According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 3.9% of construction workers identify as women. Meanwhile, a separate study by Dodge Construction Network on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Design and Construction” shows that, among smaller firms, only 2% report having clear standards for increasing diversity that are also used to improve advancement. Several […]

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw. The official Merriam-Webster dictionary lists change as a transitive verb, and I’m not arguing with the authority, but I think of it more as a noun. Change – like gravity – is a constant “thing” in life and […]

While releasing his budget for fiscal year 2024, President Joe Biden announced that, under his leadership, the economy has added more than 12 million jobs, including 800,000 in manufacturing. But recent jobs data shows that a roughly equal number of positions remain vacant, following the latest hirings and losses. According to the latest figures from […]

President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address Tuesday, touting accomplishments ranging from economic recovery and record-low unemployment to a new bipartisan infrastructure law. “Two years ago, the economy was reeling,” the president told a joint session of Congress. “I stand here tonight, after we’ve created, with the help of many people […]

Pella Corp. has announced it is working with educational programs across the country to encourage younger generations to explore career options in manufacturing. The company is providing $55,000 in grants to school programs that provide pathways to careers in modern manufacturing. “This isn’t just another day on the job for us,” says Jeff Schick, vice […]

Phantom Screens is marking three decades of manufacturing high-quality retractable screens by partnering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and says it will be donating $75,000, which will be used towards building affordable housing at a new 39-townhome community in Coquitlam, BC. “We are thrilled to renew this important partnership with Habitat for Humanity for […]

Windows and door manufacturer Peerless Products Inc., announced it will expand in Nevada, Missouri, investing $3.5 million and creating 111 new jobs. Peerless says the expansion will increase the company’s production capacity at its existing Nevada facility, used for warehousing, manufacturing, and research and development. “It’s exciting to see Peerless Products growing in Nevada, and […]

On the first Friday of October, and continuing throughout the month with various events, companies across all sectors seek to raise awareness of manufacturing, and why the field represents a viable career path. Hosted annually by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute, perhaps never has it been more crucial to bring […]

Having been in the window industry for almost 30 years, there was one department I always found to be quiet, unassuming and reliable: the supply chain and purchasing department. They just went about their duties, did their jobs and “stuff” always showed up on time. Sure, there was an occasional blip, but 99% of the […]

As vaccination efforts continue and statistics improve for the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that more employees hung up Zoom and returned to the workplace in April. According to April figures, the number of teleworkers declined to 18.3%, marking a nearly 3% […]