Our Sites

Manufacturers advise peers to open doors and minds to millennials

With U.S. manufacturing on an upward trajectory, what will it take to sustain its momentum? Karen Norheim, executive vice president of American Crane & Equipment Corp. and Tracy Tenpenny, partner with Tailored Label Products (TLP), believe they have a big part of the answer.

Norheim and Tenpenny say that attracting millennial (age 18-32) workers to the industry is critical for maintaining progress. They point to recent research that clearly validates their belief. The Industry Market Barometer® (IMB) from ThomasNet, based on a survey of nearly 500 manufacturers, shows a "perfect storm" brewing: 38 percent of the respondents plan to retire within 10 years, and seven out of 10 have no succession plan.

There is a ready source of talent to replace them; the millennials are projected to become America's largest living generation this year. However, at most manufacturing companies, they represent no more than 25 percent of the workforce, and 80 percent of manufacturers have no explicit plans to increase these numbers.

Norheim and Tenpenny regularly urge their colleagues to see past millennial stereotypes. The naysayers they're persuading aren't alone: 46 percent of IMB respondents say that younger people still perceive manufacturing as "blue collar" work. Another 43 percent believe this generation lacks the work ethic and discipline to succeed. Both agree that manufacturers need to make a local footprint on what is a serious national issue.

"It's time for the industry as a whole to overcome any negative perceptions, and focus on the strengths millennials bring to the table. This generation is technology-savvy, collaborative, socially conscious, and dedicated to making an impact. We need to look for every opportunity to draw them in. The future vitality of our industry depends on it," said Norheim.

She and her colleagues at American Crane actively encourage millennials to seek out manufacturing careers. They serve on advisory boards of local colleges and technical schools, building a presence as an employer. In addition, they conduct regular plant tours and offer informal internship and mentorship programs. Norheim speaks at conferences, sharing what she's done and encouraging her peers to take action. She also has made a short video about manufacturing for children.

Tenpenny and his colleagues at TLP have succeeded in their millennial outreach efforts, with almost half of its staff currently of that generation. The firm has developed "Ten Commandments for Attracting and Retaining Millennials,” which includes cross-training employees in three job skills and functions, investing in manufacturing technology and embracing cloud computing and social media platforms, and offering progressive benefits. "It will take the concerted effort of every manufacturer to reach across generational lines and bring this group into their business. By embracing millennials, we can build an exciting future for us all," said Tenpenny.