NAM

Veterans have a wealth of skills and experience that make them qualified candidates in advanced manufacturing roles.

CERRITOS, California- November 10, 2017- For over 98 years, the U.S. has celebrated military veterans on November 11th first as Armistice Day in 1918 to commemorate the end of World War I, and then as Veterans Day after it was renamed in 1954.  Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs defines Veterans Day as "the celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."  According to a survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau in 2013, over 21.3 million veterans resided in the United States and Puerto Rico.  Furthermore, due to the nature of the military and the constant necessity to resolve problems, many of these veterans often return with a wide variety of valuable skills.

With an expected 2 million jobs to be left unfilled by 2025 due to a growing skills gap, a wealth of opportunities for veterans potentially lie in the U.S. manufacturing industry.  Currently over 80% of manufacturers believe they are unable to find candidates qualified enough to fill skilled or highly skilled roles.  Yet many veterans develop an assortment of science, math, engineering, critical thinking, conflict resolution, data analysis, and technology skills essential and extremely desirable to manufacturing companies just like STEM educated candidates.

“Veterans have a lot of skills, but we’re also unique because we all specialized in a certain field while enlisted,” Toolots IT Manager and veteran Manny Aparicio stated.  He continued by explaining hiring vets creates a “win-win scenario for companies” because veterans often possess a variety of desirable traits, such as integrity and a respect for procedures, that they bring to the company in addition to their skill sets.  The major issue however lies in matching experience and skills to ensure candidates and companies find the right fit for each role.

“Many vets have legitimate trade skills, but aren’t officially licensed or certified,” Toolots Warehouse Representative, Forklift Master, and veteran Sam Campos explained when considering some of the barriers veterans face when returning home.  Campos continued by discussing a “communication gap” between civilians and veterans that makes it difficult to understand how a veteran’s military experience can relate or be used to fulfill civilian responsibilities.  According to Campos, this “gap” often causes veterans to believe they have no transferable experience, and must start over from square one.

“Whether you worked on diesel engines or planes, you [the veteran] have been taught basic knowledge, you have a foundation which can be expanded and used elsewhere,” Campos elaborated.  Similarly, Manny Aparicio stated that the key to success for veterans in the manufacturing industry lies in the skills gained during their service.  “It’s all about the ability to repackage [your] skills,” Aparicio explained.

In fact, several organizations and programs have been established throughout the U.S. specifically to help veterans reuse, or build upon, their preexisting skill set.  For example, Get Skills to Work, a coalition of manufacturing companies and colleges assisting veterans in obtaining and retaining careers in advanced manufacturing, offers resources like their Fast Track for Heroes programs which help veterans use their existing skill set to quickly earn the certifications and licenses.  This resolves the issue of accreditation, and many of the courses can be completed in a week to a month.  Additionally, the coalition offers a digital badge program that pairs Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes with civilian manufacturing jobs, which essentially correlates military experience with civilian industry experience.

“Vets should know that they can use their skills, they don’t need to start over from square one,” Sam Campos stated.

With the approaching skills gap and continued growth of the manufacturing industry, veterans and manufacturing companies can mutually benefit from increased veteran employment within the industry.  Manufacturing companies receive desirable, qualified workers, and veterans obtain the opportunity to pursue long-term careers in the growing industry.  However, the issue lies in ensuring veterans recognize their own abilities, most of which are equivalent to civilian STEM educations, and use them in advanced manufacturing roles.

“The transition [after service] is overwhelming, but helping them be aware of the options they have [in manufacturing] is great,” Campos concluded.

###

Bringing awareness to the importance of STEM programs, and how the skills they teach students may encourage the next generation of manufacturers. 

CERRITOS, California- November 8, 2017- The U.S. Department of Education created the STEM program several years ago to bolster global leadership through increased study of science, technology, engineering, and math subjects in K-12 schools. The goal of the program is to help students throughout the U.S. develop essential working skills such as problem solving, the ability to gather and analyze evidence, interpretation of information, and more. To celebrate STEM and bring awareness to these programs, National STEM Day is celebrated on November 8th each year across the U.S. 

While STEM students will have the opportunity to join any industry after graduation, a number of opportunities lie in the growing industrial and manufacturing industries. Estimates show roughly 3.5 million jobs  will be created over the next ten years, however current projections estimate that 2 million of those will not be filled due to a growing skills gap. Additionally, 80% of the manufacturing workforce needs skilled or highly skilled individuals to fill job roles, which STEM or Career Technical Education (CTE) students could potentially fill after graduation. Furthermore, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), every dollar spent in the manufacturing industry results in $1.89 put back into the U.S. economy. Thus, STEM students who pursue careers in the manufacturing field will also help support the U.S. economy as a whole.  

Furthermore, in a study conducted by Georgetown University examining online job ads, STEM occupations accounted for roughly 28% of college online ads, and grew twice as fast as all other job ad fields. With the need for STEM educated students growing, one of the best ways to support these programs is to get involved at the local level. Active participation supporting STEM programs can range from speaking to students on career days, sponsoring events, or offering internships and job shadowing opportunities. Toolots for example, is proud to offer students summer internships and to have sponsored events encouraging innovation and education about careers in manufacturing throughout our local community and ABC Unified School District.  

### 

NAM Q3 Manufacturers Outlook Survey shows the highest rate of optimism for 3 consecutive quarters in 20 years. 

CERRITOS, California- October 12, 2017- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently released their Manufacturers Outlook Survey for the third quarter of 2017 containing updated information on manufacturers' perception of the current state of the industry and its growth within the following year. As the U.S.' largest manufacturing association, NAM represents small to large manufacturers throughout the country and "...accounts for more than three-quarters of all private-sector research and development in the nation" (NAM). Data from the survey is pulled from the responses of approximately "...524 manufacturers from all parts of the country, in a wide variety of manufacturing sectors and in varying size classifications" according to the report.  

In their Third Quarter Manufacturers Outlook Survey, NAM reported an average optimism rate of roughly 90% among manufacturers. This is the highest record of optimism recorded since the survey began roughly 20 years ago in 1997. Comparably, the third quarter average in 2016 was only 59.7%. Furthermore, the positive trends continued throughout the report in regards to exports, production, sales, and more. Respectively, the average expected increase in sales and production was 4.5%, and overall positive outlook for business was 89.8% among manufacturers. 

Moreover, the increases in sales and production anticipated by these manufacturers also produced an anticipated increase in labor demand. Thus, surveyed manufacturers expected to increase their full-time employees by an average of 2.2%, resulting in a matching 2.2% average increase in employee wages excluding nonwage compensation. This reinforces NAM's prediction that the manufacturing industry, which contributes an estimated $12 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, will create roughly 3.5 million jobs over the next decade. 

Similarly, the NAM Manufacturing Outlook Index also indicates strong levels of confidence in business conditions year-to-date, rising from 60.8 in the second quarter to 61.0 in the third quarter. By comparison, the index stood at 41.3 one year ago.-NAM Manufacturers' Outlook Survey Third Quarter 2017

Overall, this quarter's Manufacturers Outlook Survey reveals a positive shift in the industry's outlook, and an anticipation for growth or revival in regards to production, sales, and staffing. Specifically, data within the report suggests that production within the manufacturing industry could grow as much as "...3.6 percent between now and the first quarter of 2018". With increasing optimism in the industry, SMEs in the U.S. have the opportunity to explore business expansion. Toolots is uniquely positioned to offer SMEs assistance expanding their distribution network domestically, or entering into the global market by providing assistance overcoming barriers such as inefficiency, slow innovation, and high prices. For additional information, contact us via phone at (844) TOOLOTS or via email at sales@toolots.com. 

###

CERRITOS, California- October 17, 2017- Since 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has celebrated World Food Day (WFD) on October 16 of each year to commemorate its founding. Yesterday, over 150 countries throughout the world celebrated WFD  to "... promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all." Specifically, this year's theme focused on solving the issue of migration through increased food security and rural development. 

One major component in ensuring food security however is the actual processing and manufacturing of agricultural materials into food and beverage products. Within the U.S., food manufacturing is a vital component of the greater manufacturing industry as it essentially generates significant revenue for the economy and helps create edible food products. In 2015 the products created during food manufacturing and processing actually accounted for "16% of the value of shipments from all U.S. manufacturing plants."  

The Value of U.S. Food Manufacturing 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food processing occurs at food manufacturing plants where "... raw agricultural materials [are transformed] into products for intermediate or final consumption by applying labor, machinery, energy, and scientific knowledge." Essentially, these manufacturers help transform the food grown by farmers into edible products for consumption after preparation, or for immediate consumption. In addition to helping supply the U.S. with food, the industry also employs a significant number of employees. As of 2015 these facilities employed roughly 1.5 million workers, which accounted for 14% of employment within the U.S. manufacturing industry as a whole. 

Furthermore, food manufacturing is able to contend with fellow subsectors in regards to revenue generation. During Industry Week magazine's IndustryWeek US 500 2017 for example, a ranking of the largest U.S. public manufacturers by revenue, 31 food companies appeared on the list.  

Only four manufacturing categories -- petroleum & coal products, computers & other electronics products, chemicals and machinery -- had a greater number of representative companies on the IW 500 than [the] food manufacturers. -Industry Week 

Altogether these food companies earned a collective $337.3 billion dollars in revenue, out of the $12 trillion NAM estimates the manufacturing industry collectively contributes to the U.S. economy annually. Additionally, manufacturing production increased this month indicating signs of recovery since June 2017 following several hurricanes and natural disasters in the U.S. As such, Toolots is uniquely positioned to help food manufacturing SMEs expand their current distribution network, break into the global market, or offer assistance with after-sales services, organization, and competitive pricing to tap into the growing market. For additional information, contact us via phone at (844) TOOLOTS or via email at sales@toolots.com. 

###

CERRITOS, California- October 10, 2017- The sixth annual National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) 2017 concluded last Friday wherein approximately 3,000 events occurred nationwide. Of this number, over 170 of the events took place in the state of California alone. MFG Day, which occurs each year on the first Friday of October, strives to celebrate the modern manufacturing industry while simultaneously educating individuals on the current state of the industry and its future.  

Often events include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) opening their facilities to their community members, students, and educators to provide an in depth look into their average day. In addition, SMEs may also attend events hosted by local colleges or universities to demonstrate the function and use of their products, or discuss career opportunities in their field and dispel misconceptions. 

This year, Toolots sponsored transportation for over 30 high school students from Artesia, Cerritos, and Gahr high schools within the ABC Unified School District (ABCUSD) to attend MFG Day at Cerritos College. Attending students had the opportunity to tour five departments within the college’s Technical Division that displayed woodworking, welding, engineering, and machine tooling technology. Students were provided with knowledge regarding the use of several machines, including a live demonstration of machines in operation by professors and general safety tips. 

30+ students from ABCUSD attend MFG Day at Cerritos College

High school students from ABCUSD listen to a professor for Cerritos College's MFG Day event

Sponsorship of the event is one example of Toolots’ efforts to actively partner with the ABCUSD to educate and encourage youth interested in fields such as manufacturing, engineering, and technology to support these industries and promote growth. Current projections estimate the manufacturing industry will create roughly 3.5 million jobs over the next ten years, offering interested students a variety of potential career paths to choose from. However in addition to educating students about the industry, Toolots helps bolster manufacturing by offering U.S. SMEs assistance in overcoming barriers, such as inefficiency, slow innovation, or high prices, which previously hindered their ability to expand domestically or abroad. This assistance is facilitated through the company’s innovative platform and business model which supplies partnered SMEs with scalable, comprehensive services such as after-sales services in addition to access to ERPs and corresponding data which will allow them to focus on daily operations or make transparent, executive decisions.  

Thus the effect of events that educate and encourage students interested in manufacturing and technology like MFG Day, in tandem with the support of U.S. SMEs, are vital to sustaining and promoting the growth of the manufacturing industry which contributes roughly $12 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.  

###

Ride the wave of optimism and fuel your company’s growth with Toolots, getting products in the hands of new global customers

CERRITOS, Calif - April 4, 2017 - With the Trump administration slashing federal regulations on small business growth and an “America First” focus on trade, manufacturing and homegrown industry, the National Association of Manufacturing is reporting the largest boom in United States manufacturing industry confidence in decades.

Ninety-three percent of U.S. manufacturers surveyed by NAM, the oldest and largest manufacturing association in the country, reported a positive outlook for the future. Chief Executive Officer Jay Timmons said the survey of industry executives polled higher than it has throughout the organization’s history. Respondents were also asked whether they believe the administration is on the “right or wrong track” as it relates to manufacturing.

“Just a month before inauguration (Jan. 20), the ‘right track’ number was only 26 percent; today it’s over 60 percent, so that’s huge growth,” Timmons said. The survey of manufacturing executives takes place each quarter and spans 14,000 members, according to NAM.

White House officials cited the survey during the March 31 press briefing, expressing confidence that the administration’s actions on trade - namely leaving the Trans-Pacific Partnership and recent executive orders - are helping to nurture that optimism.

“That’s a 20-year record high that’s more than 35 points higher than where it was the same time last year,” the White House press secretary said, referencing the same poll taken last year that gauged optimism within the industry at only 57 percent. “The rising confidence stems from the belief the new administration will bring much needed regulatory relief...We’re making it easier to do business, and we’re just at the beginning of this process.”

While it is taking time for the optimism to translate into quantifiable results on the ground, small, medium and large manufacturers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars, billions in total, towards bolstering American factories and a stronger domestic workforce. Riding the wave of optimism are countless companies purchasing new machinery to set ablaze their U.S. production capabilities and hiring employees to sustain increased operations.

How Toolots can help

As optimism rises across the country based on the NAM survey, more than a dozen American manufacturers have signed up to sell their Made in USA products on the Toolots online marketplace within the last three months. Toolots is a Southern California-based distributor of industrial machinery, equipment and technology that helps companies break into new markets, domestic and international. With strategic locations in California, Texas and China, Toolots does the heavy lifting to simplify logistics and fulfillment for consumers and vendors, resulting in a hands-off, worry-free approach to selling industrial equipment.

Many small to medium-sized U.S. manufacturers are in need of such a solution to get their innovative products in the hands of new customers. Toolots provides a low risk method to increase distribution of manufacturing equipment, and a comprehensive solution for sales, marketing, fulfillment and after-sales services.

With growing optimism among manufacturing executives and increasing opportunities within the labor force, small to medium-sized companies have an opportunity to provide equipment in high demand both here in the U.S. and abroad. In countries like China, factories are willing to pay a premium for Made in USA products to increase productivity and reduce operational downtime often associated with lesser-quality manufacturing equipment.

Breaking into the Chinese marketplace is not an easy task, especially for the small companies that comprise a majority of the U.S. manufacturing industry. Our logistics pipeline has served Toolots and related enterprises well for years, and our ongoing partnerships with factories across China and the United States help to build a bridge to connect their manufacturing industries. Through Toolots, partnering manufacturers are able to secure sales directly with factories in need of their products - not needing to spend time marketing, selling and distributing their goods in newer unfamiliar markets on their own, risking loss of profit, productivity or even product.

As an industry, American manufacturing employs over 12 million and contributes more than $2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. The manufacturing industry has the “largest economic impact of any major sector” and accounts for more than 75 percent of all private-sector research and development, according to NAM. Greater than three-quarters of all U.S. manufacturing firms are classified as small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

For more information on how working with Toolots could fuel your company’s growth during this period of record-high optimism within the U.S. manufacturing industry, contact our Global Commerce Services team today at (844) 866-5687 or send inquiries to cfoy@toolots.com.