The Southland Development Authority is reinvigorating manufacturing in Chicago’s suburbs through programs such as the Metals HUB.
Using robotics and intelligent systems, manufacturers can retrofit their operations to be more productive with fewer available workers.
Initiatives like the Metals HUB program, overseen by the Southland Development Authority (SDA), are examples of how local, community-driven policies can change the trajectory of American manufacturing.
The Metals HUB program does the job of helping local metals, machinery, and equipment companies by connecting them to new markets, providing technical assistance and encouraging modernization.
As per National Association of Manufacturers, there are currently over 500,000 open manufacturing jobs in the U.S., and the shortage is expected to rise to 2.1 million jobs by 2030.
The Southland Development Authority has prioritized initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional industry practices and the demands of a tech-enabled global market, resulting in a revitalized local economy and retaining skilled workers.
Programs like the Metals HUB are helping the industry adapt to new standards and respond to a severe labor shortage expected to worsen in the coming decade.
Through strategic investment in technology, workforce development, and community-centered support, the Metals HUB program ensures that manufacturing in America thrives.
The Southland Development Authority has shown that with intentional and targeted initiatives, American manufacturing can rise to meet global challenges, ensuring long-term economic resilience.
The Metals HUB program stands as a testament to the potential for regional initiatives to create meaningful change, offering a blueprint for economic revitalization that could strengthen manufacturing communities across the United States.