October is recognized as Manufacturing Month across North America and it's a critical component of the Lima/Allen County economy.
Lima Mayor David Berger wrote a proclamation and presented it to The West Central Ohio Manufacturing Consortium stating that 18% of all private-sector jobs are in manufacturing. That comes out to more than 8,800 residents. Manufacturers say the pool of potential employees is becoming small and they are creating new means to find future employees
“What manufactures are realizing and a lot of them are taking measure into their own hands and engaging people at a younger age, “ says Doug Durliat, WCOMC Director. “Showing them skill set, the workplace, the environment, and a lot of the other factors to give them a clearer picture of what a manufacturing career can entail.”
Companies have been holding plant tours, sponsoring camps and giving students some hands-on experiences.
