Manufacturing job recruiting has increased significantly over the past few years. This has resulted in higher salaries for U.S. workers because manufacturing jobs tend to pay significantly higher wages than service employment.
The U.S. Labor Department job figures set another new record with the 106th straight month of jobs creation and 164,000 new jobs created last month. Yet a lot more needs to be done. More high salaried manufacturing jobs are needed to both help American workers and increase our manufacturing base.
Manufacturing Job Recruiting Feeble In Illinois
A new study shows the manufacturing industry is weak in Illinois. In fact, the state gets an overall grade of only “C” for manufacturing according to a study from Ball State University.
Gates Air calls Quincy, IL its home for almost 100 years. This is a rarity considering the fact the study says Illinois is losing manufacturing jobs.
“We are here because the great work ethic the employees have in the region,” said Gates Air VP Bryant Burke.
Burke says the workforce is one of the reasons why the company has stayed put for so long. “We are a global company,” said Burke. “We are 24/7, 365 and our employees get that and they respond to that.”
According to the Ball State study, high taxes are driving businesses out of Illinois. The study gave the state an “F” when it comes to its tax climate. Taxes have certainly been a topic of discussion for Gates Air in recent years.
“Some of the new tax reforms that are on the table that are coming at us are going to be much more painful than the ones in the past,” said Burke.
Illinois also received an “F” when it comes to unfunded pension costs. With Quincy being a border city, it certainly makes things tempting for businesses flee the area.
“The businesses that are here, our asset with them is their workforce,” said Marcel Wagner with the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF). “There are people that have worked with them for years and they’re not going to jeopardize that. If they’re going to plan an expansion or if we have a company that’s looking at us it’s very hard for us to be competitive with our competition across the river from us. It is a concern.”
Gates Air says they’ll continue to stay in the Gem City, as they’ve done for almost a century. “Right now the resources and the employees that we need are here, we find ample opportunity to recruit here,” said Burke.
GREDF offers an abatement of real estate taxes if businesses want to build a facility in the area. GREDF also offers training incentives for potential employees.
Manufacturing Growth Also Boosts The U.S. Economy
In addition to providing higher wages, manufacturing helps improve the U.S. economy. Countries that cannot manufacture their own planes, tanks, munitions and spare parts cannot fight future wars. As a result, they cannot protect their citizens from foreign foes.
Unfortunately, much of our manufacturing base has been outsourced to Asia over the past few decades. Recent manufacturing breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics and Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have helped improve our country’s manufacturing prowess. However, much more needs to be done nationwide and especially in Illinois!
Our Manufacturing Recruiting Team Can Help
Strategic Search Corporation can help with recruiting manufacturing talent for your staffing needs. Our vast experience helps us uncover the best engineers, scientists and technical candidates for your manufacturing technology needs.
We also ensure they are well prepared for your interviews. As a result, candidates will be able to more quickly share relevant job information you best need to evaluate them and lead to your company’s ultimate success.
Call me today at 312-944-4000 to discuss how we can assist with your manufacturing recruiting and staffing needs. Or click here for my full contact information.
