Stampers, rest of manufacturing industry crave "normal"

On top of the challenges stampers face every day, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced manufacturers to wonder how they will survive and prosper in a new normal. Getty Images

Normally at this time of year, I would be writing about FABTECH: the technologies on display, the growth in the number of exhibits and attendees, the venue, the speakers, the special events, and the excitement.

Obviously, this time period is not normal.

This year, for the first time in the history of the 39-year-old expo, FABTECH has been canceled. So, too, have other industry tradeshows, including IMTS, EuroBlech, and CES. The cancellations were bookended by COVID-19 pandemic health concerns for the throngs of people unable to distance themselves in one enclosed place, and because a large contingent of exhibitors and attendees hail from countries that have successfully dampened their COVID numbers while the U.S. has not. Travelers didn’t want to return home to a quarantine.

The high unemployment, supply chain disruption, and market demand suppression accompanying the pandemic have placed metal stamping manufacturers in a tenuous position.

Wildfires, Hurricanes, and Stormy Politics

As if the pandemic had not brought enough disruption, the U.S. West is on fire. The number and severity of the wildfires have grown considerably beyond the “average” wildfire season. To date, 46,416 wildfires have scorched 8.4 million acres, according to National Interagency Fire Center. California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Arizona have been particularly hard-hit, with thousands under evacuation orders and air quality alerts. Colorado's Cameron Peak Fire is the largest wildfire in its history. The smoke plumes are visible from the ISS. Expect supply chain and demand disruption from those regions.

We’re in the midst of hurricane season in the South. Hurricanes have become stronger worldwide over the past four decades, supporting the theory and computer models showing that climate change is making these storms more intense and destructive, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

And then there is the election in November and the ups and downs of tariffs and trade wars. This election year looks to be one of the stormiest, wildest, and most unpredictable yet.

All of these events create a tumultuous storm that makes projecting demand, planning resources, and planning strategies difficult or nearly impossible.

“It’s like skating on quicksand tethered to a balloon,” one reader told me.

Cameron Peak Fire is the largest wildfire in Colorado's history.

Of RVs, EVs, and Remoteness

As a reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires, some industries have plummeted while others sprouted and surged.

The pandemic ushered in a much greater reliance on online purchasing and remote working and operations. Stampers can get ideas on how to perform some operations remotely in “Managing operations remotely via connected technology.”

One way manufacturers have provided distancing in their plants and expedited production overall is with robots. Learn how in “Robots advance in the stamping shop."

As a result of the surge in online purchasing, Amazon has exploded, requiring more warehouses, lifters, moving equipment, and delivery vehicles. Many manufacturers are benefiting from the windfall.

Speaking of vehicles, one byproduct of the wildfires and extreme weather events has been an outcry for no-tailpipe-emissions electric vehicles. Amazon is purchasing 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from Rivian, with plans to fill its entire fleet with EVs. The EV segment is growing quickly, with nearly every traditional automaker--and dozens of new ones—putting out EVs this year or next. Read “EVs are poised to force change across stamping industry.”

Navigating a Moving Highway

Facing all of these challenges above and beyond the usual ones stampers face every day, how do you survive and prosper?

First, it’s wise to keep a finger on the pulse of these changes, recognizing new needs and demands, and preparing to react to the new normal. For example, while the hospitality segment has suffered, the recreational vehicle industry is booming. And as consumers looked for ways to safely and healthfully beat cabin fever, they bought materials to build outdoor decks, fences, and spaces, including metal joist hangers, umbrella stands, chairs, tables, lighting, and other stamped metal parts and assemblies.

Evaluate how to convert your company’s current skillset and capacity to meet the new demands. Continuously upgrade and take advantage of new technology to position your company better to ride the waves. Finally, diversify your clientele and supply chain to open more options.

Got thoughts? I’d love to hear from you.