About Us

About the Voice of Oregon Manufacturing

The Voice of Oregon Manufacturing is your portal for news and information about manufacturing in Oregon. It's the place to go to find out what's happening in Oregon's dynamic manufacturing sector and to get connected with resources and people from across the state. Developed as part of the Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy, the site is intended to tell the story of manufacturing and the many partners working together to build this critical sector of the Oregon economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why a manufacturing workforce strategy?

Oregon manufacturers are a vital—and growing—part of the state's economy, providing good jobs and helping all Oregonians enjoy a high quality of life. Manufacturers also recognize they need an edge to compete with the world. In today's technology-driven, global economy, that means high-performance workplaces and ready access to workers with the knowledge and skills those workplaces require.

That's why Governor Ted Kulongoski and the Oregon Workforce Investment Board have launched a four-year plan to expand the reach of high-performance manufacturing practices, promote innovation, fill the skilled-worker shortage and provide high-wage jobs.

Developed by manufacturers, for manufacturers, the plan lays out a bold vision that builds a self-sustaining cycle of prosperity: productive people, innovative ideas and competitive companies!

  • Oregon workforce education and training systems produce workers with the skills manufacturers need.
  • Worker skills drive the innovation necessary to capture a competitive edge in the global market.
  • Success in the global market ensures prosperity for Oregon companies, their workers and the state's economy .
  • Prosperity allows continued reinvestment in building Oregon's private and public workforce systems.
  • Oregon workforce education and training systems produce workers with the skills manufacturers need.

2. What will the strategy accomplish?

The strategy has four goals:

  1. Systems Building: Linkages, Coordination, Brokering.
    Link industry-specific and regionally based “centers” of manufacturing activity across the state to share ideas and share best practices.
  2. Workplaces: High-Performance, Innovation, Competitiveness.
    Expand the reach of high-performance manufacturing practices and techniques to create more competitive companies.
  3. Workforce: Skills, Agility, Productivity. Fill the skilled worker shortage by investing in training of current workers and attracting new workers to high-demand occupations.
  4. Communications: Awareness, Information, Opportunity. Raise awareness about the value of Oregon's manufacturing industry and its high-wage career opportunities.

3. What are the intended outcomes?

The strategy has five intended outcomes:

  1. Workforce education and training systems produces more workers with the skills manufacturers need.
  2. Raising awareness of high-skill, high-wage career opportunities recruits more talent to fill manufacturing jobs.
  3. Skilled workers implement high-performance and lean manufacturing practices to give Oregon manufacturers a competitive edge.
  4. The success of Oregon manufacturers generates higher profits, worker incomes and state revenues.
  5. A strong manufacturing sector allows Oregon to continue investing in responsive workforce training and workplace performance programs, creating a self-sustaining cycle of prosperity.

4. Who is leading the strategy?

Implementation of the strategy is led by a statewide steering committee representing a cross-section of all major sectors of manufacturing, various regions of the state and key manufacturing organizations, including:

These industry leaders bring to the table first-hand knowledge of and experience with the needs of manufacturers, along with the systematic approach needed to connect the many initiatives and investments being made across Oregon to support a high-performance manufacturing economy.

5. How is the strategy funded?

The Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy is part of the Oregon Workforce Investment Board's strategic plan and its cluster approach to workforce and economic development. It is funded with resources from the Governor's Employer Workforce Training Fund.

6. How do I get more information?

For more information about the Oregon Manufacturing Workforce Strategy, contact:

Charlie Lake, steering committee chair: charlie@warnescopemounts.com, 503-657-5590

Audrey Theis, project manager, astheis@keylinksinc.com, 503-233-2645