News Summary
The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) is addressing the skilled labor shortages in manufacturing by revamping its Workforce Development Committee. This initiative focuses on building connections between education and career pathways, while highlighting the importance of adaptability and technical training. CRMA aims to change perceptions around manufacturing careers and is hosting events to discuss AI’s impact on the industry. Continuing to advocate for workforce development since 1902, CRMA seeks to ensure a sustainable future for manufacturing in the Greater Chattanooga area.
Chattanooga – The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) has announced a significant revamp of its Workforce Development Committee to address the pressing issue of skilled labor shortages that continues to challenge the manufacturing industry. Kerry Beth Carico, the newly appointed executive director of CRMA, has identified the need to maintain a skilled workforce as the foremost obstacle for manufacturers in the region.
The revamped committee aims to build connections between education, training, and career pathways, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for the manufacturing sector. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between opportunity and access, ensuring that local manufacturers can find the skilled employees necessary for their growth.
Brian Hunt, the president and CEO of Southern Champion Tray, has emphasized the importance of changing perceptions about manufacturing among the younger generation. He noted that many students do not see manufacturing as a viable career choice, unaware of the positive work environments and ongoing training opportunities available in the sector. As technology advances within the industry, the need for new types of workforce skills is becoming increasingly critical.
To address these challenges, CRMA members are prioritizing attributes like adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, along with practical experience over the traditional pathway of obtaining a four-year degree. There is a growing focus on technical training, certifications, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience as essential routes to employment in manufacturing.
Numerous CRMA members are now exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in areas such as quality control, maintenance, logistics, and workforce planning. To facilitate understanding of these developments, CRMA plans to host a “lunch and learn” event on July 8, centered on AI in the supply chain. This event will initiate a series of discussions and tours highlighting how AI technology is transforming manufacturing operations.
In addition to the immediate discussions on AI, CRMA has scheduled a symposium for early 2026, focusing on innovation, infrastructure, talent, and AI. This gathering aims to foster knowledge sharing among manufacturers and create dialogues about the implications of technological advancements in the industry.
CRMA has been advocating for workforce development since its inception in 1902, responding to the evolving challenges in the manufacturing landscape by nurturing curiosity and investing in people. Key drivers of transformation in the sector include automation and data analytics, which are vital for improving machine efficiency and enabling better decision-making.
The current landscape in the automotive sector faces its own set of challenges, including the impact of tariffs on pricing and the industry’s gradual shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles. Industry leaders like Lyndon Lie of Volkswagen and Blake Markham of Nokian Tyres have stressed the need for regulatory stability and collaboration among stakeholders to create a conducive environment for manufacturing growth.
Local initiatives in Greater Chattanooga are focused on addressing the skilled labor gap by equipping students for careers in manufacturing through partnerships with educational institutions. Programs like the Bradley County’s PIE Innovation Center and Dalton Public Schools’ Project Purpose aim to provide students with practical experience in manufacturing, enhancing their job prospects post-graduation.
Greater Chattanooga’s manufacturing sector is supported by a strong workforce and logistical advantages, employing over 90,000 individuals and constituting approximately 20% of the regional workforce. Recent manufacturing investments in the area include Amaero’s $54.9 million facility, Kordsa’s $50 million expansion, Qcells’ $2.5 billion solar panel factory expansion, and SK Food Group’s $205 million facility in Cleveland.
The CRMA’s commitment to establishing robust workforce development pathways reflects the urgent need to address skill shortages and ensure a sustainable future for the manufacturing industry in the Greater Chattanooga area.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga 2025 Playbook – Manufacturing
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga 2025 Playbook – The Automotive Sector
- Livability: 4 Manufacturing Businesses That Are Booming in Chattanooga
- Livability: Manufacturing Magnet – How Chattanooga is Fueling the Future Workforce
- HR Brew: Volkswagen’s Family-Friendly Policies
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing
- Google Search: Chattanooga manufacturing
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga manufacturing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing in Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga manufacturing
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