Manufacturing

Evolving operations, emerging ahead

While the manufacturing industry is one of the hardest hit around the nation, the EDC continues to locate manufacturing companies in Fresno County. In addition to growing in size, the industry also has the ability to transition its local operations to seize opportunities in emerging industries. According to the State of California Employment Development Department, Fresno County has approximately 92 companies that can support the renewable energy industry, including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy. A report published by the Renewable Energy Project Policy, titled Renewable Energy Demand: A Case Study of California, with updated information in How to Revitalize America’s Middle Class with the Clean Energy Economy by the Blue Green Alliance, details the energy processes and identifies new products to manufacture based on a company’s current operations. For example, in Fresno County, there are 7 companies under NAICS code 333911, Pump and Pumping Equipment Manufacturing. These companies can support either geothermal or biomass energy production. Products manufactured under this NAICS code include brine injection pumps, condensate pumps, cooling water pumps, etc. Using this report, the EDC can help companies diversify their operations to become more viable in the future, and we can also identify gaps in the supply chain in order to attract complimentary businesses to Fresno County. It’s a win-win all the way around!

Key Areas of Focus:

• Advocate through strategic partnerships
• Progress on Workforce Development
• Promote Local Manufacturers
• Re-visit Advanced Manufacturing Center
• Promote green technologies and renewable energy production

FEATURING:
Carreers in Manufacturing Technology (CIMT)

Supervisor Training
Provides professional development opportunities. Training includes: improving efficiency and lowering logistics costs, forums on lean manufacturing, and workshops on supervisor soft skills

Internship Program
Allows companies to be a part of the workforce solution by providing summer internship opportunities for students in the applied technology programs at local community colleges

Annual Career Expo
Matches employers with graduating and/or internship students in applied technology programs at local community colleges

High School Outreach
Multi-media CDs are distributed and presentations are made to counselors, teachers, and high school students about manufacturing career opportunities