Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1292269
StuffMadeinMA.com • 2 0 2 0 • S T U F F 7 decades, then came the railroads, and Worcester became a crossing hub for New England. Again, the manufacturing indus- try in the region kept growing. As technology has advanced and global- ized, the manufacturing economy now looks much different. Large brick mills or factories – an iconic staple of many small Massachusetts towns – were abandoned as jobs were shipped offshore, but the indus- try has diversified and advanced, bringing new jobs and new exports to the region. The idea of manufacturing as a dirty, blue-collar, low-wage job is a thing of the past, said Murray, citing the rising preva- lence of biomanufacturing, plastic manufac- turing and medical device manufacturing. "These kinds of advanced manufactur- ing have replaced and become a higher percentage of traditional manufacturing," Murray said. Although the products have largely changed, the core elements of manufactur- ing have stayed the same. That knowledge of what it takes to mass produce a product has transcended generations, keeping the Central Massachusetts manufacturing industry alive. Now, it's not uncommon for entry-level factory workers to earn a living wage – and then some – of well over $50,000. "This is a good industry where you can make money and have other opportuni- ties," Murray said. John Killam, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), said the region is now known for making specialty items rather than the major hubs of auto manu- facturers in rust belt states Michigan and Indiana. Because of that, Central Massachusetts factories are evolving and shedding that image of a dirty, dangerous factory floor. "People who work in manufacturing are seeing the evolving landscape in terms of cleaner facilities, brighter facilities and a more collaborative manufacturing manage- ment group," Killam said. Now, manufacturers prioritize careers, growth, safety, equality and technology. That includes a step toward industry 4.0 and the digital world, said Killam. Factories are becoming more digital with autonomous equipment and machines measuring performance, and those jobs 6% Rise in manufacturing employment in Worcester County since 2012 Continued on page 8 Small dessert: The Table Talk Pies four-inch apple snack pie Company that makes it: Table Talk Pies, in Worcester How long does it take to make it? 2 hours, from basic ingredients, to packing Retail price: $1 Pies Table Talk Pies produces 240 million four-inch snack pies per year. P H O T O | M AT T H E W W R I G H T