FAYETTEVILLE IS LEADING MANUFACTURING INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAMBER PRESIDENT

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is happening ening now. It involves mega data, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, ntelligence, advanced robotics, and manufacturing. The consolidation of these specific technologies blurs the lines between the biological, the physical, and the digital realms. alms. A shorthand name that can be applied to this process is advanced manufacturing.

Fayetteville’s manufacturing base became significant in the 1950’s and 60’s continuing through the e end of this last century. Shakespeare Fishing and Tackle, , Mexican Original, Baldwin Piano, then Ayrshire Electric—now ric—now KeyTronicEMS, Delta Electronics, Campbell Soup—now Pinnacle Foods, Marshalltown Company, Hanna Candles, Walmart Optical Lab, Packaging Specialties, Superior Industries, National Cash Register, and American Air Filters are just some of the manufacturers that contributed to the economic pact of our ur growth of jobs, personal financial independence and community prosperity.

A new area of advanced manufacturing in Fayetteville includes Ourpharma, ma, LLC, manufacturing insulin in a new $31 million dollar facility.

Several of these organizations mentioned continue to contribute to Fayetteville tteville and the region’s employment and wealth growth with advanced manufacturing. However, they are also taking on the additional responsibilities of being responsible stewards tewards of our natural environment to include water, land, waste, and air and the well-being -being of their workforce associates. This is 21st century manufacturing at its best.

The two companies featured in this issue, Ecotech and Marshalltown Company ompany are excellent examples of how Fayetteville is leading advanced manufacturing into nto the 21st century tradition. Enjoy.

STEVE CLARK, IOM PRESIDENT & CEO