In-Line with Fi-Tech – Spring 2017
Todd Bassett
Manufacturing is integral to a healthy, growing economy. Manufacturing wages support families. Recent economic research reports that each manufacturing job in the US supports another 3.4 jobs in the US economy. Industrial R&D drives innovation in this country. So, it is encouraging to see that our country’s leadership is talking about the importance of manufacturing again after having been out of the public focus.
An important part of that discussion should be education and training of the work force. To have a vibrant manufacturing economy we need a well-trained and skilled labor force. For too long vocational and technical schools have been underfunded and stigmatized. These schools, in partnership with industry, can supply the skilled labor required for a dynamic and growing manufacturing economy.
Germany provides an excellent example of vocational/technical training for its students in cooperation with industry where student internships (Praktikum) lead to real experience and good jobs after completion of their education. Too often I hear from my customers that there is a shortage of qualified operators for their plants. How can we learn from Germany and re-emphasize a strong vocational/technical career path in our secondary education and community college systems?
At Fi-Tech, we are busy preparing for a full slate of exhibitions and conferences this spring for the Nonwovens, Fibers, and Textile Industries. The most significant exhibition for the Nonwovens Industry will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, April 4-7. You will find in this newsletter further information on this show and our principals who are exhibiting.
Also, in the newsletter is information on the TechTextil Show in Frankfurt, Germany, May 9-12. This show is important to the technical textiles and fibers industries and is held every 3 years. Fi-Tech will be sending representatives to each of these important exhibitions. For the Wipes Industry, don’t forget the important World of Wipes Conference held in Nashville, TN, June 12-15.
We hope you enjoy this issue of In-Line with Fi-Tech and look forward to seeing you at a coming exhibition, conference, or plant visit. As always, don’t forget to connect with us on our newly updated website www.fi-tech.com to get additional details on our principals and their products.
Read Full Newsletter: Fi-Tech Spring 2017 Newsletter
