Machining a growing industry in Burke

Editor’s note: This is part two of a four-part series exploring the current manufacturing landscape in Burke County.

Today’s manufacturing spotlight focuses on the machining industry, which has a very positive outlook here in Burke County. More than 20 establishments in Burke employ machinists. Many of these are large companies that are experiencing steady growth, despite the economy and overseas competition.

North Carolina’s CRN (Career Resource Network) estimates that in 2014 there will be 13,670 people employed in the machining industry in North Carolina, which is up from 11,890 in 2004. With an annual growth rate of 1.4 percent, machining is one of the few manufacturing industries that are expected to grow in the state in coming years.

“There are many opportunities in the machining field,” said Scott Darnell, Burke Development Inc. president. “Those choosing to enter the profession will see solid job security and high wages, as well as an opportunity to grow professionally. The skilled machinist has always been in short supply nationwide, and many machine shops here in Burke County have immediate openings.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, “job opportunities for machinists should continue to be good…the number of workers learning to be machinists is expected to be less than the number of job openings arising each year from the need to replace experienced machinists who retire or transfer to other occupations.”

Local business owner and president of Toner Machining, Jim Toner, echoes this, “Although today we have a well-trained workforce, the biggest problem facing our industry is the lack of young, skilled machinists coming into the trade.”

Western Piedmont Community College is addressing this issue with its computer integrated machining technology program, in which students can earn an associate in applied science. It’s a two-year degree that prepares students for jobs or careers in metalworking, machine shops, motor vehicle parts and aerospace.

“We have made a big push here at Western Piedmont to advance our machining program,” said Michael Daniels, Dean of Science, Engineering and Mathematics. “We recently improved our curriculum to reflect the development of the industry and newer technologies. We also invested in new equipment, supplies and software so students in our program learn in an environment that is similar to what they will see in the real world.”

Both Toner and Mike Powell, president of Master WorkHolding, Inc. recommend Western Piedmont’s program to anyone interested in becoming a machinist. The occupation offers many benefits, including a challenging work environment that is constantly evolving and higher than average wages. In North Carolina, the average entry wage for a machinist is $21,974 and average experienced wage is $36,409.

Those interested in machining should first understand what it is and what the job requires. Machining is a form of subtractive manufacturing in which a collection of processes are used to remove material to achieve a desired shape. Traditional machining processes, such as turning, boring, drilling and milling, have been replaced with conventional machining, which uses new technologies. Most modern day machining is carried out by computer numerical control (CNC) where computers are used to control the movement and operation of various cutting machines.

The O*NET Resource Center, which is created for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, lists many tasks that a machinist might perform including: calculating dimensions; aligning tools or materials onto machines; monitoring and operating machines; checking for defects; or entering commands to edit computerized machine control media.

“A typical day at Toner Machining Technology is never boring because we do business with so many different types of industry, so almost every project is new in some way,” said Toner. “One day you may be working on something for a nuclear reactor and the next it’s for some type of new weapon, new car or even a jet.”

Toner Machining, on East Fleming Drive is currently hiring skilled machinists. Master WorkHolding, Inc., which has been open since the early ’90s, plans to hire in 2012 and Powell prefers to hire locals who have the right attitude, regardless of their experience.

“I would rather hire someone from Burke County who isn’t skilled yet but who knows enough to know that they want to do this, that they want to be a machinist,” said Powell. “I’m fortunate because I found something that I’m passionate about, that I’m wired for. If you naturally have the mindset for it, machining is a good industry because you are getting a skill set that you can develop over a lifetime and there are paths to move up, from a machinist to an engineer for example.”

According to Powell, it takes three to five years to become a good machinist but many shops offer on the job training. At Master WorkHolding, Inc. Powell gives all his employees an hour each week to complete on the job training through a free online program that has more than 240 classes.

“Machining jobs require strong technical skills that can be gained from the classroom and on the job; realizing that developing these skills takes a willingness to learn and time,” said Darnell. “The applicant and employer must see it as a committed partnership. Companies today are always looking for bright, hard workers to start the partnership. Like any career, it is a journey, but the machining opportunities in Burke County will continue to be abundant.”

Free online resources are available for anyone interested in exploring this industry as a future career. For more information about becoming a machinist, visit the Burke Development Inc. website where you will find links to machining associations, training resources and local machine shops. To learn more about Western Piedmont’s machining program, contact Michael Daniels at 448-3564 or by email at mdaniels@wpcc.edu.

This feature series, “Manufacturing in Burke,” is produced by The News Herald in partnership with Burke Development Inc. The mission of BDI is to promote economic growth, innovation and sustainability in Burke County in order to improve the standard of living and well-being of its citizens. BDI works with industry leaders, site selection consultants, government agencies and other entities to facilitate expansion and development strategies for existing businesses and recruit target industries to Burke County. For more information about BDI, visit www.burkedevinc.com.