Changing the Perception of Manufacturing

For many people, manufacturing seems like a low-skill, physically demanding career with no real benefits. As many manufacturers in the industry know, however, modern manufacturing offers an exciting, dynamic workplace with a wide range of opportunities in development, engineering, automation, and technology innovation. By changing the perception of manufacturing, professionals can make it an appealing career choice and ensure the future growth of the industry.

When it comes to job prospects, many consumers believe that manufacturers have difficult lives toiling away in antiquated factories. What's more, they often hold the perception that manufacturing is a dying industry, particularly in the United States. Yet across the country, the reality of manufacturing differs from commonly held perceptions. According to a recent story in MarketWatch, American manufacturing is on the rise. The retail chain Walmart recently announced that it will be replacing some of its foreign-made products with American equivalents. The Walmart announcement is just one of many; as other manufacturers begin to see the benefits of moving back into the United States, they are making pledges and taking action.

As a result, the American manufacturing economy is on the rise. It has been growing steadily, which indicates a resurgence of the domestic manufacturing industry. Despite the fact that the United States is a postindustrial economy, considerable opportunities exist for manufacturers willing to revamp their processes to keep pace with the latest technologies and worker expectations.

As professionals in the manufacturing industry know, the reality of modern manufacturing is considerably different than popular perception would dictate. New technology, such as 3-D printers and robotic automation, is revolutionizing the way companies make products. Manufacturers are increasingly moving toward a lean production-line model, which is cost effective and enables quick response times.

Increasingly, technology is becoming an integral part of the American manufacturing landscape. In fact, to help boost the industry, President Obama is dedicating a portion of the budget to advancing manufacturing innovation. He created the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, which is designed to support research that will take manufacturing into the next generation and help the United States stay competitive with other countries around the world.

For manufacturing professionals, the issue of negative perception remains. Some companies are out to change the public attitude at an early age by holding workshops for elementary school children. Others are participating in marketing campaigns to educate people about the possibilities of modern manufacturing.

By taking steps to help shift public perception, manufacturers are serving their own interests as well as the interests of the country as a whole. As attitudes change, more people are likely to consider manufacturing as a serious career choice, which can help secure the future of the industry.

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