The manufacturing industry is no stranger to challenges, but one of the most pressing issues in 2025 is the growing talent gap. As factories ramp up production to meet rising demands, finding and retaining skilled workers has become a critical hurdle. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, U.S. manufacturers are facing increased labor shortages, especially with the nearshoring boom bringing more production back to domestic facilities.
At Dayton Lamina, we recognize this challenge and are implementing forward-thinking strategies to address it. By investing in training programs, offering attractive benefits, and leveraging automation, we ensure operational efficiency while empowering our workforce to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
The State of the Manufacturing Workforce
A combination of factors has led to the current labor shortage, including an aging workforce, a lack of younger workers entering the field, and the rapid adoption of advanced technologies requiring new skill sets. The impact is clear: factories are struggling to fill positions, and manufacturers must find innovative solutions to bridge the gap.
To overcome these obstacles, companies are turning to two key strategies: upskilling employees and implementing automation. Both approaches align perfectly with Dayton Lamina’s commitment to staying ahead of industry challenges.
Investing in Workforce Development
At Dayton Lamina, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive training programs designed to equip our team with the skills needed for today’s technology-driven manufacturing environment.
Attractive Benefits to Attract and Retain Talent
We go beyond training to make Dayton Lamina an exceptional place to work. Our benefits package includes:
- Competitive pay along with health and wellness benefits.
- 100% tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing higher education or certifications, enabling them to advance their careers without financial burden.
- Generous paid time off and retirement savings options to promote work-life balance and financial stability.
These benefits reflect our dedication to supporting employees in every stage of their professional journey.
Our Workforce Development Initiatives Include:
- Upskilling Existing Workers
Employees are trained to use advanced manufacturing technologies, including CNC machines and 3D printing tools. This not only boosts productivity but also gives our workforce the confidence to adapt to industry changes. - Attracting Young Talent
We partner with local schools and technical colleges to introduce students to careers in manufacturing. By offering internships, apprenticeships, and tuition reimbursement, Dayton Lamina creates opportunities for young professionals to gain hands-on experience and join our team. - Continuous Learning
As technology evolves, so do our training programs. We prioritize ongoing education to ensure our workforce remains at the cutting edge of industry advancements. - Employee Referrals
We value the power of our employees’ networks. Through our referral program, employees can earn up to $1,000 for referring qualified candidates who join our team. This program helps us connect with talented individuals while rewarding our team for their contributions to building a strong workforce.
Leveraging Automation
While training programs and benefits address the human side of the talent gap, automation helps ensure consistent and efficient operations. Dayton Lamina has embraced automation to optimize production processes, reduce errors, and allow our employees to focus on more complex, value-added tasks.
For instance:
- We’ve integrated robotic systems for repetitive tasks, freeing up skilled workers for specialized roles.
- Our use of advanced software and data analytics streamlines production planning and resource allocation.
This dual focus on people and technology ensures Dayton Lamina can meet customer demands without compromising quality or efficiency.
A Vision for the Future
The manufacturing landscape will continue to evolve, but one thing remains certain: the importance of a skilled, adaptable workforce. Dayton Lamina’s proactive approach to addressing the talent gap—through robust training programs, attractive benefits, tuition reimbursement, and strategic automation—positions us as a leader in the industry.
As the Financial Times recently highlighted, sustainability and innovation are driving manufacturing forward. Dayton Lamina is proud to contribute to this progress, not just through our products but also by fostering a dynamic and future-ready workforce.
Together, we’re building more than just components—we’re building the future of manufacturing.
