Chamber to recognize outstanding manufacturer

A strong manufacturing sector is essential to the economic vitality of communities and regions across the United States.

Manufacturing consistently generates about one-fifth of the U.S. gross national product, and with its more than 17 million workers, it adds almost $2 trillion to the national economy. In the Springfield area, the manufacturing sector employs more than 23,000 workers and contributes more than $3 billion to the local economy.

Why is this important? The manufacturing sector is involved in almost all the goods and services we consume on a daily basis. Because of this high demand, competition among manufacturers continues to increase, both domestically and internationally. Increased productivity is the key if companies are to effectively engage in trade, maintain market share, and offer high quality goods and services.

One way of increasing productivity is through technological advancement. Technology allows more efficient methods to manufacture products and the development of new methods.

Such advances in technology provide a more effective use of resources and quality management. The factors that make a company competitive include quality and cost controls, rapid production of goods, and the flexibility to meet rapid changes in demand.

The expertise of the work force is critical to the success of manufacturing firms.

Increasingly, manufacturing employees must have the ability to operate computers and other sophisticated technological equipment. Given the projection that the total number of new workers will continue to decline over the next decade and beyond, the challenge is to educate young people and their families about opportunities available in the manufacturing sector.

An average job in a manufacturing company is much different than what it was 15 to 20 years ago. The sophistication of the manufacturing process has consistently improved as new technologies have developed. Technology, computers, and automation have increased the skill level requirements, but they have also increased opportunities for many workers.

An average production worker in the Springfield area currently earns $27,500 annually, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development. This wage is very competitive compared to other sectors of the economy.

School counselors must work closely with the business community to help students become aware of the employment opportunities available with local manufacturers. A technical education or de-gree is an important alternative for students who do not wish to attain a four-year degree.

To stay competitive, several area companies have taken the initiative to educate junior and senior high school students about their companies.

They provide tours of their facilities and give the students a real-life look at the types of jobs they offer. This is an example of ways the schools and manufacturing community can partner to assist students in making informed career choices.

Productivity, increased technology and employee development are some of the key components common to outstanding manufacturing companies in the Spring-field area. The Springfield Area Cham-ber of Commerce annually recognizes and honors excellence in manufacturing. The 2001 Manufacturer of the Year recognition process is now under way. Seven area manufacturers have been nominated for this award.

This year's selection process will involve the Drury University Students In Free Enterprise team. The Drury SIFE Team will alleviate much of the nominees' burden by helping them complete applications. The students will utilize their expertise in providing a more detailed analysis of how a company rates in comparison to its own particular in-dustry. Then the panel of judges will narrow the field and conduct on-site visits of the finalists' manufacturing operations.

The recipient of the 2001 Manufac-turer of the Year Award will be announced at a luncheon ceremony Dec. 12.

The Manufacturer of the Year Award is a program of the chamber's Manufac-turers Council, a group of business leaders who promote and support manufacturing growth and vitality in the Spring-field area, and facilitates recognition, interaction and communication within the manufacturing community.

(Allen Kunkel is the manager of regional development with the Spring-field Area Chamber of Commerce.)