EDC

Specialty Manufacturing

Mission Statement: Promote the development and continued growth of specialty manufacturing so that a successful manufacturing sector can continue to contribute to the economic community and cultural quality of life.

Some of the world�s most innovative and widely used products are made all or in part in Sarasota County.

Because they tend to pay higher wages and export products outside the local market, manufacturers are

prized as contributors to the local economy.

Specialty Manufacturing Meeting Panelists,

Laura Spencer, Tervis Tumbler Co.,
Ola Wettergren, Fantech Inc.
Kristen Regal, Sun Hydraulics Corp.

"Specialty manufacturers need a forum to collaborate on improving efficiency and breaking down barriers to profitability. The cluster group provides that opportunity and gives manufacturers a unified voice in identifying and solving business climate issues that affect their employees and their industry."

David Ferguson
Davlin Productivity Group, Inc.
Co-chair, Specialty Manufacturing Cluster

Track record

� Launched online Manufacturing Capabilities Index to increase business-to-business opportunities for area manufacturers.

� Provided a forum for organizations to learn about and implement LEAN concepts to increase efficiency of business operations.

� Providing tours of manufacturing facilities and technical schools for middle and high school students to generate interest in manufacturing careers.

Subgroups of Specialty Manufacturing

Capabilities Index

A web-based Capabilities Index that will help companies identifies potential partners for production. Increasing business-to-business means more people continue to work at higher paying jobs.

LEAN Consortium

The purpose of the LEAN Consortium is to provide a forum for organizations to learn about, discuss, and ultimately implement with success LEAN concepts and facilitate overall knowledge and understanding of LEAN principles through the use of educational supplements, case studies, and visiting group members' organizations that either practice LEAN thinking and want to transmit their success stories to the group or require assistance to implement LEAN techniques.

Promote technical education in local schools

There is a significant shortage of technical talent in the local workforce. Local high schools and universities are beginning to tailor programs to help meet the technical skill needs of local manufacturers, but more education/manufacturing initiatives are needed.

A student takes a crack at a hurricane window produced by manufacturer PGT Industries during a tour provided for students and parents of local manufacturing facilities.

Wrote one student following the tour: �Everyone was SO nice, explaining how important it is to start our future now. It has given me hope that many doors will open if I keep getting good grades and striving for what I believe in. I sure hope other kids like me get an opportunity to experience a piece of the future first-hand.�

And from a parent: �We both left there talking about the different areas of manufacturing and related careers.�

Specialty Manufacturing Meeting Minutes