As automation and digitization transform manufacturing, the demand for top talent has never been greater. In this Supply Chain Byte, discover why skilled professionals are essential to thriving in a high-tech future—and how to attract and retain the talent your business needs.
In today’s environment of reshoring, vertical integration, and accelerated manufacturing growth, executives are asking a critical question: Where will we find the skilled workforce needed to support this transformation? According to Lisa Anderson, retaining and developing top talent has become just as important as reshoring and ramping up operations.
With automation reducing the need for low-skilled labor, the focus is shifting toward high-skilled professionals who can manage, optimize, and innovate within increasingly digital operations. From advanced manufacturing systems to ERP and AI-enabled tools, modern production requires expertise—not just labor.
Lisa outlines three essential strategies manufacturers must act on now:
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Retain your top talent: Don’t overlook the people already adding value. Invest in your people, provide training and development, and engage them in achieving results.
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Look for & Invest in Industry Talent: As competitors downsize or restructure, be ready to recruit high-potential employees others are letting go. Invest in talent when no one else is investing, and you’ll thrive when the chips are down.
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Build talent: You can no longer rely on hiring talent. Instead, you must build talent. Invest in training, apprenticeship, and mentoring programs to build your workforce and fill emerging skills gaps.
Manufacturers that focus on talent development will thrive as their competitors falter as volumes ramp up.
If you are interested in reading more on this topic:
Leadership Opportunity in Supply Chain
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LMA Consulting Group works with manufacturers and distributors on strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation to maximize the customer experience and enable profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth.