Maintaining American competitiveness in a global manufacturing market is the goal of a collaborative agreement reached this week between the Automation Federation and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The two organizations will identify projects where they can pool their resources to improve manufacturing productivity and professional expertise.
The Automation Federation (AF), comprising the automation and standards groups ISA, OMAC, WBF, and WINA, aims to boost the profile of automation professionals in the manufacturing sector and to develop the next generation of automation professionals by providing education, training, and professional services. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a government-funded group coordinated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, within the Dept. of Commerce, operates nationally through 440 centers and field offices in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. According to MEP's Web site, "Each center works with area manufacturers to provide expertise and services tailored to their most critical needs, which range from lean manufacturing and worker training to business practices and implementation of technology innovations." MEP relies on the expertise of both center staff and outside consultants. "Centers often work with small firms to overcome barriers in locating and obtaining private-sector resources," MEP's literature says.
The partnership will spread the AF's professional development services to manufacturers through MEP's network.
"Rather than us doing this one on one in each state, we're tapping into [MEP's] network," said AF Director of Government Affairs Mike Marlowe in an interview with Managing Automation. "We enter the room as a partner. MEP's responsibility is to help small and medium-size manufacturers to be competitive. As a partner, we will help them achieve that goal with the education, training, and professional development that we provide."
In addition, the AF will provide outreach and communication initiatives for MEP activities and continue to push for standards leading to the development of more efficient processes.
Projects of particular interest to the AF, Marlowe said, are ones that will help to develop the "next generation of automation professionals." Projects in North Carolina and Tennessee are already under way, the groups reported in a prepared statement. Additional projects will emerge as MEP offices pinpoint a need. "We are listening and we will see what resources we can bring to bear to help manufacturers ... to be more competitive," Marlowe said.
"We are pleased to team with Automation Federation to help manufacturers around the country to be competitive in a global marketplace," said MEP Director Roger Kilmer in the prepared statement.
Marlowe termed the need for trained professionals in the manufacturing automation sector "desperate." As an aging workforce retires and jobs are opening up, "the trained individual isn't there to fill the positions," said Marlowe, who joined the AF in April 2007 and is spearheading the collaborative effort with the MEP. The AF is determined to change that, he said.
In an attempt to raise the level of respect for manufacturing jobs, the AF is working with career counselors from grade school levels to colleges to encourage students to choose manufacturing careers. In addition, the AF started an "Automation Is Cool" campaign to raise interest in manufacturing work. "We started 'cool jobs in automation' to help shed light on these automation jobs that are not only of interest but of vital importance to manufacturers," he said.
The MEP participates in a similar effort by the SME Education Foundation — the "Manufacturing Is Cool" Web site and outreach program. The MEP provides scholarships to students studying engineering and offers grants and awards to improve manufacturing-related curricula at U.S. colleges and universities.
In addition, AF and MEP representatives have met with members of Congress to underscore the importance of the groups' efforts. Last year, the MEP secured Congressional funding through 2010. With that validation from Congress, Marlowe said, "We're hearing that we're in the right place at the right time, and [our efforts] are desperately needed."
The two organizations plan to share information with group members through Web links, white papers, and newsletters. In addition, MEP's Kilmer will deliver the keynote at the WBF North American Conference, March 24-27, 2008, with the theme of "Shaping the Future of Manufacturing."
MA was unable to reach Kilmer for comment.