Modernizing the U.S. Industrial Base: Plating Plastics
The push to modernize the US industrial base has come in recent years with the main impetus being the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This movement to modernize all aspects of manufacturing seems to be organic and naturally emerging from all levels of manufacturing. The public sector, private sector think tanks, business leaders, and more have all independently, simultaneously and organically begun reaching towards industrial modernization as the answer to the problems presented. While the word “modernization” is unfortunately nebulous and lacks a certain “kaizen” spirit, the actionable details underlying the movement provide sound direction for the industry as a whole.
Modernization Goals
The Department of Homeland Security has identified four main ways that manufacturers and the industry as a whole can achieve the goal of modernization:
- Supply Chain Resiliency
- Workforce Readiness
- Flexible Acquisition
- Economic Deterrence
These approaches to modernization will ultimately put the United States and its manufacturers in a position to compete and dominate the manufacturing industry in the coming decades.
Supply Chain Resiliency
Much ink has already been spilled regarding supply chain resiliency and more specific prescriptions can be read elsewhere. However, most analyses tend to focus on diversification as the main avenue for supply chain resiliency. Having several suppliers from which to select is the closest we’ll likely ever get to a totally resilient supply chain. When one border closes, or one supplier suspends production, having several other options is the main way that manufacturers can keep their production lines running smoothly.
There’s no way to stop pandemics from happening; nor is it possible to prevent the ebbs and flows of politics, or transitions of power to those with more global or national inclinations. In situations of high uncertainty, many options are the closest thing to a tangible solution–in other words, keep many baskets for your eggs.
Workforce Readiness
The workforce is another key concern for almost every manufacturing company. While manufacturing used to be the backbone of the middle class for several decades during the 20th century, manufacturing has suffered setbacks in its perception as a first-choice vocation. As a result, workforce readiness and capacity have become a major concern among many manufacturers.
There are a handful of strategies that can be used in conjunction with each other to help attract employees and make them as competent as possible. First, the reality is that daily life has gotten significantly more expensive over the past 3 – 5 years and manufacturing wages must keep up in order to attract viable talent. Beyond attracting the right talent, manufacturers must take a vested interest in training each and every employee. Up-skilling and cross-training involves training employees on the production floor how to complete new tasks along the production line. This affords the opportunity to “sub-in” cross-trained employees when production needs change or when another employee is absent. Having employees who are cross trained and up-skilled can help reduce or even eliminate impacts on production during changes in demand or ordinary production capacity.
Flexible Acquisition
Flexible acquisition refers to the USG’s ability to acquire components from across a wide range of suppliers while still maintaining a certain degree of homogeneity. While this is ultimately a desire that was identified and driven by the DoD, having universal standards (such as ISO 9001:2015) is equally important for suppliers and manufacturers. Having a standardized system allows suppliers to sell to a number of different manufacturers (where contracts permit) and allows for manufacturers to source from several different suppliers. This ultimately opens the market much more since standards can simply be assumed rather than a point of discussion among engineering teams. This aspect of modernization makes the US industrial base far more robust and removes a large obstacle when it comes to engineering, R&D, and production.
Economic Deterrence
Economic deterrence has two parts–the “economic” part and the “deterrence” part. While the deterrence falls within the domain of governing bodies, individual manufacturers and suppliers create a strong economic foundation that allows the entire manufacturing sector to thrive. Manufacturers can participate in economic deterrence by strengthening relationships with manufacturers and suppliers in allied countries and ultimately making a greater commitment to production excellence. The WTO and EU exist to ensure fair trade practices across the world, however this presupposes excellent products and production processes that are able to compete at the highest levels.
Plating Plastics in US Industrial Base Manufacturing
Perhaps the most significant role that plating plastics plays in industrial modernization is in aerospace and defense. While many plating companies also create components for medical device manufacturers and automotive, A&D goes beyond merely economic implications and is deeply rooted in national security. The plastics plating industry is very niche, though it plays an important role in producing aircraft and other defense systems.
Plated plastics manufacturers can do their part in modernizing the industrial base by diversifying their own supply chain as well as by becoming a trusted supplier for another manufacturer. In workforce readiness, these manufacturers ought to cross-train and up-skill employees, starting with those who are willing to take on that responsibility. Next, plated plastics companies ought to strive to understand and achieve all relevant standards. This will not only help modernize the industrial base but will also make their products more attractive and able to reach a wider market of prospective customers. Ultimately when plated plastics companies can diversify their own supply chain, have highly skilled workers, and produce components according to national and international standards, this goes a long way toward participating in economic deterrence.
Wrapping Up
SAT Plating is doing our part to help modernize the US Industrial base and build a more robust and competitive manufacturing industry as a whole. While SAT Plating is engaged in adhering to international production standards, constantly training employees, and diversifying our own supply chain, our main contribution to modernization is being an excellent production partner.
For those seeking to expand their sources of performance plastics, plated plastics, and other lightweight A&D components, SAT Plating is equipped to help minimize risk while delivering consistent, top-tier products.
SAT Plating provides end-to-end support, from research and development and prototyping to large-scale manufacturing and efficient product delivery for our A&D partners. Contact our experienced team today to discuss your project’s unique requirements and learn how SAT Plating can meet your exact specifications. Whether your program demands as few as 1,000 parts or more than a million annually, we have the capabilities to accommodate your needs.