OEMs, machine builders and food and beverage processors fight for the same few job applicants, especially in geographical areas where there is a dearth of technical education. The bad news is: There is a real shortage of tech people (engineers and technicians). But the good news is: There is light at the end of the tunnel, as the government, academia, tech corporations, public schools and organizations work to find solutions.
In a Solutions Theater event at FE’s 2018 Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference, Cory Garlick, Rockwell Automation North American industry manager, pointed out some grim facts about older automation equipment, tech personnel and the need for smart manufacturing. “Smart manufacturing has become a business imperative. Why? Two million manufacturing jobs will go begging by 2025, there are $65 billion worth of automation systems reaching the end of their lifecycle, and 76 percent of recalls cost as much as $30 million each.”