says, “Today’s challenges have forced a lot of us to go beyond what we thought would be necessary to have a secure environment.” A video in the Heroes of American Manufacturing series features </description> <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1816321</guid> </item> <item> <title>Miriam Kmetzo: Passionate About Performance Excellence</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/miriam-kmetzo-passionate-about-performance-excellence</link> <description> This blog is part of series recognizing the contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders to the manufacturing industry. Born and raised in the beautiful Philippines, Miriam Kmetzo’s family immigrated to the United States in the late 1980s. Miriam’s parents encouraged her and her siblings, paid for their educations, and made sure they were prepared to be successful in all their endeavors. “Well, I was passionate about classical ballet!” says Miriam. “Needless to say, my parents successfully convinced me — and I’m thankful they did — to continue enjoying dance but to </description> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1815396</guid> </item> <item> <title>8 Ways to Improve Your Supplier Selection Process</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/8-ways-improve-your-supplier-selection-process</link> <description> Many manufacturers have had to make significant changes in suppliers in recent years because of various disruptions. Small and medium-sized manufacturers are often resource-challenged and do not have supply chain specialists to focus on vetting suppliers. When it comes to suppliers, manufacturers often are more transactional than strategic, focusing on cost per unit as a default. Accounting and purchasing departments are often evaluated by their ability to reduce costs from the price while the operations department is measured on throughput, which means their total cost of ownership (TCO) for </description> <pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Art Thomas </dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1814766</guid> </item> <item> <title>Seriously, Drop What You’re Doing and Launch this Manufacturing Youth Engagement Program Right Now.</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/seriously-drop-what-youre-doing-and-launch-manufacturing-youth</link> <description> A manufacturing youth engagement program that excites local businesses, offers templates and guidance to effectively launch in new regions, has a 10-year track record of connecting hundreds of students annually, and is financially sustainable? Yes, please. That’s exactly what Pennsylvania’s What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® program offers. That’s right: during the past 10 years, What’s So Cool has created a process, templates, and materials that simply work, driving new connections between MEP Centers , their local school districts, and their clients. The goal of What’s So Cool is simple </description> <pubDate>Wed, 24 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1814006</guid> </item> <item> <title>George Chao: From His Own Startup to Helping Other Startups in Silicon Valley</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/george-chao-his-own-startup-helping-other-startups-silicon</link> <description> This blog is part of series recognizing the contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders to the manufacturing industry. George Chao first learned about the MEP National Network TM when he had his own clean technology startup company that focused on renewable energy and energy storage. He loved the Network’s mission so much that he decided to join it and help other manufacturing companies take advantage of this valuable resource. As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Manex , part of the California MEP , for more than 10 years, he helps companies find capital </description> <pubDate>Thu, 18 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1744026</guid> </item> <item> <title>Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation for Small Manufacturers</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/cybersecurity-risk-mitigation-small-manufacturers</link> <description> Many small manufacturers have limited resources and lack the staff and tools to adequately address cybersecurity needs – leaving them particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. One cyberattack can cost a small manufacturer a great deal of time and money and cause a great deal of stress. Because the manufacturing sector is a consistent target of these attacks, new guidance focuses on helping manufacturers enhance their cybersecurity resiliency. NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) manufacturing team recently published a white paper that introduces security segmentation as a </description> <pubDate>Fri, 12 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Dr. Michael Powell, John Hoyt, Aslam Sherule, Dr. Lynette Wilcox</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1743776</guid> </item> <item> <title>Bayne Beecher: Everyone Can Have a Seat at the Manufacturing Table</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/bayne-beecher-everyone-can-have-seat-manufacturing-table</link> <description> This blog is part of a series to celebrate and share the stories of Black American manufacturing leaders. Bayne Beecher has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience in the automotive and building products industries, specializing in product development, new product launches, process and continuous improvement, and supply chain and logistics. He has worked in window and door assembly, insulated glass, and glass plant operations. His start in manufacturing goes back to his teenage years in Jamaica, where his family owned a concrete block factory. From that experience, he learned that you </description> <pubDate>Tue, 09 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1743576</guid> </item> <item> <title>Infographic: 8 Key Drivers of The Job Quality Toolkit</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/infographic-8-key-drivers-job-quality-toolkit</link> <description> Many companies are struggling to find enough employees to keep their businesses going. Today, it takes much more than offering decent pay and benefits for employers to successfully attract and retain the diverse and skilled workforce they need. A new resource, the Job Quality Toolkit provides practical guidance to companies of all types on eight key drivers that turn a routine occupation into a high-quality job – one where your employee feels respected, valued, and important to your company’s success. The Job Quality Toolkit is deeply rooted in the Baldrige Excellence Framework . Job quality </description> <pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1742711</guid> </item> <item> <title>Recommendations From Germany</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/recommendations-germany</link> <description> This blog is part of a monthly series brought to you by the America Works initiative. As a part of the MEP National Network’s goal of supporting the growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, this series focuses on innovative approaches and uncovering the latest trends in manufacturing workforce development. German manufacturing is a powerhouse, fueling 21% of the country’s economy and contributing nearly $1.4 trillion in exports. Given these facts, we in the MEP National Network TM have been studying Germany’s vocational educational training (VET) program, which most of us call </description> <pubDate>Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1741766</guid> </item> <item> <title>Digitize Your Onboarding and Training With the Modern Learner in Mind</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/digitize-your-onboarding-and-training-modern-learner-mind</link> <description> It’s time for a digital workforce transformation. Modern manufacturers have to juggle evolving expectations for workplace flexibility, pay, career paths and benefits. They also have to take into account the changes in the ways employees learn and access information. The most obvious example of this is how employees turn to their smartphones – whether for a just-in-time answer to an unexpected problem or as a replacement for traditional training and development channels. “Today’s employees are overwhelmed, distracted and impatient. Flexibility in where and how they learn is increasingly </description> <pubDate>Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Tami Trout</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1740661</guid> </item> <item> <title>Susan Murray Carlock: Business Savvy Balanced by Personal Commitment</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/susan-murray-carlock-business-savvy-balanced-personal-commitment</link> <description> This blog is part of a series highlighting women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. Susan Murray Carlock is the Vice President of Business Development at Mursix Corporation. H er family has worked for 33 years to expand the company’s capabilities and the industries it serves. Its core competencies include metal stamping, plastic injection and over-molding, CNC machining, welding, assembly, plating, and many other value-added services for the automotive, medical, industrial, security, and defense sectors. The company began in 1945 as Twoson Tool, a manufacturer of metal </description> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1740286</guid> </item> <item> <title>The Importance of Supply Chain Connectivity to Grow Your Business</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/importance-supply-chain-connectivity-grow-your-business</link> <description> Manufacturing has always had an element of matchmaking at its core. As a supplier, you want to be found quickly by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), prime contractors, and tier one and two suppliers. Buyers want to find companies capable of doing their work. The ability for manufacturers and suppliers to connect has never been more important. The domestic supply chain is quickly evolving due to advanced manufacturing breakthroughs and growing demand for electric vehicles, solar batteries and other high-tech innovations. Connectivity will also be essential for small and medium-sized </description> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Robert Mazzuca</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1739331</guid> </item> <item> <title>Cydney Severio: From Stitcher to CEO</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/cydney-severio-stitcher-ceo</link> <description> This blog is part of a series for Women’s History Month to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. CEO Cydney Severio has done it all during her years at Electro Medical Equipment Company, Inc. (EME), a client of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana. The veteran-owned medical textile manufacturer started as an EKG machine distributor in 1960. The current owners purchased EME in 1984. Cydney was hired as the billing and credit manager 33 years ago when the company had five full-time employees and a few part timers. Home sewing machine comes in </description> <pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1738011</guid> </item> <item> <title>What Indiana Can Teach the Nation About Workforce Development</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/what-indiana-can-teach-nation-about-workforce-development</link> <description> This blog is part of a monthly series brought to you by the America Works initiative. As a part of the MEP National Network’s goal of supporting the growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, this series focuses on innovative approaches and uncovering the latest trends in manufacturing workforce development. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve only been to Indiana once – for a fun weekend in Indianapolis. I will say that their Children’s Museum is truly world-class, and it was great going duckpin bowling for the first time. Though I haven’t taken full advantage of Indiana as a tourist </description> <pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman, Blair Milo</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1737706</guid> </item> <item> <title>Jessica Ingle: Continually Improving</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/jessica-ingle-continually-improving</link> <description> This blog is part of a series for Women’s History Month to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. Jessica Ingle is like a lot of women who are juggling work, family and life. And she’s managed to excel at it all, including her 18 years of climbing the career ladder at Impact Washington , the Washington state MEP Center and part of the MEP National Network TM . Her first real job was at Impact Washington, and her passion for its work continues to grow. Ingle’s journey began as an administrative assistant, and today she’s a key leader in the organization as </description> <pubDate>Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1737231</guid> </item> <item> <title>Sarah Dvorak: Manufacturing is for Anyone Who Wants to Solve Problems and Serve Customers</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/sarah-dvorak-manufacturing-anyone-who-wants-solve-problems-and</link> <description> This blog is part of a series for Women’s History Month to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. Sarah Dvorak didn’t originally plan on a career in manufacturing, but her first career was not a good fit. Luckily, the opportunity to be part of a volunteer focus team brainstorming ways to reduce scrap and rework at a manufacturing plant led her in a new direction, and she’s been in manufacturing ever since. Dvorak is currently the Director of Assembly and Test at Danfoss Power Solutions, a global manufacturer of hydraulic pumps and motors located in Ames, Iowa </description> <pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1736776</guid> </item> <item> <title>The One Workforce Attraction and Retention Strategy You Probably Haven’t Considered</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/one-workforce-attraction-and-retention-strategy-you-probably</link> <description> This blog is part of a monthly series brought to you by the America Works initiative. As a part of the MEP National Network’s goal of supporting the growth of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies, this series focuses on innovative approaches and uncovering the latest trends in manufacturing workforce development. Here at America Works, we’re all about workforce innovation. We know that the existing workforce development system isn’t working as efficiently as it could, so companies need to try every strategy in the book to retain their workers (rather than expect to replace departing </description> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Matt Fieldman</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1735376</guid> </item> <item> <title>Bernadine Hawes: My Manufacturing Story</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/bernadine-hawes-my-manufacturing-story</link> <description> This blog is part of a series for Black History Month to celebrate and share the stories of Black American manufacturing leaders. I didn’t start out even remotely as part of the manufacturing ecosystem. I started my career at the nation’s first urban research park, the University City Science Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I was trying to complete my doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. I finished all my coursework but had not completed my Ph.D. dissertation. In hindsight, that wasn’t the failure many seemed to think. Going to work at the Science Center led to the kind of career </description> <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Bernadine Hawes</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1735006</guid> </item> <item> <title>Asia Dillon: Making a Name for Herself as a Manufacturer</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/asia-dillon-making-name-herself-manufacturer</link> <description> This blog is part of a series for Black History Month to celebrate and share the stories of Black American manufacturing leaders. Asia Dillon is not your average 15-year-old high school student in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has already made a name for herself as a manufacturer. Asia is the owner of Sassy A Cosmetics, a company she started four years ago with the help of her mother. The start of Sassy A Cosmetics Asia considers herself “a little Jackie of all trades,” and sees opportunities where others might not. For example, her younger sister suffers from eczema, which makes her lips so dry </description> <pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator/> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1734691</guid> </item> <item> <title>Video: Heroes of American Manufacturing – Sweet Grass Dairy</title> <link>https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/video-heroes-american-manufacturing-sweet-grass-dairy</link> <description> People who really want to know where their food comes from often turn to small food manufacturers. Jessica Little, co-owner of Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, Georgia, realized this during the pandemic. Her challenge was figuring out how to meet the quality standards and food traceability required to expand into retail markets and get the company’s products out for more consumers to appreciate. A new video in the Heroes of American Manufacturing series featuring Sweet Grass Dairy highlights how this food manufacturer in south Georgia uses the milk produced from a unique, barn-free rotational </description> <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Katie Rapp</dc:creator> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.nist.gov/node/1734686</guid> </item> </channel> </rss>