Welders Make $150,000? Bring Back Shop Class

Since the 1970’s, 90% of shop classes have been eliminated in the Los Angeles Unified School District. That stat comes from Forbes magazine in 2012. Similar declines have been seen nationwide.

That explains, in part, the lack of talent in many trades today. But $150,000 welders? They do exist, some making even more, due to their high demand in key industries, according Ohio Treasurer, Josh Mandel. He’s got front row view of the situation, overseeing finances for a manufacturing-heavy state.

In a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, Mandel details the opportunities in the trades, and steps being taken in his state to help restore the flow of students into lucrative manufacturing careers.

You can read the complete article here.

INNOVATION is More Than a Buzzword

When we hear the word “innovation,” we usually think of great ideas, Steve Jobs or big dollar investments if new technologies.

But wait. In a new Manufacturing Innovation* article, Mike Simpson redefines ‘innovation,’ and how it can be applied at small and medium sized manufacturers every day for better productivity and profit.

“Innovation is about playing offense,” he explains. "Sure, we can’t always beat our foreign competitors on price. But we can beat them in quality, creativity and customer service through innovation. The best part – innovation is easier than you think!”

It’s a great piece, and a quick read. Check it out for yourself here.

•Manufacturing Innovation is a publication of The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

The Metal Fab Forecast

According to The Fabricator.com, their readers “...expect continued, though not skyrocketing, growth for next year.”

While that sounds like a hedged bet, the overall picture is actually good. Companies are feeling stronger now, owing to the impact (and reactions) to the early-2000’s recession. One fabricator nails it this way: “it changed our philosophy on how we do business and how we buy equipment. We’re much stronger now coming out of the recession.”

That kind of bootstrap thinking has 2015 is shaping up to be another growth year, and the article, subtitled “Steady as She Grows,” is filled with examples and case studies.

Check it out here.

Dalco's Newest Addition: Laser Cutting

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Here at Dalco, we're always looking to innovate and grow to serve you better. And this month, we've introduced our newest addition: the Amada FLCAJ 4020 fiber laser.

We can now process sheets up to 78 x 157 and, in addition to cutting carbon steel up to 7/8”, we can cut aluminum and stainless, plus highly reflective materials like brass, copper and titanium. We want to meet your growing needs and lead times.

We invite you to come and see it for yourself. Just give us a call!

Senator Ron Johnson visits Dalco Metals

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Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson visited Dalco Metals last month.

He was there to observe the recent expansion of services that includes a new fiber laser.

He also spent time answering questions and listening to comments from the Dalco team.

Manufacturers Team Up with Teachers

It’s becoming a common and beneficial scenario: high school and technical educators are touring manufacturers in their area, learning more about the processes and potential for their students.

One example comes from Washington County, Wisconsin, where more than 100 teachers and administrators from three school districts toured Maysteel, Triton Trailers, Regal Ware and Signicast and others.

“We should be preparing students for the world of work, but how often do we get out into the real world of work?” said Daren Sievers, the superintendent of the Slinger School District. “We needed to take a day to get out and see how it functions today.”

You can read more about it from BizTimes Milwaukee here

National Manufacturing Day’s Winning Video

In recognition of National Manufacturing Day on October 4th, manufacturers had the opportunity to create an in-house video, and enter it into a nationwide competition. Dozens of companies entered their work, promoting the business and career opportunities of manufacturing in America.

Six Regional winners were chosen, based on content and creativity. And from those six, Wisconsin's own Waukesha Metal Products was voted best of them all.

Take a few minutes to see all of the winning videos here