The last generation of manufacturing

Just got told that 30% of our machines are being shipped to China in the next two years. Permanent layoffs begin next week and continue on a slow trickle for 2 years, a few people every couple of months. . We went from working mandatory 6 and 7 days a week for the last 3 years to be told now we have to much inventory and we are not cost effective. Sad thing is I've seen Burger Kings managed better than this place, one bad decision after another. Went through this 10 years ago after the '08 housing crash, and here I am again. The days of working in mfg. and retiring after 40 years are over. If I don't make it through this I'm done with mfg., and I'm a machinist specialist with 22 years experience., I'll just work retail at the farm store and do odd jobs.

What kind of machines?

SV-20's and Mori Seiki's that we know, could be others on the list. Both are CNC lathes.

In my area, manufacturing left 40 years ago. Now our county has the lowest income in the state. I used to run a maintenance shop. 15 years ago we would advertise for a maintenance mechanic and get 150 applicants. We'd interview 15 and everyone had the same story: Worked for XYZ industry for 30 years, let go when factory closed, can't find work. Today, we get almost no applicants. I guess that group either aged out or moved away.

Sure is sad. And the manufacturing that is left isnt paying too much either with not much chance of gaining more skills.

In 08-10 the shop I was at really slowed down. Very small family machine shop that started in the 30s. The newest machines were from the 50s. At the time there was just 4 or 5 guys. I watched many of our long time customers fold. Owners who were banking on selling their business to retire havung to sell machines instead. The owner' my dear friend asked if I was interested in buying the shop. I looked at the book's the were healthy but not vigorous and I looked at the future and trusted my gut. I instead went back to school and changed careers. I love what I do but I hate being at a desk. I think its making me crazy and its also terrible for my back.
My buddy is still running the shop but almost just as a hobby and to keep one very longtime emoloyee working.

Id rather be actually making something but providing for my family comes first and sitting at that desk does that well. I cant wait to retire though and work on things I want to work on.

My son is working for a Japanese company here in the U.S. They have a big warehouse and distribution center up and running. Currently setting up a manufacturing and assembly facility. He has a hard time recruiting QUALITY employees. Lots of jobs out there. People who show up every day, on time, and put a little pride in their work, are in big demand. Some of things he tells me about people they hire and fire are astonishing.

I know a guy that constantly needs truck drivers for local work. Starts them out at 15 bucks an hour and wont pay overtime. Most work a week or two till they find something else. Tells anyone who will listen how he cant find people who will work. Companies starting drivers at 23-25 are always hiring too. If you cant find good help its because someone else is offering them a better deal. It will reverse again I am sure but right now people don't have to take anything offered if they are unemployed.

It took a long time to lose our manufacturing, steel production, textile industry and tanneries. It will be a slow process getting them all back. Assuming we can elect politicians who see a need for it rather than more socialism.

Back in 08 I lost my job as a Moldmaker, out of work for 8 months, first place I applied said they would love to have me but were scared. Eight months later they called and I was back to being a leadsman, could not believe after 35 years building molds it took that long to find a job. I was applying for jobs at Home Depot and any other place. Unemployment only paid for my COBRA insurance, and eight years later that place, folded and was bought up by another outfit. I stayed 5 months till 62 and retired, best thing I did. Would be nice if fur prices were higher, always will trap some.

If you can make it to the south side of Indianapolis, the company I work with is ALWAYS looking for a good machinist/tool maker. We have enough button pushers, unless you wanna work night shift. We desperately need guys who can write programs, plan processes, make workholding fixtures, and do setups. We work on a lot of defense and aerospace applications that cannot be sent overseas. We do a lot of medical device manufacturing also, which seems to be fairly recession resistant.

PM me if interested.

Closest steel mill to me was bought by the Japanese about ten years ago. They shut down some revisions and sent those machines to mexico. What's left is going strong tho.

Sad deal for sure. The lawsuits are a big part of the problem. It's why many companies are either closing down or out-sourcing. It's tough for a small business to defend itself against attorneys who will be willing to work for free. If you want to see the devil, sit in a court room with an attorney suing for no reason.
The other problem is regulations. I know of a second generation casting company in business since 1929, that burnt down. Between regulations and threats of lawsuits, they would not let them rebuild the building. So, off to China.
The school system has been pushing for everyone to go to collage. Well you need someone to do the work and they made it an embarrassment to work with your hands in a trade.
Pushing a dagger through the heart of America.