Tom Gardner wrote:
On 12/30/2015 8:24 PM, Ed Huntress wrote:
If you really want an insight into where manufacturing is going, and
what factors will influence manufacturing employment in the immediate
future, go back to Google and search for "Industry 4.0." That's what's
really happening. And that's where the demand is for future
employment.


Will there be a sizable niche for small manufacturing? As a for
instance, most small brush makers have been gobbled up, I think because
the markets are mature and there's not much room for product innovation.
The only way to expand is to take your smaller competitors share. I
imagine most small manufacturers will follow suite.


I know of a few job shops that have started up and are doing quite well.
They make parts for machinery and equipment that the manufacturer has
either abandoned or went belly up. One has a simple shop, Lathe (large
OLD Logan), K&T mill, a plasma table, and MIG/TIG/Stick welding. He's
currently setting up a heat treating oven and is thinking of adding a
small foundry to cast some of the oddball parts.

Another one is doing similar work and gets stuff from the local town and
highway departments on a weekly basis. His "production" work is making
different "crafty items" for some Amish greenhouses (plant hangers,
hooks, mini-windmills and such) he makes blanks of the item and they do
the shaping and finish work.

Even today a good job shop can make good money.
So put up a nice building and set that BP up and start makin' chips.

--
Steve W.