Over 30 Years of RF Welding and Heat Sealing Solutions
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

7 Fun Facts About Manufacturing Day

Explore Manufacturing Day

Manufacturing Day falls on October 1 this year and it is back in full swing after being completely virtual last fall. Manufacturing Day is a celebration of the people who keep the manufacturing industry running, as well as a day to educate and encourage the manufacturing leaders of the future. Inspiring the youth of today to explore the manufacturing industry starts with opening our doors and showing them the abundance of opportunities we can provide them. Before the day kicks off, take a moment to read 7 fun facts about how Manufacturing Day came to be and how you can get involved.

  1. Manufacturing Day was created in 2012 by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International.

Manufacturing Day started in 2012 as a way to encourage young adults to consider pursuing careers in the manufacturing industry, as well as it being a day to open company doors to address common misconceptions about the industry. Nine years later, Manufacturing Day is now hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute and is celebrated across North America with a multitude of in-person and virtual programs and events.

Check out the 2021 Manufacturing Day Video: https://youtu.be/XqY4hksJOyc

  1. There are currently 800,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry.

Along with the abundance of manufacturing companies that are seeking workers today, research from the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte predicts that there will be around 4 million more open positions by 2030. As the oldest generation of workers starts retiring, the skills gap for new workers is becoming a clear issue, especially with much of manufacturing technology also undergoing a digital transformation.

“Closing that skills gap requires us to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of manufacturing workers—and that’s where Creators Wanted and MFG Day come in. Companies that participate in MFG Day and Creators Wanted are taking strong, tangible steps toward strengthening their workforce and closing the skills gap.” – Manufacturing Institute Executive Director, Carolyn Lee. 

  1. In 2019, more than 325,000 people participated in Manufacturing Day.

Before the world went virtual to combat the coronavirus, it was only hosted in-person events across North America. In 2019, over 3,000 events were hosted across the country and afterward, 72% of participants said they now believe “manufacturing provides an interesting and rewarding career.” This year, there will be double the fun with both COVID-19 safe in-person events and virtual events you can join from the comfort of your home! Find the perfect event for you here: https://www.creatorswanted.org/find-events/

2019 Highlights: https://youtu.be/uyTb4-835RY

  1. Manufacturing Day is now led by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute.

The National Association of Manufacturers was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1895 and was one of the main proponents for the creation of the U.S Department of Commerce. They now “work for the success of the more than 12.8 million men and women who make things in America.” Their values are free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. The Manufacturing Institute is the nonprofit counterpart of the association and their mission is specifically to inspire, educate and empower the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow. Their work involves coordinating educational events and programming, such as Manufacturing Day, to help grow the manufacturing community by welcoming emerging workers, women, veterans and students. If you missed Manufacturing Day or just want to keep the celebration going, both organizations have a wide variety of resources and programs that run all year long.

  1. Welcome to everyone.

One of the ways the manufacturing industry can help close the skills gap and fill the large number of open positions is by encouraging previously underrepresented people to consider a career in the industry. Women have historically been underrepresented in manufacturing with less than 1 in 3 manufacturing workers being a woman, but they represent a huge pool of untapped talent. The Manufacturing Institute has also made a commitment to support manufacturers in their “efforts to build diverse and inclusive workplaces and strengthen equal opportunity in the United States.” Not only will creating an inclusive workplace benefit workers, but companies that have already instituted DEI policies have had better business performance due to increased productivity and better organization management.

  1. Every day is Manufacturer’s Day with the Creators Wanted campaign.

Although Manufacturer’s Day is sadly only one day out of the year, the Manufacturing Institute works on their Creators Wanted campaign year round as they seek to inspire youth around the country to pursue careers in manufacturing. Creators Wanted is a joint campaign of the National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, and its goal is to reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000 people by 2025, as well as increase the number of students enrolling in technical or vocational school by 25%. Half of the funds they raise through the program go toward creating more educational content and tools and the other half supports initiatives focused on reaching students, women, veterans, workers and underrepresented communities.

  1. Creators Wanted is coming to a city near you.

The Manufacturing Institute knows that some of the best workers in the manufacturing industry are hands-on learners, which is a reason why they are taking their message on the road with a mobile learning experience which highlights modern manufacturing in a way that has never been done before. The 53-foot traveling multi-room vehicle invites teammates in to take on challenges like cracking codes, solving riddles, and busting industry myths. The “Escape Room”-like set up is fun for all ages and shows that there is place for everyone in the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing is an essential part of the success and prosperity of communities small and large across North America, but the industry faces the pressing problem of needing a new generation of leaders and workers as soon as possible. Manufacturing Day is one part of a bigger plan to dispel misconceptions about the industry and inspire students and workers of all ages to consider a career in manufacturing. Do your part today and be an advocate for careers in manufacturing and consider speaking to someone in your life who you think might have a future in manufacturing.

Medical Device Manufacturing Internship
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

Medical Device Manufacturing Internship: Meet Nick Taylor

Medical Device Manufacturing Internship: Meet Nick Taylor

In just a few years’ time, Nick Taylor has gone from building and taking a part radios to constructing and working with robots within a medical device manufacturing internship. During his high school years, Nick participated in an engineering career program. Today, he is a collegiate engineering student working as an intern with Genesis Plastics and Welding creating complex prototypes of medical equipment. 

Nick is a junior mechatronics major at Purdue Polytechnic Institute in Anderson, Indiana. During the fall semester of 2020 while searching for internships, Nick connected with Genesis through his university’s career resources. 

“I interviewed with several companies,” shares Nick, “but I really liked Genesis, so I decided to continue on with them.” 

As a Genesis intern, Nick uses Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models to create prototypes of medical equipment. Nick completes the majority of his work by himself, which has contributed to his individual growth. However, should he need help, Nick feels he can always go to his supervisors for assistance. 

“My supervisors are always available for me to ask questions,” says Nick. “So, I ask a lot of questions and they’re very helpful.” 

Throughout his time as an intern, Nick has homed in on his technical skills, while learning more about the engineering supply chain. 

“Prior to my internship, I knew about how things were made,” says Ethan, “but I didn’t know about the prototype buying process. Now, I understand how companies order parts and services from each other.”

Nick’s dream job is to work as an engineer for BMW Headquarters in Germany. Regardless of where the future takes him, Nick is confident that his Genesis experience will help contribute to his future success.  

“Genesis is a great place to learn,” says Nick. “They are always open to questions and focus on a real understanding of the job. Genesis has taught me a lot.”

Interested in a medical device manufacturing internship with Genesis Plastics Welding? Email us here.

by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

Meet Our Intern: Ethan Steinke

Ethan Steinke’s passion for engineering began his freshman year of high school after several friends recommended that he take a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) class. Now, Ethan works as a collegiate intern with Genesis Plastics Welding creating prototypes of medical crisis equipment. 

Meet Collegiate Biotech Manufacturing Intern Ethan Steinke

Ethan is a sophomore mechatronics major at Purdue Polytechnic Institute in Anderson, Indiana. This past spring, Ethan heard through his university that Genesis was looking for interns. After applying and attending a formal interview, Ethan was accepted into the program where he has worked for almost four months. 

“Interning with Genesis is great,” says Ethan. “It’s very easy to get acclimated there. They’ll let you be hands on, and if you mess up, they accept it. Genesis encourages you to learn from your mistakes and keep going.” 

A typical Genesis workday begins at 8 am. Ethan spends his time either building CAD models or manually assembling medical equipment prototypes in what is called the “Clean Room.” Here, after suiting up in a gown and washing his hands, Ethan builds the parts he has digitally created, using heavy machinery to cut and weld the pieces. This process can take anywhere between three to eight hours depending on the quantity of pieces. 

“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” says Ethan. “It’s so cool to see something you make actually come to fruition.”

It often takes teams of three or more engineers to complete a CAD project. As an intern, Ethan collaborates with his team and their supervisor, Nathan Glass. 

“As a supervisor, Nathan makes sure our team is staying on track,” says Ethan. “He shows me how to properly do things so that I can get better. That’s the whole point of an internship; you’re not going to know everything, so the engineers at Genesis try to teach you.”

Throughout his internship thus far, Ethan has learned a variety of technical skills, including how to fabricate pieces using a variety of machines and equipment. In addition to these useful engineering skills, Ethan has adopted the values of hard work and dedication. 

“This internship has taught me basic discipline, such as how to take orders and do things correctly,” says Ethan. “I have also learned about the importance of being open and honest with others.”

Ethan describes Genesis as a place that is inclusive and accepting of inspiring engineers. He is confident that his internship with Genesis will help set him up for future success. 

“I want to be an engineer who helps people and makes sure the job gets done,” says Ethan. “The lessons I’ve learned at Genesis will always help me in the long run.”

Tom Ryder, Genesis Plastics Welding
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

[In the News] IMDMC Elects Officers

The Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council (IMDMC) has elected four to serve as officers on the Executive Board.

Tom Barnett, Director of Government Affairs for Roche Diagnostics, will serve as Board President. Barnett joined Roche Diagnostics in 2000. Previously he had held various roles in marketing and governmental affairs, including leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.  

“The medical devices sector is one of Indiana’s largest and most valuable economic assets representing more than 150 companies and employing more than 20,000 people. I look forward to leading IMDMC as we continue to do good work serving as an advocate, connector, and resource for Indiana’s medical device companies,” said Barnett. 

Other officers elected are as follows: Tom Ryder, President and CEO for Genesis Plastics Welding, will serve as Vice President; Troy Linder, Chief Financial Officer for Fort Wayne Metals, will serve as Treasurer; and Anne Hathaway, Executive Director for IMDMC, will serve as Secretary. 

The organization works to promote, educate, and advocate for Indiana’s medical device industry to advance the performance of our member firms and to cultivate a business environment in which member companies can flourish. IMDMC member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming patient care and patient safety. IMDMC members range from the largest to the smallest medical device innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.imdmc.org.

by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

2021 Forecast: MedTech Industry Shifts

After a turbulent 2020, rapid change will continue to mark medical device manufacturing in the year ahead. Trends we covered in our end-of-year recap remain true in 2021: digital acceleration, supply chain transformation and high demand for diagnostics, PPEs, single-use devices. What does the 2021 forecast hold in regards to medtech industry shifts?

Looking ahead, we’ve compiled reports from reputable sources to highlight four shifts that need your attention in 2021.

2021 Medtech Industry Shifts

Partnerships become critical

One trend that’s been fermenting for some time but gained new steam with the pandemic is a growing conviction that medical device manufacturers can’t go it alone. It’s going to take strategic partnerships to overcome emerging challenges, protect profits and grow market share.

As we wrote one year ago, the need for strategic partners applies to both large and small manufacturers:

  • For large OEMs, third-party relationships enable increased capacity and versatility while remaining cost-effective.
  • Small to medium startups need partners to keep costs down and increase their speed to market.

“Whether large or small, OEMs are relying on contract manufacturing organizations for everything from added manufacturing capacity to product design and development, to technical expertise,” said Tom Ryder, president & CEO of Genesis Plastics Welding. “Multifaceted partners will be key for all OEMs to continue to bring sophisticated niche medical devices to market.”

Digital realignment

Omkar Kulkarni, chief innovation officer at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, told Becker’s Hospital Review that he expects 2021 to be a year of realignment in digital health:

“As provider systems adjust to the next normal, they will find that consumer preferences for convenience, experience and cost are even stronger than before the pandemic,” he said. As a response, “health systems will look to virtual care offerings as differentiators in their competitive markets, especially when coupled with remote monitoring and digital therapeutic offerings that can provide wraparound virtual services.”

David Shulkin, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, agrees: “By the end of 2021, more than one-third of patients will access their healthcare through a hospital or health system’s digital front door.”

Muthu Krishnan, chief digital transformation officer for IKS Health also foresees a surge in disease-specific digital health solutions. “The breakthrough for digital health in 2021 will be physicians embracing [disease-specific] tools and technologies to improve care delivery, care outcomes and patient satisfaction,” he said.

Also under the digital umbrella, Fierce Healthcare predicts communication and collaboration tools will explode in 2021.

Consumers take the driver’s seat

For years, the healthcare industry promised to be “patient-centered” but the claim wasn’t common practice. COVID-19 has forced medical device manufacturers to make that a priority, reports TechRepublic.

Fierce Healthcare also covered the theme: “Consumer’s expectation levels around virtual and digital healthcare are rising, and business processes will change to meet those expectations.” That includes greater personalization, increased telemedicine capabilities, mental health applications, and more.

In response, Fierce Healthcare predicts medical technology manufacturers will meet these new expectations and enable patients to drive their own healthcare journey.

Repositioning for opportunity

In closing, we’ll leave you with an observation from McKinsey researchers:

“While the COVID-19 outbreak is an overwhelming humanitarian crisis, it also presents an opportunity for reform in healthcare delivery. As services, case volumes, and medtech operations stabilize, the industry and each of its participants will be challenged to fundamentally rethink their business and operating models to adapt to the healthcare needs of the future.”

With that in mind, forward-thinking companies must take steps now to “reimagine the system, patient journey, and their interfaces and relationships with healthcare providers.” That includes rethinking your supply-chain network and key suppliers, they add.

This is also a time to live your company values in tangible ways and respond with new products, services and operating models that support patients and clinicians, McKinsey concludes: “This is both the right thing to do and will position companies for success in years to come.”

Chat with the Genesis Plastics Welding team…

Have a 2021 project you’d like to discuss with our team? Contact us here.