Industry Information Archives

Throughout history, the manufacturing landscape has been dramatically reshaped by groundbreaking designs, inventions and products. At the heart of these transformative contributions are the ingenious, hard-working creators and the visionary leaders propelling these innovations forward. As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s an honor to spotlight the remarkable black inventors and leaders whose ingenuity has left an indelible mark on manufacturing.

Charles Richard Patterson (1833 – 1910) was a trailblazer as the founder of C.R. Patterson & Sons, the first and only African American owned and operated automobile company, which began as a humble carriage-making enterprise.

Elijah J. McCoy (1844 – 1929) revolutionized railway maintenance with his invention of an automatic lubricator for oiling steam engine parts, giving birth to the expression “The Real McCoy” for his unmatched quality.

Lewis Howard Latimer (1848 – 1928) was instrumental in the development of electric light, inventing the carbon filament for incandescent bulbs in 1881 and playing a pivotal role in the urban installation of electric lighting. His contributions extended to assisting in the patenting of the telephone and inventing the first railroad car bathroom and an early version of air conditioning.

Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852 – 1889) significantly impacted the shoemaking industry with his shoe lasting machine, which dramatically increased production efficiency by automating the attachment of soles to uppers.

George Washington Carver (1864 – 1943) is renowned for his agricultural innovations, developing techniques to rejuvenate soils depleted by cotton and promoting crop rotation methods alongside pioneering industrial applications for alternative crops.

Madame C.J. Walker (1867 – 1919), after developing a unique line of African American hair products to address her own hair loss, established Madame C.J. Walker Laboratories, becoming one of the first self-made millionaire women in America.

Charles W. “C.W.” Chapelle (1872 – 1941), the first head electrician of US Steel and an aviation enthusiast, made history with his award-winning airplane design at the 1911 First Industrial Airplane Show and played a key role in founding the first African American airplane company.

Frederick McKinley Jones (1893 – 1961) is celebrated for inventing the first automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks and railroad cars, revolutionizing the transport of perishable goods and laying the foundation for Thermo-King Corp.

Otis Frank Boykin (1920 – 1982) made significant advancements in electrical resistor technology used in a myriad of electronic devices, alongside inventing a chemical air filter and a burglar-proof cash register.

Craig Arnold (1951 – ), as the CEO of Eaton Corporation, emphasizes diversity, equality, and innovation within the manufacturing sector and corporate leadership.

Marian Rogers Croak (1955 – ) has transformed communication with her development of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a pivotal technology that has reshaped global communication networks.

Mark E. Dean (1957 – ) has been a cornerstone in computer technology, contributing to the invention of the color PC monitor and the gigahertz chip, holding three of IBM’s original nine patents.

Alicia Boler Davis (1972 – ) broke new ground as the first black woman to serve as a Plant Manager at General Motors and continues to lead in senior executive roles, currently with Amazon.

Shaping the Future

These individuals are not just inventors and leaders; they are pioneers who have paved the way for future generations, demonstrating that innovation knows no bounds. Their legacies remind us of the power of creativity, perseverance and leadership in driving forward the manufacturing industry and beyond.

Check out the following link to learn more about Black History Month, written by Daryl Michael Scott, a Professor of History at Howard University and the Vice President of Program at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Want more history? Read our post on Women’s History Month!

In an era where corporate social responsibility is gaining prominence, US manufacturing companies are stepping up to the plate, actively engaging in various charitable events and initiatives. These endeavors not only contribute to the betterment of society but also showcase the compassionate side of the manufacturing industry. Let’s explore some examples of American manufacturers making a positive impact beyond their production lines.

STEM Education Initiatives

Most manufacturing companies understand the importance of investing in the future workforce. To support education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), these companies participate in charitable events such as sponsoring robotics competitions, offering scholarships, or hosting educational workshops. By doing so, they not only contribute to the development of skilled professionals but also promote innovation within their industry.

Boeing is actively involved in promoting STEM education and workforce development. The company supports initiatives such as the Boeing Learning Together program, which focuses on providing resources and opportunities for students and educators in STEM fields. In 2021, Boeing made a record gift of $50M to Virginia Tech Innovation Campus which included funding programs for underserved K-12 students seeking to pursue STEM degrees and technology-related careers.

Disaster Relief Efforts

Manufacturing companies play a crucial role in disaster relief efforts. Whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires or other natural disasters, these companies often contribute by providing essential supplies, financial aid, and even temporary employment opportunities for affected communities. This rapid response showcases the industry’s commitment to supporting those in need during challenging times.

Coca-Cola has a history of contributing to disaster relief efforts globally. The company often provides financial assistance, donates beverages and collaborates with relief organizations to address the immediate needs of affected communities. In the wake of devastating wildfires in Maui earlier this year, Coca-Cola provided bottled water and $500,000 to the relief efforts.

Environmental Conservation Projects

Recognizing their impact on the environment, many manufacturing companies participate in charitable events focused on environmental conservation. This may involve tree-planting initiatives, beach cleanups or partnerships with organizations dedicated to sustainable practices. By taking proactive steps to mitigate their ecological footprint, these companies demonstrate a commitment to corporate sustainability and responsibility.

Johnson & Johnson, is dedicated to environmental conservation through its Healthy Future 2030 goals. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve recycling efforts, and promote sustainable product design.

Employee-Driven Philanthropy

Many manufacturing companies encourage their employees to get involved in philanthropy. This can take the form of charity runs, fundraising events or volunteer opportunities organized by the company or initiated by passionate employees. By supporting and amplifying these efforts, manufacturing companies not only contribute to various causes but also foster a positive workplace culture centered around shared values and giving back.

At FlexTrades, one of our core values is to Give Back. Annual Polar Plunge events have been a FlexTrades employee mainstay for years, take a look at our recap of our 5^th plunge in 2022. This year, we formally rolled out our Give Back Committee to support and magnify charitable efforts that individual employees are passionate about.

Veteran Support Programs

Some US manufacturing companies are actively involved in supporting veterans through charitable initiatives. This may include hiring veterans, providing job training programs, or partnering with organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those who have served in the military. These initiatives highlight the industry’s commitment to honoring and supporting the men and women who have sacrificed for our country.

Raytheon Technologies is actively involved in supporting veterans through its partnership with veteran-focused organizations. They work hard to help veterans with food security, access to education, career opportunities and more.

Community Outreach Programs

Many US manufacturing companies organize community outreach programs aimed at supporting local residents. This may involve partnerships with local charities, food banks, or shelters. Companies often donate both funds and employee volunteer hours to help address community needs. These initiatives strengthen the bond between manufacturers and their local neighborhoods, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Earlier this year, Toyota North America was recognized in The Civic 50 as a top community-minded company in the US for its commitment to social responsibility. The company has community engagement programs that focus on education, environmental sustainability and supporting local communities where they operate.

Conclusion

US manufacturing companies are proving that success in business can go hand in hand with a commitment to social responsibility. Through their participation in charitable events, these companies are making a meaningful impact on their communities, contributing to education, disaster relief, environmental conservation and more. As consumers increasingly value socially responsible businesses, these charitable endeavors not only benefit the recipients but also enhance the reputation and influence of the manufacturing sector as a whole.

FlexTrades plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector by providing highly skilled tradespeople, thereby enhancing production efficiency, minimizing downtime, and reducing backlogs. In essence, we bridge the talent gaps commonly encountered by manufacturers throughout the United States. Many of our clients operate in similar sectors, including:

Primary Metal Manufacturing
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Machinery Manufacturing,
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

But did you know that our capabilities extend even further?

Our team of technicians boasts diverse skills and backgrounds, allowing us to address production challenges in numerous other industries. Whether you are a manufacturer with requirements in these sectors or a tradesperson with relevant skills and experience, FlexTrades welcomes you with open arms.

Beverage & Tobacco
Food Manufacturing
Nonmetallic Mineral Product Mfg.
Textile Mills
Textile Product Mills
Apparel Mfg.
Leather & Allied Product Mfg.
Wood Product Mfg.
Printing & Related Support Activities
Petroleum & Coal Products Mfg.
Furniture & Related Product Mfg.
Merchant Wholesaler – Durable & Non-Durable Goods

Need a real-life example?

We recently joined forces with a prominent rice manufacturing company. As the harvest season approached, they faced a substantial workload. However, their facility was situated in a rural area, making it impractical to significantly expand their internal workforce temporarily. Consequently, they turned to FlexTrades for support. Our skilled technicians were deployed to meet the demands of the harvest season and more. They assumed various roles such as Scale Attendants, Heavy Equipment Operators, Line/Machine Operators, Sanitation Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, Control Room Operators, Lab Technicians, Packaging Operators, and Material Handlers. Thanks to our skilled trades technicians, FlexTrades ensured that all rice processed at the facility adhered to high-quality standards before being packaged and shipped to grocery store shelves.

Manufacturers: Schedule a Call with FlexTrades Now!

Skilled Technicians: Browse Our Jobs and Apply Here!

In a world where heroes don capes and masks, there exists a different kind of hero, one who wears the uniform of courage, commitment, and selflessness. They are the valiant men and women who have served in the United States military. On Veterans Day 2023, we pause to express our deepest gratitude to these extraordinary individuals. They are our veterans, and their sacrifice and dedication have shaped the very essence of our nation.

A History of Service:

From the American Revolution to the present day, our veterans have stood at the front lines, defending our freedom and preserving our way of life. The legacy of their service is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the American people. The sacrifices they’ve made have allowed the rest of us to live our lives in relative peace and security.

Courage in the Face of Adversity:

The life of a military veteran is one marked by sacrifice, bravery, and the ability to remain resolute in the face of adversity. They have been deployed to foreign lands, separated from their families, and placed in situations where their lives are on the line daily. Through it all, they have upheld the values of duty, honor, and country.

Support at Home:

Supporting every courageous service member is a network of families, friends, and communities who play a pivotal role in the lives of our veterans. The sacrifices made by those on the home front are of immense significance. These unsung heroes bear the weight of concern, keep the home fires burning, and offer the steadfast support that veterans rely on, both during their service and in the years that follow.

The Gift of Freedom:

The price of freedom is steep, but veterans have paid it with courage and honor. Every time we enjoy the liberties and opportunities that our nation offers, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served. Their unwavering dedication ensures that the ideals of liberty and justice continue to shine brightly.

A Nation’s Debt:

Our nation’s debt to its veterans is one that can never be fully repaid. However, what we can do is express our heartfelt thanks. To every veteran, we salute your bravery, your service, and your sacrifice. You are the embodiment of valor, and our nation is forever in your debt.

Honoring Veterans:

As Veterans Day 2023 unfolds, let it serve as a reminder that the heroes among us are not confined to the pages of a comic book. They are the men and women who have answered the call of duty to protect our homeland. We honor their contributions, not only on this day but every day, by offering our heartfelt thanks and unwavering support.

A Shared Responsibility:

As we express our gratitude, let us also remember our shared responsibility to support and uplift our veterans. Through employment opportunities, healthcare access, and community engagement, we can honor our veterans by ensuring they are provided for as they have provided for us.

Our Heartfelt Thanks:

On Veterans Day 2023, let us come together as a nation to express our heartfelt thanks to the heroes who have sacrificed so much for our great nation. Our veterans represent the best of America, and their unwavering courage and commitment inspire us all.

As we reflect on their sacrifices, let us remember that the debt we owe them can never truly be repaid. Our gratitude is just the beginning of the recognition and appreciation they so richly deserve.

To all veterans and their families, thank you! We salute you and stand with you… today and always.

In recent years, the Clean Slate Initiative has emerged as a growing movement towards a policy shift in the United States. It aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records. This groundbreaking initiative offers both opportunities and challenges not only for those seeking a fresh start but also for employers. Let’s explore what the Clean Slate Initiative entails, its implications for both employers and employees, and how it varies from state to state.

What is the Clean Slate Initiative?

The Clean Slate Initiative is a progressive legal movement that seeks to automate the process of expunging certain criminal records and convictions. Its primary goal is to help people with past convictions reenter society as productive, law-abiding citizens. While the specifics vary by state, the initiative typically involves the automatic sealing or expungement of arrest and conviction records for minor, non-violent offenses after a predetermined period of good behavior.

What Does the Clean Slate Initiative Mean for Employees?

This initiative creates both challenges and opportunities for workers.

Opportunities:

Increased Employment Prospects: The Clean Slate Initiative removes barriers to employment for individuals with past convictions, expanding their job opportunities.
Economic Benefits: Gainful employment not only reduces recidivism rates but also boosts the economy by increasing tax revenue and decreasing reliance on social welfare programs.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration: The initiative supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society, reducing the cycle of crime.

Challenges:

Stigma and Bias: Despite legal changes, societal stigma may still affect job prospects and opportunities for those with criminal records.
Variations in Implementation: The initiative’s effectiveness depends on state-specific laws and resources, leading to disparities in outcomes for individuals.

What Does the Clean Slate Initiative Mean for Employers?

Companies hiring individuals will have their own opportunities and challenges to address too.

Opportunities:

Diverse Talent Pool: Employers can tap into a previously underutilized talent pool, potentially finding skilled workers.
Legal Protections: In some states, employers who hire individuals with expunged records may receive legal protections against liability related to their employees’ past convictions.

Challenges:

Risk Assessment: Employers must navigate the complexity of assessing the potential risks associated with hiring individuals with criminal histories.
Legal Compliance: The initiative’s legal requirements and implications can vary significantly from state to state, posing compliance challenges for businesses.

How Does the Clean Slate Initiative Differ by State?

Legislation and Eligibility: The Clean Slate Initiative’s implementation differs from state to state regarding the types of offenses eligible for expungement and the waiting periods required. Currently, 12 states across America have passed Clean Slate legislation.
Resources and Support: Some states allocate more resources to support individuals seeking record expungement, making the process more accessible and efficient.

The Clean Slate Initiative represents a transformative approach to criminal justice and rehabilitation in the United States. While it offers numerous opportunities for both employees and employers, it also presents its fair share of challenges. These opportunities and challenges vary significantly depending on the state, highlighting the importance of staying informed about local legislation and resources. As the Clean Slate Initiative continues to evolve, its impact on the lives of millions of Americans and the workforce as a whole remains a subject of great interest and importance.

The days of manic rushing to Best Buy and Walmart before you’ve even had a chance to digest Thanksgiving dinner are over. In addition to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we now have Amazon Prime Day. Amazon Prime Day is a two-day event typically held in July where the masses are able to converge online to score obscenely amazing deals, with free shipping to boot, if you’re an Amazon Prime member.

Amazon first held Prime Day on July 15, 2015, as a celebration of their 20^th anniversary. But, due to the staggering success of the event, it turned into an annual affair. You’d think such an event would be the busiest time of year for the massive shopping site but it actually only ranks in fourth place, after Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the lead up to Christmas. Despite its ranking, 2022’s Prime day saw record sales of over $12 billion. Due to such a high demand, it only makes sense that behind the scenes things are being kicked into high gear.

The entire enterprise is a Swiss watch of moving parts. The scope of work doesn’t sound like much when you think about the fact that Amazon already does all this on a daily basis. However, when you factor in the massive uptick in quantity of items sold, therein lies the difficulty. On average, Amazon ships out roughly 1.6 million packages per day, a mere drop in the bucket compared to the more than 300 million items sold on Prime Day 2022. And the effects of this surge across their operations are a perfect case study to understand many of the factors impacting supply chain volatility across the larger economy. Doing so makes the risks and opportunities within this volatility much more obvious to other vendors of any kind.

Demand Fluctuations

Forecasting is key to any business. But the sales on Prime Day are unique and buying patterns are often spontaneous. This makes predictions precarious because both overestimations and underestimations can lead to dissatisfied customers and lost profits. Skillfully walking this tightrope is as much art as science and explains why experienced supply chain experts are so in demand.

Logistical Capabilities

Amazon typically averages a little over $1 billion in gross sales daily. This means that the numbers from 2022 were almost 10 times what happens during a “normal” day. Companies can’t increase their footprint by 10 times for just a day or two every year, so how do they handle surges like Prime Day or Black Friday? The answer is that sometimes they can’t. Websites crash, orders get backlogged, products sell out and that can’t be helped. Twitter revels in highlighting these struggles. But the goal is to avoid it at all costs and many companies do so with careful preparation and nimble planning. When facilities and workforces are well-prepared, and plans are closely monitored issues can be addressed appropriately in real time, consequences mitigated, and customers end up pleased.

Communication is Key

Whether you’re the scale of Amazon or just starting to scale up from a company of one, no business can handle a 10x increase in daily business alone. It takes great partners to do so successfully, and it takes great communication to get great partners. Amazon takes collaborative communication so seriously that it’s driven a lot of their other business research. Now every business doesn’t have to develop their own version of Amazon Web Services, but they should all invest in tools that make communicating with partners easier and more accurate.

There is much more that impacts the supply chain, for Amazon or any other business, than what has been covered in this article. But focusing on these three areas of emphasis has shed a little light on why some companies don’t survive supply chain disruptions while others, like Amazon, are able to thrive. If you’d like to learn more about supply chain resilience and how you can make it a reality at our company, you should read our recent blog about it too. Have other questions about supply chain? Send them to our Writing Team and keep your eyes out for future blogs.

It’s the heart of summer now and that means many things – shorts and t-shirts, barbecuing and grilling, backyard pools or trips to the beach and, in non-COVID-19 times, professional baseball games. It also means celebrating Independence Day by setting off large explosives in the sky (a.k.a. fireworks). That got us thinking – how are fireworks made? And that, of course, brought us to this month’s How It’s Made article.

Before we get to the specifics, I want to point out that fireworks can be placed in three general categories:

Sparklers
Fountains
Aerial Shells

About Fireworks

Sparklers are hand-held fireworks, fountains are ground-based fireworks, and aerial shells are the large ones that you see exploding in the sky. You can break these categories down even further but, for the sake of this article, we’ll leave it at these three types. Regardless of the type, each firework contains key elements in various levels or combinations.

Those key elements can be seen in the image below which can be found at Compoundchem.com. Key elements of fireworks include:

Metal Compound Pellets (or Stars) – These produce the colors you see when fireworks are lit.
Fuel/Bursting Charge – This creates the burn/blast of the firework.
Oxidizers – In combination with the fuel, this produces the blast.
Binders – Required to hold the mix of elements within the firework.
Chlorine Donors – These are used to deepen the effects of certain colors.

As I mentioned, different combinations and different levels of these elements are used depending upon the type of firework and intended effect of the firework.

With all that said, let’s get to it.

Below are short summaries of the way in which each of the three types of fireworks are made. As we move through the categories, each type gets a little more complex in nature and the way in which they are built.

Sparklers

These slow burning wands of sparkles are made of a metal compound (depending upon color), black powder/gun powder (fuel/bursting charge), and a binder. When these elements are mixed with water, a slurry is created. Once the slurry has been concocted, the wand is dipped in the slurry then dried. This is the end of the wand that, when lit, emits the sparkles. When the fuse is lit, the powder ignites. This, in response, pushes the metal compounds out, creating the sparks.

Fun fact: The end of the wand can reach temperatures upwards of 2900° Fahrenheit!

Fountains

Fountain fireworks are a bit more exciting than sparklers and, as a result, have more elements as well. Fountains consist of the following parts:

Base
Tube (made of paper or plastic)
Clay Plug and Choke
Metal Compound and Fuel
Fuse & Protective Paper

For these, imagine a rocket. A mixture of the metal compounds and fuel are placed into a tube (the rocket), which sits on a base. The mixture is, of course, based upon the desired effect. Also, inside the tube is a clay plug at the bottom and a clay choke at the top. A fuse is placed through the clay choke at the top and then wrapped in protective paper. When lit, the flame travels down the fuse into the tube (the bottom of the rocket) to ignite the metal compounds and fuel which creates the display and sparks. Note: due to the nature of this setup, it does not “launch” the firework.

Aerial Shells

Bigger doesn’t always mean better but, in the case of fireworks, it usually does. Aerial shells are the largest in size when it comes to firework types. As a result, aerial shells are slightly more complex than the others in build.

It’s important to remember that, unlike other fireworks, there are two bursts that happen in aerial shells:

The lifting charge – to lift the shell into the air
The bursting charge – creating the burst of color and sound

To generalize the makeup of aerial shells, consider that of the fountain firework as aerial shells are similar. Where the differences lie is in the number of fuses, the purpose of the fuses, the number of chambers, and the design patterns.

Aerial shells have two fuses: the time-delay fuse and the fast fuse. It might not sound like it but each fuse takes the same amount of time to ignite. The difference between the two is that the timed fuse ignites the charge/cache of powder that launches the shell. After launch, this fuse continues to burn until it reaches the fast fuse. The length and burn time of the time-delay fuse is calculated very carefully to ensure that the shell is at the appropriate altitude for full ignition. When the fast fuse is lit, it ignites the metal compounds and sets the burst into the sky.

It might seem simple enough but, to add to the effects and complexity, multiple chambers of gun/black powder will be built into the shell. These chambers go off at different times creating the many effects of light, color, or sound. Additionally, the explosive shells/stars can be strategically placed inside the tube in a desired shape (say a flower) to then explode in the sky in that same shape (a flower).

Extra Information

Now, if all that sparked (see what I did there?) more curiosity in you, I’ve linked some great articles below for you to check out:

Keep in mind on this last one: your typical 20-minute show, set to music, can cost upwards of $40,000. Also, they’ll often put this show on twice in one day!

Must Watch Before You Go

It is April, 1949, in West Berlin. Western Allied soldiers walk the streets, there are military checkpoints to get in or out of the city, and the Berlin Airlift is at its peak. Every 45 seconds, the roar of a U.S. Air Force Douglas C-54 Skymaster is heard flying over apartments. Food, coal, diesel, and petrol is being delivered to the city by U.S. and U.K. pilots. The 2.5 million residents of West Berlin will survive another day.

The Blockade Begins

Following World War II, Germany was split between the Allied powers. Berlin was in the Soviet occupation zone, but the city itself was split into Soviet controlled East Berlin and Western Allied controlled West Berlin. On June 24, 1948, Soviet forces blockaded rail, road, and water access to Allied-controlled areas of Berlin. The supply chain for food and coal for electricity was cut off. It was estimated that West Berlin had food to last 36 days and only 45 days worth of coal. Something had to be done fast if the Allies wanted to sustain the population.

The Berlin Airlift

U.S. General Lucius D. Clay suggested an Allied airlift operation to supply West Berliners. And just two days later, on June 26, 1948, the United States launched “Operation Vittles.” The United Kingdom joined the effort with “Operation Plainfare” on June 28^th. This was the beginning of The Berlin Airlift.

Incredible Facts About The Berlin Airlift:

In the beginning, the goal was to bring in 3,475 tons of supplies every day. However, it took time to ramp up to that goal. In the first week of the airlift, 90 tons of supplies were delivered every day. By the second week, 1,000 tons were delivered daily. By the spring of 1949, that original goal was smashed because 12,941 tons of supplies were being delivered daily.
To save time, many flights didn’t even land. They would air drop supplies into the airfields using parachutes.
The flights that landed flew out of West Berlin with manufactured goods.
American C-47 and C-54 aircraft flew over 92,000,000 miles. That’s only a million miles short of the average distance to the sun!
Operation Little Vittles: On July 17, 1948, U.S. pilot Lieutenant Gail “The Candy Bomber” Halvorsen flew to Tempelhof Airport on his day off. He offered his only two sticks of Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum to a crowd of children at the end of the runway. He promised that when he returned, he would bring more. When asked how the children would know it was him, he replied, “I’ll wiggle my wings.” The next day when flying into Tempelhof, he rocked his wings and dropped chocolate bars attached to handkerchief parachutes to the children waiting below. Soon after, mail arrived at the base addressed to “Uncle Wiggly Wings,” “The Chocolate Uncle,” and “The Chocolate Flier.” Maj. Gen. William H Tunner, who was in command of the airlift, expanded the effort into “Operation Little Vittles.” Other pilots started dropping candy, children in the U.S. sent candy to help, and major candy manufacturers joined in, too. German children called the aircraft “raisin bombers” or “candy bombers.” Over 23 tons of candy were dropped using more than 250,000 parachutes.
Throughout the operation, a total of 2,334,374 tons of supplies were delivered to West Berlin. The U.S. Air Force delivered 1,783,573 tons and the RAF delivered 541,937 tons.

On May 12, 1949, the blockade was lifted. Supply convoys were allowed to resume on the ground through the Soviet controlled sector. The airlift continued until September 30, 1949, out of fear that the blockade could be reinstated. The Berlin Airlift successfully sustained West Berlin for 15 straight months.

The Cost

The operation was a success, but everything has a cost. Over the course of the operation, 17 American and 8 British aircraft crashed. Sadly, there were 101 fatalities associated with The Berlin Airlift, mostly due to non-flying accidents. That included 31 Americans and 40 Britons who lost their lives to help save West Berlin.

What Can We Learn?

Supply chains can be shaken by events out of our control. The Soviet blockade in 1948 stopped the supply chain of food and supplies into West Berlin. A global pandemic and some bad driving in the Suez Canal caused the global supply chain to faulter, and for a couple weeks we didn’t even have toilet paper on shelves at the store.

Fortunately, humans and industry take on challenges and find solutions. In the aftermath of COVID-19, companies around the world are re-building their supply chains to be more resilient. Many U.S. companies are bringing their critical manufacturing infrastructure closer to home. There is a growing need for skilled trades people in all industries.

At FlexTrades, we do our best to live up to amazing examples of urgent problem solving, like the Western Allies throughout The Berlin Airlift. We work with companies across the country to solve their manufacturing headaches and employ hundreds of the most skilled and professional trades people in every discipline. Check out www.flextrades.com to learn more about what we can do for your company or for your career.

There were too many amazing stories, characters, and facts to include in one blog. Read more about the Berlin Airlift in these websites I used while researching this topic:

The year is almost halfway done, but there is still time to take advantage of the knowledge, technology, and value that manufacturing trade shows and expos bring to US manufacturing for both employers and employees.

The Shows You Missed:

The Shows You Can Still Attend:

Design-2-Part

Design-2-Part has many shows throughout the year (in spring and fall) and across the US, so find one near you! The greatest thing about Design-2-Part is the story behind Founder, Ben Edwards and how he began Design-2-Part shows.

Safety Conference & Expo

Start planning now because this one is happening in Denver, CO August 7-9^th in 2024. In fact, 2024 will be the 63^rd annual show! Put on by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the goal of this show is to bring together safety professionals for three days of educational sessions. There also are educational exhibits regarding the safety profession as well as safety innovation in the workplace. It’s called “the conference that’s by safety professionals, for safety professionals”.

Advanced Manufacturing Expo

Happening August 9 and 10, 2023, in Grand Rapids, MI, you could join 3000 manufacturers and manufacturing experts to explore all things automation, metalworking, or mechanical. If there is one to go to in 2023, this might be it!

PACK Expo

PACK Expo is a show with multiple events across the United States (as well as the world). At these shows, it’s all about packaging and processing solutions. Join Pack Expo Las Vegas from September 11^th through the 13^th this year!

FABTECH

This one is all about metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. It runs from September 11^th through the 14^th in Chicago, IL.

Injection Mold & Design Expo

During this two-day FREE expo, you’ll find a multitude of suppliers with expertise in molding machines and auxiliary equipment, equipment parts, molds and runners, design & molding software, and many other support services. Get to Novi, MI to experience this event on September 20 and 21 of 2023.

Industrial Transformation USA

Coming to Indianapolis during the fall of 2023 (October 10-12), are the big thinkers thinking about IIoT, 5G, cobots, and other Industry 4.0 technology as it relates to all types of manufacturing industries. You’ll find a little bit of everything related to automation, robotics, industrial data, AI, supply chain software, IIoT, as well as smart infrastructure.

NBAA – BACE (National Business Aviation Association)

From October 17-19, top manufacturers and businesses from the aviation industry will come together in Las Vegas to showcase the best of the best in aviation technology and aircraft.

Southtec / Westtec

Southtec is one of four Manufacturing Technology Series events and it’s happening in Greenville, SC from October 24-26^th. Westec is another one of the four series events only it’s happening in Long Beach, CA from November 7-9, 2023. Houstex and Eastec have already come and gone in 2023 but don’t worry, all four will be back in full for 2024 because this one is backed by some of the biggest industry advocates, The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and

Rockwell Automation Fair

In Boston MA this year, you’ll find the future of manufacturing technology with this automation fair happening November 6^th through the 9^th.

2024 Trade Shows and Expos:

Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS)

We just missed this one for 2023 (it was April 18-20^th) but they are already planning for 2025 (in Cleveland, OH) and so should you. This is the place to be when it comes to precision machining and precision machined components.

Skills USA National Leadership & Skills Conference

Skills USA is a great event with a different goal than most manufacturing expos. This one is about bringing together workers, leaders, students, and teachers to promote careers in trade and technical occupations. This one wrapped up June 23^rd of this year, but they’ll be back again next year!

NPE

With over 1 million square feet of exhibit space, this expo is the largest plastics tradeshow in America. Make it a point to register in 2023 for the five-day event happening in Orlando, FL from May 6-10, 2024.

Modex

The Modex Show is happening March 11-14 in Atlanta GA next year (2024). Promat is show similar to Modex that has come and gone for 2023. However, both are shows put on by MHI (The Material Handling Industry) with the goal of connecting professionals in the supply chain industry.

That’s a Wrap:

Find one you like and give it a whirl. You’ll likely meet great industry contacts, be able to talk about yourself and your products, as well as learn a little (or a lot) something new!

Shaping the Future

STEM Education Initiatives

Disaster Relief Efforts

Environmental Conservation Projects

Employee-Driven Philanthropy

Veteran Support Programs

Community Outreach Programs

Conclusion

A History of Service:

Courage in the Face of Adversity:

Support at Home:

The Gift of Freedom:

A Nation’s Debt:

Honoring Veterans:

A Shared Responsibility:

Our Heartfelt Thanks:

What is the Clean Slate Initiative?

What Does the Clean Slate Initiative Mean for Employees?

Opportunities:

Challenges:

What Does the Clean Slate Initiative Mean for Employers?

Opportunities:

Challenges:

How Does the Clean Slate Initiative Differ by State?

Demand Fluctuations

Logistical Capabilities

Communication is Key

About Fireworks

Sparklers

Fountains

Aerial Shells

Extra Information

Must Watch Before You Go

The Blockade Begins

The Berlin Airlift

Incredible Facts About The Berlin Airlift:

The Cost

What Can We Learn?

The Shows You Missed:

The Shows You Can Still Attend:

Southtec / Westtec

2024 Trade Shows and Expos:

Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS)

That’s a Wrap:

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