With decades of experience leading companies and brands that rely on well-oiled machines and assembly lines, I’m proud to see the growing value given to the manufacturing sector in the United States, and, more specifically, in North Carolina.
In 2020, my company, Ontex, first invested in the Triad region (surrounded by the cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point) in North Carolina, and in 2022, officially opened a brand-new facility in Stokesdale, North Carolina, primarily producing baby diapers and pull-ups. Producing in North Carolina is logistically efficient since almost half of the U.S. population is within 650 miles. With the opening of the North Carolina facility, we anticipate the creation of 400 jobs in the area and are well on our way to meeting that number.
Ontex is not the only company to take up roots in North Carolina. In recent years, others have moved to the region as well, including Toyota, Purina and Syngenta. The success of manufacturing in the area can be attributed to a diverse talent pool, robust infrastructure and relationships with the state government, the state's commitment to innovation and technology, and diverse industries.
As North Carolina's manufacturing sector evolves, it faces ample challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing issues is the growing need for a skilled workforce. As more companies establish or expand their operations in the Triad, the demand for skilled workers will inevitably rise. As industry leaders, we must work to promote careers in manufacturing, showcasing the diverse and rewarding opportunities available within our industry.
Investing in Talent Development
Prioritizing talent acquisition and talent development is a key element to growth in the manufacturing industry. We can empower employees to grow and inspire them to succeed. Our Stokesdale, North Carolina, manufacturing facility thrives on P.R.I.D.E. in our people. This Ontex acronym stands for Passion, Reliability, Integrity, Drive and Everyone, and it is present in everything we do.
If there is one key takeaway from this article, I hope that it is recognizing the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace culture and building up employees. The manufacturing industry can only grow and thrive with essential workers.
We're proud to share that our Stokesdale facility manufacturing floor is home to over nine nationalities. Diverse teams drive innovation and creativity, which are crucial in today's competitive landscape. The value that has been found in having so many different cultures represented has been transformative. We are actively fostering a wealth of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and creativity within our teams.
Circling back to our acronym and core values, 'Everyone' means we all work together to achieve our shared goals; we empower and inspire each other to perform to the best of our ability. We have a passion for what we do, and it's felt in each and every employee.
By recruiting and developing talent and encouraging a culture where every employee feels valued and has P.R.I.D.E in themselves and their work, we are empowering the manufacturing industry to thrive not just in North Carolina but across all North America.
Embracing Advancement
The manufacturing industry is being transformed and evolved through technology at an unprecedented pace. The opportunity found in automation, data analytics, and smart manufacturing is reshaping what we know a manufacturing floor can be. Technological advancement in the industry is driving efficiency and allowing production to grow at staggering rates. To remain competitive, we must adopt these advancements and integrate them into our processes. At Ontex, we are always investing in state-of-the-art machinery and systems that enhance productivity while ensuring product quality and safety.
Not only is it vital we invest in technological advancement, but we are thinking about how to leverage it. Leaders must learn to make the most of advancement in our industry and equip teams with the skills necessary to harness these tools effectively. Continuous learning and adaptability will be key drivers of success in the future of manufacturing.
As we take a moment to celebrate the innovation achieved in this industry, let's renew our commitment to empowering manufacturing in and out of North Carolina. As industry leaders, we have the opportunity and responsibility to drive economic growth, create meaningful careers, and embrace innovation.
How do we do this? Invest in your local communities, nurture talent, and embrace technology and innovation. Let's look to the future and together, continue to cultivate a thriving manufacturing industry, benefiting our communities and economy for generations to come.
