Manufacturing in Wilson County |
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In a recent article entitled “Manufacturing’s Wake-Up Call”, the authors detailed this nation’s manufacturing base, its challenges and opportunities. As I read the article, I began to relate the topic to our local economy and to our rich manufacturing base. The article indicated that 11% of the US GDP was linked to manufacturing but when suppliers and other related networks were included it rose to over 15%. Applied locally, this means that approximately 1 in 7 jobs are directly or indirectly linked to manufacturing. And when related consumer spending is considered, the impact could be as high as 25% of a local economy. There is no doubt about the impact this community’s manufacturing base has on our economy. One only has to look at TRW, (celebrating its 50th anniversary), Lochinvar, TACLE Seating, Permobil, Nutro Products, Perma-Pipe, L & W Engineering, S & S Industries, Georgia-Pacific, Bay’s Southern Bread, Fortune Plastics, and many other quality manufacturers throughout our community to realize the importance of their contributions.
The manufacturing reputation is always changing, and over the last several decades has taken its criticism for cheap imports, moving offshore, and quality issues. But the fact remains that manufacturing in the U.S still produces approximately 75% of its necessary products and could increase this percentage to as high as 95%. Our existing industry surveys, Industry leaders and location consultants indicate that manufacturing can continue its growth if they can locate closer to their markets, have a fair regulatory and tax environment and most importantly have a technically trained workforce.
Certainly, this community appreciates and understands the importance of our manufacturing base. The question we need to address is how do we continue to position ourselves for future opportunities? The question then becomes, what can we do to continue to grow and promote this economic engine? We are centrally located in a growing region and community. We are centrally located with great logistical advantages. Our task should be to continue to address the technical needs of present and future employees. Presently our citizens must travel to regional technical schools to acquire necessary skill sets. I believe that it is time to form the partnerships between industries, our educational institutions and local and state government to further provide the opportunities to this community. As we move forward in this effort, we would greatly appreciate your insights, thoughts and suggestions.
On behalf of the JECDB, we greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve.
G. C. Hixson
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The first step toward change is awareness |
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“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” Dr. Nathaniel Bradden, author, lecturer and therapist.
When I read the above quote, I thought about the challenges of today’s manufacturing sector and how it specifically relates to our work with existing manufacturers and national site location and industry project managers.
In a 2009 national survey, Americans believed that manufacturing was the most important industry for a strong national economy. And while shown as important to the national economy, the survey also found that only 17 percent of schools and 13 percent of parents encouraged entry into a manufacturing sector which averages 22 percent higher earnings than other careers.
Ninety percent of manufacturers in the survey reported having difficulty finding skilled workers and that their average manufacturing worker was approaching 50 years of age. Both issues were of major concerns in their attempts to meet present and future workforce needs. Our work with local industries and in responding to requests confirms the demand for more education, technical skills and industry-related capabilities than any time in the past.
A community that desires to remain competitive and successful must develop a workforce development system that links its workforce development and education systems together with the needs of a community. Our existing manufacturers produce world known products in the food, automotive, boiler/freezer, metal, plastic and other industries. The question will be are we able to meet the education and technical demands of a changing manufacturing industry and its workforce?
To distinguish our community from others we must continue our efforts to increase high school graduation rates and address the issue of developing additional technical training opportunities. A program which includes the partnership of the community’s manufacturers, businesses, educators, government officials and others will certainly enhance our community’s competitiveness position and the quality of life for our citizens.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TRW AUTOMOTIVE ON
50 AMAZING YEARS
We’re proud of TRW’s accomplishments and its contributions to the community. TRW, its employees and the community have proven that in 1961 it was the right decision to locate in Lebanon, Tennessee.
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Schools Hold Groundbreaking Events |
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Two New Schools Held Groundbreaking Events
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lebanon High School was held on August 26th. The new school will encompass 300,000-plus square feet. Bill Morris, the lead architect from Kaatz, Binkley, Jones and Morris, spoke of the features of the new replacement facility. The school covers 4-1/2 acres of land, featuring a 2,000-seat gymnasium, a 5,000-seat football stadium, 500-seat baseball and softball stadiums, a 1,000-seat theater and a wealth of business, English, fine arts, math classrooms as well as science classrooms and laboratories. Steve Grandas, general contractor for the R.G. Anderson Company, thanked everyone for their support and for giving them the opportunity to provide the students with a new school.
Also, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Winfree Bryant Middle School on July 15th. The new 118,600 square foot school is being built on 60 acres at 1213 Leeville Pike next to College Hills Church of Christ. General contractor for the project is Steed Brothers Contractors, LLP. The total project is projected to cost $18 million and is to be completed by August 2011.
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Nothing is Permanent but Change |
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I suspect that each of us has heard in some form the quote above which is credited to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. I believe that it is especially appropriate in closing the year 2010 and entering into 2011. Major changes occurred in Wilson County in 2010, especially in the arena of Wilson County politics. Because of these changes I wanted to take a moment to express our appreciation to those that provided guidance, direction and support. The changes occurred in offices of mayors, state representatives, and city and county councils/commissions. Many had provided years of service and support and contributed greatly to the past successes of Wilson County. On behalf of the JECDB, we thank you.
The economy also continued its “change” in 2010. Although not the banner year of a few years ago, our community experienced sales tax growth. Our clients described their interest with great “patience”. They detailed how they worked hard to weed out their inefficiencies, improve products and reduce cost. In many cases companies increased their reserves and are now deciding to pay dividends, reinvest in their companies, or improve their market position.
I believe that companies today are beginning to feel more confident. And while consumer confidence will drive the major consumables, such as transportation and housing, we should not forget that the United States is still a good long term potential market. Most economies see some short term growth in our service and manufacturing industries. However, the lack of confidence in financial institutions, the government and the future in some regards, continue our stalled position. This high degree of uncertainty paralyzes consumer confidence.
Our hopes and beliefs are that 2011 will be the time that we return to greater growth and opportunities. If the year 2010 was described as “patience” then 2011 might be described as “opportunity”. We will continue our efforts, and once again, a sincere thank you to all those who have helped in the past and to those who will do so in the future. |
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