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LAST CUT
by Matthew McKenna
Assistant Editor
It's a small world after all
American small manufacturers enjoy
domestic success, look to penetrate the global market
As the twentieth century closes, the US
Department of Commerce is honoring one of the most instrumental forces behind
this century's industrial revolution--the small manufacturer.
This past February, US Secretary of Commerce William Daley proclaimed
1999 as the Year of the Small Manufacturer.
"Small manufacturers are critical to the competitiveness of the
entire manufacturing sector and are vital to the US economy," says
Daley.
As a critical component to the US economy, manufacturing firms must focus
on the future. In an age where silicon factories overshadow steel mills
and corporate mergers are commonplace, some questions linger about the competitiveness
of the small metalworking manufacturer in the 21st century.
Organizations such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Dearborn,
MI, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a division of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, are working
too assure a smooth transition into the next millennium for small manufacturers.
"Over the next few years, small manufacturers will face complex
challenges," says Kevin Carr, MEP director. "Quality products,
competitive pricing, and on-time service aren't enough. Small manufacturers
need to understand the integrated supply chain, adopt new technologies in
their products and manufacturing processes, and enter the global marketplace."
Carr predicts that technology will play a more important role in the
future as small manufacturers integrate themselves into the virtual supply
chain.
"I foresee that supply firms will be more involved in the design,
development, assembly, and distribution of a product rather than just traditional
manufacturing," says Carr.
Another key to success will be capturing the global market. "The
small manufacturer of the future will succeed in cracking the global market,"
he adds.
In response to the technological surge, SME has launched Certified Enterpriser
Integrator tests for manufacturing professions. The tests are designed to
assure that manufacturers keep abreast of the latest advances in information
technology. Visit http://www.sme.org/certification
for more information on CEI tests.
"The need to keep our technical skills current is an area where
many of us take a short term view," says SME President Cecil Schneider.
"Considering how fast technology is changing, its implementers must
maintain a similar pace."
America's small manufacturers should take a bow--not just for being the
heart of America's industry this century, but for looking to be the backbone
of the global industry in the next millennium.
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