A discussion with Paul Rogers, CEO, America’s and Asia Pacific of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
When you think of modern manufacturing environments, do visuals of flying sparks and grinding machines come to mind? If so, you might need a shift in focus. The 21st-century manufacturing facility is built far more on technology innovation, automation, data, and delivery.
Manufacturing facilities and production environments have changed dramatically over the past 20-odd years. In that time, we’ve evolved from lean manufacturing processes to increased automation, with more plants adopting robotics, sensors, automation, and tech-driven machinery to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality control. More recently, the rise of AI technology, IoT, cloud computing, and data analytics has impacted manufacturing processes in new and innovative ways.
I started my career in sales and marketing just about 20 years ago, working for Sherwin Williams. I saw firsthand how manufacturing environments work through the company’s production, distribution, and sale of products and how important supply chains are to making our world go. I fell in love with it. I was thrilled to come to work every day and see how products were made. Over the years, I learned more about the challenges in supply chain processes, which led me to found Verusen to help solve those battles.
The Need for Manufacturing Workers
But I wondered recently: does manufacturing in 2024 hold the same appeal for younger workers as it did for me in 2004? How does a typical 20-something Gen Z worker (born in 1997 and onward) view manufacturing today?
Experts are seeing signs of a large employee gap in manufacturing circles. A 2024 study by Deloitte shows that the U.S. manufacturing industry needs more workers—to fill as many as 3.8 million jobs—as manufacturing grows with new investments. Deloitte also notes in the study that 65% of respondents in the National Association of Manufacturers’ 2024 Q1 outlook are concerned about filling and keeping open jobs as their primary business challenge.
So, where will these new manufacturing workers come from? No one is quite sure, but as leaders in these industries, we must transform manufacturing’s image and purpose to attract a new generation of workers.
Show The Purpose
I recently spoke to a business colleague, Paul Rogers, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence’s President and CEO, America’s and Asia Pacific. He said that when he talks with Hexagon’s Gen Z employees, including those on the factory floor, they want to be involved in something that’s ‘purpose-driven.’
In other words, to work and thrive in manufacturing, they want to be sure they are part of creating a product that’s just not a ‘bolt on a part.’ They want to feel they are helping to create a part of a more macro solution.
As Rogers notes, “When I talk with Gen Z, they don’t want to view their role as just coming to work and grinding out parts. Instead, they want to be part of a bigger process like creating something that’s helping airplanes fly or trains run.”
Upgrade the Tech
Another way manufacturing lags in a ‘purpose’ for younger workers is our reliance on older equipment that ‘still does the job.’
Rogers mentioned young manufacturers are routinely encountering 20+ year old machines, such as stationary CMM machines. “That’s not what they are expecting to see, it’s like a museum to them,” said Rogers. “That is like a Gen Z’er trying to do their job with a late ‘90’s desktop computer. They are hoping to see top tech, industry 5.0, in action.”
Finally, manufacturers must be agile enough to build to support what’s coming next and not get locked down into tech debt.
Bridge the Gap
To compound that issue, your workforce might include workers that are nearing retirement age. These might be longtime manufacturing workers who grew their careers with older equipment. These senior workers may be the only ones who understand how the old machines work. How can manufacturers bridge that experience gap with someone new? How can younger workers gain that insight and knowledge?
One way to bridge the gap between the old guard and the new is to implement intelligent purpose-built technology products that are easy to use. The future of supply chains will be intuitive solutions for even entry-level people. At the same time, your older Gen X workers will be satisfied with its ease of use, which will help your team drive the outcomes.
Attracting Young Gen Z Workers to Manufacturing
As corporate leaders in manufacturing, what other steps can we use to bring younger workers into these unfilled manufacturing roles? Here’s a shortlist (Add more in the comments below!)
● Partner with high schools, vocational schools and universities: It’s critical to get involved as early as high school to ensure more students get exposure to manufacturing careers for new talent pipelines.
● Foster growth and development: Provide training programs, career advancement paths, and opportunities for young workers to learn from the older workforce.
● Update systems/technology: Stay current with your system to remain competitive and to engage and attract younger workers
● Promote AI / advanced technologies: To attract tech-savvy workers, highlight enterprise technologies like robotics, AI, and data automation.
● Emphasize the purpose: Showcase the importance of manufacturing for the local and global economy.
● Good compensation/benefits: Offer competitive salaries and good benefits to attract younger workers to fill manufacturing jobs.
● Foster a positive workplace culture: Cultivate a work environment that values employee input and well-being.
By keeping it modern and forward-thinking, manufacturing companies can leap to thinking and acting like tech companies and move ahead with different outputs. In these ways, they can position themselves as attractive employers that provide a fulfilling career for a skilled workforce. By taking these steps, we can collectively grow competitively in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
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