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EconAlliance Forum Kicks Off Manufacturing Week
Manufacturing: A Global and Local Perspective
Strengthen Understanding of Local Manufacturing
The National Manufacturing Institute’s U.S. Manufacturing Week 2023 is October 6-13 and according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), U.S. manufacturers contribute $2.91 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Every $1.00 of manufacturing creates $2.60 of economic impact. Manufacturing supports as much as eighty percent of U.S. trade and fifty-five percent of private sector research and development. The manufacturing sector employed 13,000,000 workers in August of 2023, with an average salary/ benefit package of $95,990/year. The sector offers jobs at every skill and education level – from entry level jobs to engineers and PhDs.
For these and other reasons, EconAlliance spearheaded an effort to bring more understanding of manufacturing through a Thursday, October 5th forum Manufacturing: A Global and Local Perspective. The forum, attended by approximately 85 economic stakeholders and policymakers, featured as keynote presenter Dr. Peter Rupert, Executive Director of the UCSB Economic Forecast (photo, right). In addition, a panel of local manufacturers was moderated by Maribel Aguilera, Esq., Santa Maria Council Member and EconAlliance board member.
Dr. Rupert did a deep dive into data supporting the fact that the economy is not in recession, that inflation is decreasing, and that manufacturing in Santa Barbara County is healthy and growing.
Peter Rupert, PhD Executive Director UCSB Economic Forecast Project
Moderator Aguilera first asked panelists to provide an overview of their unique companies and manufactured products. While the companies and products varied, there was some consensus around their about North County manufacturing. All four described their current or growing customer base as global, and all highlighted products of key importance to a wide variety of industries, from healthcare to aerospace.
A Key Takeaway
A key panel takeaway was that North County is not perceived as having a sophisticated manufacturing base, though in fact it boasts a highly developed industry. North County produces turbo compressors, medical and optical devices, semi-conductors, boring technologies, electronics, communications items, lab and test equipment, and precision tools, as well as space and defense items.
Atlas Copco plant in Santa Maria
Panelists included James Reilly, general manager, Atlas Copco, a global powerhouse with a Santa Maria plant building turbo compressors for several industries. Reilly emphasized that locally, starting manufacturing pay ranges from $40,000 to $50,000, with top manufacturing professionals making healthy six figure salaries.
Panelist Eric Melsheimer, president of the 75 year+ family-owned Melfred Borzall, an innovator in boring technologies, shared how working with Cal Poly and Allan Hancock helps him recruit local talent.
Panelists also each mentioned the challenge of finding the right employees, despite manufacturing opportunities at every level of skill and education and high pay.
Melfred Borzall Boring Technology
Michael Slater, general manager of Helical Products, an MW Components company creating springs, couplings and joints for everything from solar panel arrays to medical equipment to troop carriers, explained how Helical is rebuilding a global brand and presence after a merger with MW.
Helical springs, couplings, joints.
Marvin Rodriguez of True Precision Machining, who worked his way up from basic machining to VP of a high-tech machining operation, discussed how opportunities exist for local workers, no matter what their experience or education.
True Precision product for a JPL mission to Jupiter.
The panelists had a message for the community: Today’s manufacturing industry is characterized by clean, well-organized plants, spotless shop floors, sophisticated machinery, automated processes, state-of-the-art safety, and a multitude of worker opportunities. Panelists emphasized that Northern Santa Barbara County has a vibrant, highly technical manufacturing sector of globally competitive and market-leading companies.
