The “State Of The Union” For New Jersey Manufacturing
Manufacturing has been a vital contributor to the state of New Jersey’s economy for almost 200 years now and remains a crucial factor in both advanced and developing economies. According to Choose New Jersey Inc., today, in 2016, virtually 10,000 manufacturers operate in New Jersey, providing jobs for nearly 250,000 workers and contributing over $41.6 billion to New Jersey’s GDP.
As most are aware, the manufacturing sector has been drastically evolving with new opportunities, innovative ideas and technological advancements, functioning on a whole new optimal level than it once was! The manufacturers of New Jersey have been able to successfully evolve concurrently with the new trends of the U.S. manufacturing industry, optimizing current operations with new concepts, adopting the latest technologies, and educating the world of the new, innovative face of manufacturing.
The latest trending tactics of 2016 utilized by NJ manufacturers include, but are not limited to:
Adopting the Latest Technologies
NJ Manufacturers are getting ahead of the game, adopting the latest and advanced technologies! By incorporating new technology into their facilities, manufacturers are able to improve and enhance operational activities, processes and the overall quality of their products, while saving time and cutting down on costs.
By becoming knowledgeable of these new technologies, manufacturers are able to pursue new opportunities constantly. A few of the top technologies trending across the manufacturing landscape include:
- Advanced Robotics
- Advanced Materials
- 3D Printing
- Cloud Computing
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Nano Technology
Programs have been implemented by organizations all over the state of NJ to help the manufacturing sector connect with educators and the public work system in order to educate manufacturing professionals, the youth, and other NJ workers. The main objectives are to spread awareness/knowledge of new technologies and the concept of Advanced Manufacturing, as well as help cultivate strategic plans for manufacturers to take a tactical approach in adopting the latest technologies.
Changing the Perception of Manufacturing
With the Millennial generation projected to make up 50% of the U.S. workforce by the year 2020, there have been rising concerns about the fulfillment of open jobs and the infamous skills gap within the manufacturing sector. The skills gap has evidently been generated by the prevailing perception of the manufacturing career thus, creating the lack of skills and interest in learning about manufacturing.
Manufacturers all over New Jersey have been leveraging multiple events, learning platforms, training programs, contests and apprenticeships/internships to provide hands-on experience opportunities in order to educate the future workforce of the new, “fun” and innovative face of manufacturing.
Lean Manufacturing/Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is a method for identifying opportunities for streamlining operational activity and minimizing waste. The practice was formalized by the popularity of Lean/Agile/Kaizen in manufacturing and business, and is now being utilized by thousands of companies around the world for identifying savings opportunities.
The Lean concept has been implemented by manufacturers all over New Jersey to optimize productivity and daily operations in order to maximize their efficiency and competitive edge. Continuous improvement helps:
- Reduce inventory
- Improve quality
- Minimize errors
- Provide a safer working environment
- Enhance manufacturing flexibility
- Improve employee morale
NJMEP’s Contribution
Specializing in the professional development of manufacturing facilities in the state of New Jersey, NJMEP has been working with managers, decision makers, and owners to help them generate and retain sales, increase cost savings and capital investments and generate jobs.
For 20 years, NJMEP has been able to help manufacturers create or retain 26,500 jobs, as well as help manufacturers realize $3.1 billion in value. NJMEP is a not-for-profit organization. Their goal is to help NJ manufacturers become more profitable and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing sector as a whole.
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