Cause of the Great Depression—the revolution in agriculture that threw millions out of work. Hello America! The U.S. must manage a similar shift in the “real” economy, from industry to service, or risk a tragic replay of 80 years ago.
Have you stood on a cat walk, decked in hard hat, safety boots and all, watching while below you ~ concrete pipes, box culverts, are being produced? Have you been in awe seeing the fire, feeling the heat of clay being fired in a kiln, resulting in a work of art, beautifully textured, colored brick? The most sustainable building materials in history, think aqueducts and pyramids.
I believe in the manufacturing industry in the U S of A. Maybe it is because it is in my blood. My grandfather was a pipe fitter for Mallinckrodt for more than 40 years. He worked hard, provided for his family and loved what he did. He shared so many stories from the facility floor and had a true passion for what he did.
This feeling of being a part of something, seeing people physically create a product, some from the earth back to the earth, is unparalleled. These are products we use every day and take for granted.
However, experts say jobs in manufacturing, construction, etc., won’t be as plentiful going forward.
The good news: North America has the highest population growth in the Western World. Population growth will ensure that economic recovery even in these industries will happen at some point. And, corporations will be forced to run business for the long-term, i.e. treat their teams well, identify and recognize best team members, respond quickly to changing markets and make the toughest decisions quick.
Manufacturing will remain part of the American dream. We shall overcome!
