Friday, October 30, 2015

Attracting Millennials to Manufacturing Careers

While this is a common theme in manufacturing, we’re always looking for fresh ideas or new twists on solving this workforce issue.

More Wisconsin manufacturers are getting involved with schools to promote available careers that don’t necessarily require 4-year college degrees. They’re giving students ‘hands-on’ opportunities and also reaching out to parents and teachers. “If you can show them “half the education, half the tuition, possibly zero debt, and a job that's averaging about $55,000 a year coming right out of school, that sounds like a pretty good deal to me,” said Steve Benzschawel, a director at Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

Read more about the campaign from Plant Services magazine and NPR here

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Customer Loyalty? It Still Happens. Here's How

This month, Metal Forming Magazine took a look at customer loyalty, and steps many companies are understanding to build it. And to no surprise, having the lowest price is not high on the list.

Critical, but sometimes overlooked steps, including really listening to customer expectations, having a plan that fits your own vision, and knowing how to market your expertise to each customer.

As sourcing becomes more competitive – and complex- fabricators are using new ways to stay competitive, and doing what it takes to create customer loyalty.

Read “Five Simple Strategies to Do More for Your Customers” from Metal Forming magazine here.