Workforce Education and the Future of the Industry

Welcome to the March issue of Products Finishing. It’s hard to believe that spring is almost here. This time of year, schedules are packed with plenty of travel for industry events — this month we hope to see you at the Powder Coating Institute’s Powder Coating Week in Orlando. In April, PF brand vice president Todd Luciano and I will attend Paint Expo 2024 in Karlsruhe, Germany. Paint Expo is the leading international trade show dedicated to industrial coatings technologies, innovations, applications and trends. From the latest equipment to developments in automation technology, Paint Expo offers a chance to gain insights into the global coatings industry. The PF team is excited about the opportunity to get an international perspective and share what we learn with readers.

In the meantime, we have a great issue in store for you. Our cover story offers a peek into some of what’s happening in the recreational vehicles space and ways that one coating facility originally dedicated to RV coatings has diversified its offerings in response to changing market conditions. You’ll also find an insightful article outlining considerations for selecting outdoor-durable grade powder coatings for a range of applications, learn about the latest abrasive technologies for mechanical finishing, and much more.  

This month’s On the Line column and corresponding podcast delves into the important topic of workforce development. The interview is with Holly Gottfredson, president of two companies that serve the architectural sector — American Metal Craft, Inc. and its sister company, Finishing Dynamics. In addition to running the two companies, Gottfredson is involved in numerous industry associations and educational initiatives, including CCAI’s Finishing Education Foundation and Women in Finishing programs. Gottfredson discusses the evolving roles of women in manufacturing as well as the importance of STEM programs and industry education. As a father of two daughters, I was inspired by my conversation with Gottfredson, someone clearly advocating not only for opportunities for women, but also for the future of the workforce in manufacturing. Like any parent, I want my kids to know about all of the career opportunities out there for their future, and the growing opportunities and technology advancements in all areas of manufacturing make careers in our industry truly promising.  

It’s difficult to talk about any of the trends that are influencing manufacturing today without circling back to the topic of workforce and education. Skilled labor shortages continue to affect all areas of manufacturing. Succession planning for baby boomers and even Generation X is a topic that is top of mind for many business owners and facility managers. Automation solutions offer some solutions for such challenges, but not all. Plus, when you introduce new robotics, new software and new tools for monitoring and inspection, a whole new list of qualifications are introduced. And for that, you need training and education. The future of our workforce is and should be one of the top concerns of industry leaders today and training those who will take the reins is imperative.

Speaking of future leaders, at the time of this writing, PF’s annual 40 Under 40 program is approaching its submission deadline. The program is designed to recognize the surface finishing industry’s next generation of industry leaders — individuals under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the world of coating and finishing — both in their company and in the surface finishing community. The emphasis of the program is on potential leaders, trailblazers, and hardworking industry volunteers and community members who give back to the finishing industry. In April, we’ll announce this year’s class of emerging leaders — stay tuned.