Mike Daly

This past summer, four rising high school juniors joined the Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program at General Carbide Corporation. The programs we run at General Carbide, in collaboration with our community partners(German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter, Anthony Princeton), include Pre-Apprenticeships, the Innovation Internship Challenge for college students, Apprenticeship Programs, Job Shadows, Learning 2 Earning, and our Annual Signing Day in May. It is remarkable to witness students discovering the world of manufacturing and growing into confident contributors. As we celebrate Manufacturing Month, we are focusing on our students’ perspectives. In this clip, two of our pre-apprentices share their biggest takeaways from the experience, including one of my favorite quotes: “It felt powerful to help the company being just a high school and college kid.” This encapsulates our mission: to show students that they can make an impact, explore innovation, and help shape the industries of tomorrow. At General Carbide, Manufacturing Month is every month, as inspiring, developing, and investing in future talent is an ongoing commitment. Stay tuned for more student interviews throughout October! #ManufacturingMonth #WorkforceDevelopment #PreApprenticeship #FutureTalent #STEMCareers #GeneralCarbide #MadeInPA

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🚨  The best plastics manufacturing leaders don’t stay available for long — and several are open to new opportunities right now. Each of these professionals has been carefully vetted and brings decades of experience across injection molding, automation systems, packaging manufacturing, and capital equipment sales. At PlasticStaffing, we’ve curated a select group of plastics professionals who have delivered measurable results across manufacturing operations and technical sales environments. This week’s featured talent includes leaders who have: ✔ Expanded plastics sales territories from $1.5M to over $6M annually ✔ Managed HR operations across multi-site manufacturing facilities supporting 600 employees ✔ Generated $8M–$20M in annual capital equipment sales for injection molding technologies ✔ Built automation equipment territories across multiple manufacturing regions ✔ Managed thousands of customer relationships generating $10M+ annual revenue ✔ Delivered technical expertise across injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and packaging manufacturing These are not résumé submissions — they are experienced operators and commercial leaders who understand the realities of plastics manufacturing. 📩  Connect with us today 🌐  https://lnkd.in/e46gW3bz 📧  robin@plasticstaffing.com 📞  +1 (661) 369-7797 #PlasticsManufacturing #InjectionMolding #PlasticStaffing #AutomationSales #PackagingIndustry #ManufacturingLeadership

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🚨  The best plastics manufacturing leaders don’t stay available for long — and several are open to new opportunities right now. Each of these professionals has been carefully vetted and brings decades of experience across injection molding, automation systems, packaging manufacturing, and capital equipment sales. At PlasticStaffing, we’ve curated a select group of plastics professionals who have delivered measurable results across manufacturing operations and technical sales environments. This week’s featured talent includes leaders who have: ✔ Expanded plastics sales territories from $1.5M to over $6M annually ✔ Managed HR operations across multi-site manufacturing facilities supporting 600 employees ✔ Generated $8M–$20M in annual capital equipment sales for injection molding technologies ✔ Built automation equipment territories across multiple manufacturing regions ✔ Managed thousands of customer relationships generating $10M+ annual revenue ✔ Delivered technical expertise across injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and packaging manufacturing These are not résumé submissions — they are experienced operators and commercial leaders who understand the realities of plastics manufacturing. 📩  Connect with us today 🌐  https://lnkd.in/e46gW3bz 📧  robin@plasticstaffing.com 📞  +1 (661) 369-7797 #PlasticsManufacturing #InjectionMolding #PlasticStaffing #AutomationSales #PackagingIndustry #ManufacturingLeadership

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🚨  The best plastics manufacturing leaders don’t stay available for long — and several are open to new opportunities right now. Each of these professionals has been carefully vetted and brings decades of experience across injection molding, automation systems, packaging manufacturing, and capital equipment sales. At PlasticStaffing, we’ve curated a select group of plastics professionals who have delivered measurable results across manufacturing operations and technical sales environments. This week’s featured talent includes leaders who have: ✔ Expanded plastics sales territories from $1.5M to over $6M annually ✔ Managed HR operations across multi-site manufacturing facilities supporting 600 employees ✔ Generated $8M–$20M in annual capital equipment sales for injection molding technologies ✔ Built automation equipment territories across multiple manufacturing regions ✔ Managed thousands of customer relationships generating $10M+ annual revenue ✔ Delivered technical expertise across injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and packaging manufacturing These are not résumé submissions — they are experienced operators and commercial leaders who understand the realities of plastics manufacturing. 📩  Connect with us today 🌐  https://lnkd.in/eNQgWuxG 📧  robin@plasticstaffing.com 📞  +1 (661) 369-7797 #PlasticsManufacturing #InjectionMolding #PlasticStaffing #AutomationSales #PackagingIndustry #ManufacturingLeadership

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Discover how 3M is tackling the manufacturing skills gap with Michael Stroik, VP of Community Impact, in his chat with the NYSE. By investing in education and partnerships like SkillsUSA, 3M is preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. Learn how 3M is promoting trades careers and equipping students with essential skills. Watch the conversation! #3Mer #3MFutureWorkforce https://bit.ly/3GfrRdM

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Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions Chippewa Falls recently had the opportunity to participate in a Manufacturing Alliance of Western Wisconsin video interview highlighting careers in manufacturing and the power of youth apprenticeships and partnerships with local technical colleges. Pictured here is Landon, whose journey is a perfect example of what’s possible. Landon started with us as a welder Youth Apprentice while still in high school. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and continued technical education, he’s grown into our Welding Lead today. Stories like Landon’s reinforce why investing in young talent matters, not just for individual career growth, but for the future of our industry as a whole. By working closely with local schools and technical colleges, we’re helping build clear pathways from the classroom to meaningful, long-term careers in manufacturing. We’re proud of our team, our partners, and the next generation shaping the future of manufacturing. #manufacturing

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There’s a part of HR you’re never trained on…: The hallway confession. The bathroom breakdown. The “do you have a minute?” that turns into a 45-minute unraveling of someone’s personal life. And…. you’re supposed to: - Keep it confidential - Stay regulated - Know what to do next All while your own pulse is spiking. Because behind the policy, behind the systems, behind the “HR shouldn’t get emotional” advice… …is a person sitting across from you who is clearly breaking. And sometimes? They picked you because no one else would listen. Not their manager. Not their spouse. Not even themselves. Just HR. The department everyone jokes about until they desperately need it to feel human. I’ve had people disclose abuse, panic attacks, and losses…before they told their own families. There’s no form for that. There’s no template for that. Just judgment. Compassion. And a decision you make in the moment: Be the landing pad. Not the eject button. I’m Pam, and I’ve learned that being “professional” doesn’t mean being detached. It means knowing when someone needs a human, not a policy. ❤️

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Employee engagement isn’t about events or gifts — it’s about creating connection. A culture where people feel seen, valued, and appreciated for who they are. True engagement begins with genuine care and consistent actions, not a calendar invite. 💡 #EmployeeEngagement #CultureBuilding #PeopleFirst

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Great news for Wisconsin manufacturers: The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is investing in advanced manufacturing and AI workforce training, backed by the U.S. Department of Labor. For manufacturers, this is a real opportunity to accelerate automation initiatives by upskilling internal teams. At Wisconsin Automation, our Robot Operator Essentials training is designed to equip operators with practical, hands-on robotics knowledge that directly supports production environments. Programs like this make it easier for companies to invest in their people while staying competitive.

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PCS stays one step ahead in anticipating new product needs in the plastics industry. Their data-driven culture is powered by business intelligence from Wipfli’s proprietary manufacturing tools and team. https://lnkd.in/gmPgUNbY

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**Are tariffs helping or hurting Midwest manufacturing?** Recent headlines have highlighted how new steel tariffs (up to 50%) are reshaping the manufacturing landscape here in Ohio and across the Midwest. >Cleveland-Cliffs just invested $150 million into a stainless steel processing line in Coshocton, Ohio, to replace imports from Finland. >Jergens Inc., a Cleveland-based manufacturer, has already brought production back from California and is seeing 10–15% higher demand because of reshoring efforts. Clearly, tariffs are forcing some companies to rethink supply chains—and in some cases, it’s creating jobs and opportunities right here at home. But here’s the question: Does it make sense long-term to build more here in the U.S., even at higher costs, or is outsourcing still the smarter move for competitiveness? I’d love to hear from my network.

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What happens when your most experienced machinist retires—and takes 30 years of tribal knowledge with them? In manufacturing, we’re not just facing a labor shortage—we’re facing a knowledge crisis. Over the next 5–10 years, many manufacturers will experience a retirement bubble. What’s at risk isn’t just labor hours—it’s deep subject matter expertise that powers quality, safety, and uptime. Here’s how leading manufacturers are tackling it: ✅ Mapping critical roles at risk of retirement ✅ Capturing tribal knowledge with video walkthroughs, SOP updates, and troubleshooting logs ✅ Embedding mentorship, cross-training, and job shadowing into everyday operations ✅ Creating knowledge transfer plans 12–24 months before someone exits ✅ Recognizing and rewarding experts who teach, not just do This isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a business continuity imperative. 💬 How is your organization preparing for generational knowledge transfer? #ManufacturingLeadership #FutureOfWork #KnowledgeTransfer #CHROToolkit #ContinuousImprovement #SuccessionPlanning #WorkforceStrategy #OperationalExcellence

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Leadership isn’t just about having the answers—it’s about creating space for others to share theirs. Some of the most valuable ideas come from unexpected places. When we foster environments where every voice is heard—regardless of title, function, or background—we unlock innovation, trust, and real momentum. Psychological safety isn’t a buzzword. It’s a business strategy. As leaders, let’s keep building cultures where curiosity is welcomed, and respect is non-negotiable.

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Each year, the Science Museum of Minnesota shines a spotlight on diversity in STEM and invites its audiences to celebrate the wide range of perspectives that make us better innovators and collaborators. The Donaldson Foundation has been a sponsor for well over a decade and is proud to present another series of Celebration Days this year. “At Donaldson, we believe that STEM education is essential to solving the challenges of tomorrow,” said Brian Burbach, key account manager and Donaldson Foundation member. “Our partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota allows us to support hands-on, inquiry-based learning that inspires curiosity and builds confidence in young learners.” Through the end of March, the community is invited to discover the possibilities of new careers from those who are making a living in STEM. Young people who are exposed to these concepts early and see themselves reflected as a learner and scholar in science are more likely to pursue STEM careers. Burbach added, “The Donaldson Foundation provides volunteers, as well as helps fund interactive exhibits, educational programming, and outreach initiatives that make science accessible, engaging, and inclusive. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to invest in the next generation of problem-solvers, engineers, and leaders.” The Donaldson Foundation’s mission is to support and invest in education in the communities where we live and work. Part of this mission is increasing opportunities for those who would otherwise lack access to these essential resources. With Celebration Days, we are combining art and science in a fun way that shows people from underrepresented communities that their cultural identity is valued and brings new perspectives to the work of scientific discovery. We invite you to join us for #CelebrationDays at the Science Museum of Minnesota 🤗 #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #InspiringInnovation #CommunityEngagement #FutureLeaders #OneDonaldson

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We’ve talked about silent terminations. Now let’s talk about what I actually do when I see one starting. A manager is frustrated… and instead of addressing performance directly, they pull back. Less communication. Less feedback. Less clarity. Here’s what I do. I stop it. Avoidance is not a leadership strategy. We define the exact expectation. We identify the measurable gap. We set a timeline. We document the business impact. And if improvement doesn’t happen? We make a clean decision. What we don’t do is slowly sideline someone and pretend that’s leadership. Clarity protects the employee. Clarity protects the company. Clarity protects the leader. What would you do?

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Last week, we finished up talking about crushing consumables as part of the consumables in mining interview series. This week we move onto a new topic - Filtration. I had the pleasure of speaking with Maureen Briceño Brown, Global Service Line Manager, Filtration Services at FLS. We had such a fun time going through the questions! The first question we targeted filter media selection - Given the variety of materials available, how do factors like particle size, flow rate, chemical composition and others influence the optimal selection of filter media? If you have any questions or additional comments you want to add, feel free to drop them on this post below or send a DM. 👇✉️ #mining #consumables #filtration #filtrationmedia

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High school vocational programs, especially those preparing students for fabrication careers, should treat partnerships with local fabrication businesses as true extensions of the classroom rather than as paid hourly employment. State taxes already fund students’ education during the school day, and when a program releases a student for industry-based training, the purpose should remain instructional—just as we do not pay students to attend a traditional classroom. This distinction is reinforced by federal OSHA and U.S. Department of Labor regulations, which strictly limit what 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds may legally do in a workplace. Minors under 18 are prohibited from performing hazardous tasks such as operating power‑driven hoisting equipment, power‑driven metal‑forming, punching, and shearing machines—common tools in fabrication environments—making their role inherently a supervised training experience rather than legitimate employment. At the same time, the United States faces a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, and this gap will only worsen unless we fundamentally change how students enter the workforce. By treating fabrication businesses as educational partners rather than employers, schools can ensure students receive safe, meaningful skill development that aligns with both industry standards and legal requirements. This model helps students build the competencies needed for modern fabrication careers, while businesses gain the opportunity to shape the next generation of skilled workers strengthening both workforce readiness and the long‑term health of the trades.

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Good business leaders know developing highly valued talent in people is a business differentiator - a game changer. When organizations prioritize the employee experience and strategically develop key talent areas in their people, it shifts the playing field and sets their business apart from the competition. If you are a leader in the space of talent development, an instructor, or corporate educator, this is for you: Teaching a class and checking the box is not enough if you are to support the development of highly valued talent in your organization. You must facilitate experiences that are memorable and actually increase competence and confidence. This applies to all training (safety, leadership, workforce, technical, etc.) Here are five tips I have worked to implement over the years of facilitating to ensure I am creating a memorable experience that moves the needle and helps the organization capture the ROI of investing in developing people: 1. Connection - creating real relationships with everyone you teach and ensuring those relationships extend beyond the classroom 2. Unique activities/exercises that help people actually apply what they are learning or to help them make introspective connections. 3. Storytelling and being an engaging facilitator - storytelling is one of the best ways to help people feel emotions and connect to what you are teaching. This is an art and skill every facilitator should master! 4. Relatable and customized content - your audience must feel this was created for them. Tailor the content, verbiage, branding, and methods to the culture and organization. Most of the time presenting someone else's plug & play material isn't going to change hearts and inspire people. 5. Empathy, care, and gratitude - help those trusting you to guide their development feel appreciated. Model empathy in how you teach and tailor the content and answers to their questions. Express gratitude for their trust and time and thank them for being there. What things have you done to facilitate memorable experiences and not just classes to help your organizations truly develop game changing talent and capture the ROI? Share your thoughts below in the comments! #facilitation #talentdevelopment #gamechanger #leadershipdevelopment #ROI #developpeople #corporateeducation #training #workforcedevelopment

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