Team Kinexus is out with the first results from a series of industry sector surveys conducted recently, and they are probably among the least surprised at the first round of figures to hit the computer screen. The first survey to be completed was the Manufacturing Sector survey, which included manufacturers throughout the tri-county region of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren.
Not surprisingly, workforce issues top the list of concerns from those manufacturers who participated in the survey. The results are being rolled out in a series of reports with Manufacturing Sector results first and then next set of numbers will emerge from the Healthcare Industry next month. Workforce issues are at the top of their priority list every day at Kinexus of Benton Harbor.
Team Kinexus operatives obtained insightful feedback from the manufacturers who participated. A high degree of product diversity has become the norm across all industries in recent years as manufacturers have expanded their product portfolios to capture new revenue sources. The product variations reported by tri-county manufacturers include Plastics (68%), Automotive (52%), Textile (41%), and Energy (28%).
In addition to a diverse product portfolio, 21-percent of those surveyed stated they create products in a finished state for the consumer marketplace. An additional 38-percent of the manufacturers produce components used by other manufacturers, called Tier 1 suppliers. Rounding out the supply chain process, 31-percent are Tier 2 manufacturers, who supply to Tier 1, while 10-percent are Tier 3 suppliers, producing their product for the Tier 2 manufacturer.
Todd Gustafson, CEO at Kinexus tells us, "Manufacturing is our region’s most vital industry, providing an estimated 17,500 jobs and a $2.1 billion impact on Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.” He adds, “The data we collected is not only valuable to the manufacturers in our region, but also to our team as we work to address their business challenges and assist them with their growth strategies.”
According to a confidential survey respondent, “We consistently encounter employees who either fail to show up for work or arrive on time when they do show up. We strive to create a good work culture and provide necessary training for our employees and simply need people who are reliable.”
More than a third of the manufacturers indicated that the lack of applicants applying was a concern in terms of organizational growth. In addition, 20-percent indicated global competition as the second largest issue disrupting growth strategies.
The survey highlighted that although there is a high lack of technical skill competencies in the labor pool, 33-percent place emphasis on lack of soft skills as challenges in filling open positions. In addition, another 33-percent is concerned with the workforce’s inflexibility in shift times.
Alex Grumbine is Director of Business & Industry for Kinexus. He says, “According to the Manpower 2015 Talent Shortages Survey, the global issues mirror the results of our local survey, which indicate the lack of available applicants and technical skills being the largest constraints in filling jobs.”
Grumbine says, “Topping the survey results for in demand occupations include machinists, programmers, maintenance mechanics and engineers. Survey results revealed that 70-percent of manufacturers report they are providing more training, development, and higher starting salaries for both new and existing talent with increased benefits.”
Kinexus intends to roll out the second series of surveys to the Healthcare industry in August. If you have any questions, you can contact Alex Grumbine, Director of Business and Industry at 269.927.1064, x1183, or grumbinea@kinexus.org.
