Automation is the new cadence the Chamber is sharing with Illinois and Iowa manufacturers. Population, immigration and workforce challenges are making it imperative that companies invest in automated technologies such as cobots, robots, sensors, machine learning, conveyors, additive manufacturing and augmented reality/extended reality.
Low-interest loan programs are available to Illinois QC manufacturers through the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority, Advantage Illinois, Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) and the Bi-State Regional Commission
With fewer people participating in the labor pool, businesses are focused on retaining and upskilling. Federal programs, state agencies (IowaWORKSand Illinois’ American Job Centers), Black Hawk College (BHC) and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) are providing programs and funding to help train new or existing employees.
The Iowa New Jobs Training Program (260E) assists businesses that are creating new positions or jobs. For companies expanding or relocating to a new facility in the state, funding is available to meet training and development needs. The Iowa Jobs Training Program (260F) assists businesses with the training and development of existing employees.
Black Hawk College (BHC) is launching IGNITE, an eight-week introduction to manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program for youth and adults. EICC is developing a comprehensive introduction to manufacturing program that will combine skill-based and information technology training.
Drawbacks
Many manufacturers are currently experiencing growth and trying to fill backorders but sourcing raw materials and components is a challenge. Some are managing supply chain and workforce issues by:
Sourcing raw materials from multiple suppliers
Using Trade Mining (a database resource provided by the Chamber) to research alternative international providers.
Workforce remains the key factor in meeting production and profitability metrics. Labor uncertainty is interfering with long-term production planning and impacting their bottom line.
Inflation is presenting a larger challenge than supply. Companies can’t keep up with the constant change in prices for materials and do not have a historical context to predict how high and how long prices will increase. Higher costs are passed on to customers. Coupled with supply chain challenges, the unpredictability is negatively impacting long-term orders, planning and projects. Inflation is a risk difficult for businesses to mitigate.
