20/01/2022
There are three categories of people that exist in this world; βThe Wantersβ, βThe Wishersβ and βThe Makers.β
~ Israelmore Ayivor
π§°
Manufacturing is Dead?
Manufacturing here in the U.S. has been on a steady decline for a number of years. The βGlory Daysβ of the 1920βs and 30βs more than 20% of US workforce held manufacturing jobs. Today that number has fallen to below 8%.
π§°
Change is Happening!
Thanks to things like increased consumer awareness, demand for U.S. made products, automation, and the ability to cut out the middle man we are seeing signs of an increase in manufacturing. It may be small but itβs changing!
π§°
Whatβs Causing Change?
I believe this change is due at least in some small part to the passion and drive of the maker community and our ability to design, produce, market and sell products out of our garage!
π§°
The Maker Economy
The onset of COVID brought mask shortages to an unprepared supply chain. Factories struggled to produce enough supply to keep up with the massive demand. In response to this crisis Makers sprang to action and 1000βs of 3D printers were put to work printing and assembling face shields, countless sewing machines were put to work sewing masks and we even saw new DIY ventilator designs being created! Makers responded in full force and as a result we saw new shortages appear. Elastic banding, clear transparency films and other mask and face shield βingredientsβ sold out or were very hard to come by. The Maker Economy showed its face and it awakened the world to our ability to mass produce much needed products quickly.
π§°
Letβs Keep It Going!
Several months back I was contacted by .com_ to be part of their βThe Makersβ video series highlighting Makers in our community and allowing them to tell their story. I was blown away that they would even consider me and I am incredibly humbled to be a part of the first season. I had seen the videos on and and I was thrilled by the thought of having a video shot in my shop.
[-Continued Below-]
ππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌππΌ