Since he was younger, Scott Hanaway had a desire to build and create things. He had a passion to be competitive and a desire to grow. Self-directed learning remained pivotal throughout his youth.
Now President and CEO of Tech Molded Plastics, an award-winning injection molding plastics company headquartered in Meadville, Hanaway cites those qualities as being necessary for success in the manufacturing field -- an industry that is making a comeback as job opportunities continue to soar.
"In any one position, day-to-day operations can vary, and the industry poses different challenges that require us to constantly problem solve," Hanaway said. "Inspiring the competitive spirit and striving to do better on every project has always been a family value and strong belief in manufacturing."
From making plastics molds to deciding the best way to shape a piece of metal based off specifications of an engineer's blueprint, problem solving is crucial for a toolmaker, one of the positions that Tech Molded Plastics accepts applications for on an ongoing basis.
Striving to do better becomes even more vital for a process engineer, who would study an entire process in an attempt to make it more efficient. This position is also usually in high demand, according to Hanway.
But those are only two of the opportunities available in manufacturing. More than 12 million people work within manufacturing in the United States, and Northwestern Pennsylvania mirrors that picture. The Erie Regional Career Readiness Report, a report launched in August through the Regional Career Readiness Project, says that Manufacturing and Healthcare Industries are the region's largest industries with a combined 45,120 employees in Erie -- and those numbers are only expected to grow. Manufacturing alone is the largest industry and also leads Erie in wage contribution by 36 percent over the next closest industry, health care.
Positions within the manufacturing industry typically run seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Being able to pay close attention to detail and safety remains an important quality that employers seek among applicants and it's just as important once employees start the job. Just a couple weeks ago, for example, Tech Molded Plastics provided a safety lunch as a reward for 12 consecutive years without lost time due to a safety incident.
Some jobs, Hanaway said, require degrees but many do not. In fact, Tech Molded Plastics is currently seeking a human resources support, quality management system coordinator, grinder, CNC programmer and mold assembler. If degrees are listed as possible requirements, even then, they are listed as preferred. "There's a lot of push toward college, but students spend four years and $100,000 in debt and still struggle with what they want to do," said Hanaway, who encourages potential job seekers to take a blended approach with some college education and technical education.
Although Hanaway grew up in the business (his parents co-founded Tech in 1973), he enrolled himself in a tool and die program through vocational school.
For job seekers who are looking in the manufacturing field, Hanaway said that many manufacturing companies remain focused on the team concept and employee wellness. Throughout the year, for example, Tech Molded Plastics engages in many different functions that show its commitment to family values and its team-oriented approach. From having a team of employees participate in the Judith's Jig 5K Memorial Run/Walk for CASA and the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute to supporting Robobots and ASM Materials Camp at Allegheny College, Hanaway said he understands the work hard, play hard mindset.
For those considering a career in manufacturing, throw out any previous generalizations of the manufacturing field.
"During my whole experience in the industry, there has been this misconception that manufacturing is a dirty type of environment, when really, it's not. Most manufacturing facilities are world class -- extremely clean, organized and very bright." Hanaway said. "We are filled with high-end technology that not only helps us create products, but enables us to keep track of production remotely and automatically."
Summary (from BLS)
Earnings by occupation based on 2013 wages
Helpers -- productive workers | Hourly mean $12.66; annual mean $26,340
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers | Hourly mean $18.25; annual mean $37,970
Machinists | Hourly mean $19.72; annual mean $41,010
Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail and farm products| Hourly mean $29.55; annual mean $61,460
Tool and Die Maker -- $44,4440 average wage
Grinder: $35,590 average wage
Team Assemblers | Hourly mean $15.58; annual mean $32,410
Quick Facts: Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
2012 Median Pay $40,910 per year
$19.67 per hour
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2012 476,200
Job Outlook, 2012-22 7% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2012-22 33,700
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