Wind power is coming out of hibernation.

Wind power supplies over 10% of our domestic electricity every year, currently our largest source of renewable energy. The domestic supply chain has been established over the past two decades, but dormant in recent years until recent policy changes. Production facilities and new projects are coming back online, so get ready for increased demand of motors, gearboxes, heavy duty bolts, and other machined components.

Full steam ahead on geothermal.

The earth’s heat is available 24/7, and geothermal is an always-on clean energy source for heating, cooling, and power. Emerging geothermal technologies are opening options in areas where traditional hydrothermal is not available, as well as creating new opportunities for in-ground energy storage. Best of all, this emerging field is advancing quickly thanks to the decades of experience and technology developed for oil and gas exploration and production.

More jobs than workers.

The clean manufacturing revolution is projected to create 900,000 new manufacturing jobs in the next decade. Despite recent educational and workforce training initiatives, there are already far more jobs than workers in manufacturing. So, smart shops will need to invest in technology that can dramatically increase output without increasing the demand for skilled labor.

How can you be prepared to take advantage of current opportunities and ready your business for the future? First, invest in the right machining technology. In the rapidly-expanding clean energy manufacturing industry, the right machine tools and processes supercharge machine shops. When you’re adding new equipment, make sure to not just look at increasing your capacity, but augmenting your shop floor with machines that can help you maintain flexibility and increase output while not dramatically increasing the need for new staff in this challenging hiring market.

Second, partner with companies that have charted this path before. This is our not-so-subtle plug for Ellison Technologies (you’re visiting our website; what were you expecting?). We’ve been in business since 1955 and have a long track record in helping clean energy manufacturers achieve their goals. We work with our carefully cultivated list of vendor partners to bring tailored automotive machining technology and turnkey solutions to your shop floor. Ellison Technologies has offices in 16 cities staffed with applications engineers that are ready to help you Make More.