2013 State of the Industry: Dr. John Cheung, OMAX

Some software now supports up to six axes of coordinated motion – X, Y, Z linear, two tilt and one rotary. With this enhanced functionality, shops can quickly and easily program and cut 3D patterns in a multitude of applications, from the peripheries of tubes and pipes and fitting operations to prep cuts and bevels.

CRITICAL ISSUES
One of the most critical issues I see impacting the industry, as well as the entire country, involves economic uncertainty. How well government entities work together in favor of U.S. manufacturing will continue to impact our country’s economic expansion.

Also, similar to last year, the industry will continue to struggle to find skilled machinists and operators to fill key manufacturing positions in 2013. The manufacturing industry can only hope that policymakers from both political parties will work together and be open-minded when determining the best possible solutions for reducing budget deficits.

In turn, our industry must pay close attention to what decisions are made and be prepared to take the appropriate course of action.

With respect to the skilled labor shortage, our industry needs to continue to spread the word that manufacturing is a lucrative and respectable career path. It is our responsibility as manufacturers to educate people on the fact that modern manufacturing environments are clean, safe and extremely high-tech, using computerized machines to perform advanced fabrication and metalworking processes.

Companies must promote the benefits and opportunities that come from an advanced manufacturing career by actively engaging with students through a variety of avenues. Manufacturers must sponsor educational-based programs and work alongside colleges to develop paid internships. We even run an education-based booth for students at major manufacturing trade shows.

We also continuously advance our employee-training program and have adjusted the level of experience required for entry-level positions, focusing on recruiting competent, hard-working individuals who are willing to learn the waterjet business from the ground up.

Furthermore, our industry needs to continue to introduce versatile, highly automated systems that are easy to operate as a way to help offset the skilled labor shortage. When compared to last year, banks have become more comfortable with lending money. This trend in increased lending benefits manufacturers who are trying to keep up with demands, while growing their businesses through new automation technologies.

Equipment suppliers must work hard to increase the automation of their machines and advance their software to make machine operation as easy as possible for shops.

PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Given everything that is going on in our country, it is imperative that manufacturers understand the root cause of what impacts their businesses and be ready to respond accordingly. Keep in mind, however, the focus should only be on things that are within a company’s control. There is no benefit in stressing about things that cannot be changed.

I also believe if the manufacturing industry can adopt the view that “we are all in this together and need to serve as conduits of change,” the market can grow reasonably well over last year.

OMAX Corporation, 21409 72nd Ave South, Kent, WA 98032, 253-872-2300, Fax: 253-872-6190, www.omax.com.