Monday, October 24, 2016

Why the Manufacturing Sector Needs More Than One Month of Recognition


This October brought the latest installment of Manufacturing Month, kicked off by a very successful Manufacturing Day  on October 7th. The aim of this month-long celebration is to drive awareness to the manufacturing sector by highlighting companies and jobs that many people might not even be aware of otherwise. It also initiates conversations about the challenges facing this sector, and what we can do to solve them.

As a manufacturer and global supplier of bearing products, we are very familiar with the challenges facing not only our own industry, but also those of our customers. The agricultural community in particular is facing an issue felt by manufacturers – an aging workforce and an uninterested generation of potential workers. Farming, like manufacturing, is seen as a dirty, dangerous job that’s reserved for people with little education or other options. What they don’t see, is how far both of these industries have come thanks to new technologies.

Newer, more adaptable robots are being introduced on the shop floor each day. But these robots need highly skilled programmers to guide them. With so many lower level jobs now being automated, the manufacturing sector needs skilled workers to keep the process moving, and to design the next generation of machinery. Similarly, agriculture is seeing a shift as more farms are taking advantage of technology to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. Drones can track livestock and keep an eye on crops, while mobile apps can analyze data and track trends that can influence production. And, of course, there’s the introduction of a self-driving tractor to take some of the burden off farmers.

But how can we get more people interested in these fields? Promoting new innovations and research during Manufacturing Month in October is one way to get the word out. Hosting student groups and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) initiatives is another great way to get kids excited about different career opportunities at a young age. Most importantly, we all need to make an effort to draw attention to our work all year round.

Monday, October 17, 2016

What to Expect at the GIE+EXPO 2016


On the heels of last year’s biggest show to date, GIE+EXPO 2016 is shaping up to be yet another major success. The latest installment of the Green Industry & Equipment Expo will feature a 19 acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, training sessions, informative speakers, and a New Products Showcase.

PEER Bearing Mower Deck Assembly
PEER Bearing will be exhibiting at the show in our usual spot, Booth #9006, where we’ll be launching a new product. Visitors will be among the first people in the world to get acquainted with our new Mower Deck Assembly that improves durability through advanced contamination exclusion technology. This technology allows for a longer bearing lifespan and minimal maintenance. Even in difficult, contaminated agricultural environments, the seal technology and progressive shaft and housing design provide an ideal barrier. The assembly features high-strength ductile iron, which is 60% stronger than aluminum, and increased bearing spread for better load distribution.

The GIE+EXPO will take place October 20-21st, 2016 at the Kentucky Expo Center, with Dealer Day taking place beforehand on October 19th. The event is co-located with Hardscape North America, allowing attendees to get an overall sense of the advancements and new ideas circulating the outdoor design world.

And if all of that wasn’t enough, guests will also be treated to 3 nights of free concerts to wind down after a long day of product demonstrations and educational sessions. And on the final day, “Fabulous Friday,” attendees can wrap up their activities and cross their fingers as the winner of a $10,000 giveaway is accepted – so don’t cut out early!
We look forward to seeing you at the show. If you have any questions about our exhibit or would like to reach out to us ahead of the show, feel free to reach out by calling 1-800-433-7337. You can also follow us on Twitter for updates from GIE+EXPO!