Thursday, March 10, 2016
Existing Industry A Key Part Of Economic Development
A new factory is usually the thing that comes to mind when we think about economic development.
Industrial recruitment is an important part of that work, but it’s only one part. Supporting our existing industries is another key piece, and that’s paying off for Lawrence Countians.
In recent days we’ve heard good news from two members of our industrial community, Graphic Packaging International Inc. and Bertolini Inc. Both are increasing production and adding jobs.
Graphic Packing has received $20 million in new business, creating more jobs and greater security for current employees. It’s no coincidence that the same report included news that the company won six awards for excellent performance in safety, quality and productivity.
Bertolini is adding equipment and employees to produce banquet chairs for all its customers in the Eastern U.S., including hotel/conference center giants Marriott and Hilton. Lawrence County employees already produce 90% of Bertolini seating sold to churches and religious organizations in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest.
Modine is another local company that’s doing well. It has benefitted in recent years from tightening EPA regulations and the closing of smaller Modine plants in other parts of the country. Work from those facilities was moved here, making the Lawrenceburg plant the company’s largest in the U.S. Production continues in Modine’s original 145,000 square foot building and in the former Murray building, where its operations have doubled in size, from 210,000 to 420,000 square feet. Plant Manager Greg Mansfield says they are “constantly interviewing and hiring.”
Expansion of existing industries has the most immediate impact on our economy, simply because it happens faster. Bertolini officials expect to have its new production line in place during the second quarter of this year. A brand-new firm would take much longer to get up and running.
Another advantage of existing industry growth is that jobs created within a company we already have usually does not require expansion of infrastructure such as water, sewer, and gas lines.
Existing industry expansion also creates the most stable kind of economic growth. The three plants I’ve mentioned are tried-and-true members of our community, successful firms that are keeping their customers happy. It’s a pretty safe bet that those jobs will be here for a long time to come.
How do we support local industries? One way is making sure they have a ready, steady supply of good employees. Our school system in particular has been very proactive in the effort to teach students the skills that local employers need.
I am particularly excited about the potential of the school system’s GETi program, which begins this summer with ten LCHS students and will expand to LHS and SHS in 2017.
Career & Technical Education Director Shannon Watson explains that the Getting Experience Through Internships program will allow students to work in jobs directly related to their chosen Career & Technical Education path of study.
“It is the primary goal to target labor markets that are in most need of skilled employees within our community,” Mrs. Watson said, including welding, manufacturing and engineering. Students will be eligible to participate in the summer before their senior year.
Don’t forget that young people have another tremendous opportunity in the Tennessee Promise program. New high school graduates are all qualified to receive two years of tuition-free education at a community college or Tennessee College of Applied Technology center, which gets them ready for good jobs.
With strong local industries and a well-trained workforce, Lawrence Countians will find more of those good jobs, right here at home.
