Even though we live in a digital age, we still rely on skills and processes that have been used for years. From metal melting furnaces to refurbished equipment that is creating with the oldest of machining processes, it is important to realize that even with the latest technologies there are many older processes that remain important.

Induction melting and induction hardening processes are examples of processes that remain as valuable today as when they were first developed years ago. In fact, at a time when they are many who realize the importance of eliminating plastics from our lives, the use of metal products is increasing.

As communities ban plastic straws, for instance, there are many who are looking at reusable metal straws as a better option. From this very small example to larger parts that are created in steel melting machines, it is important to make sure that there is a steady supply of workers who know how to run these machines and compete these skills and tasks.

America Continues to Struggle to Find the Workers Who Are Essential in Certain Industries
Even when the economy in some industries continues to grow, there are many companies that find themselves struggling to find enough skilled workers. In fact, a recent report indicated that the electric care manufacturer Tesla is really stretched thin in its efforts to reach their latest production goals. One of the main reasons, in fact, is that there simply are not enough qualified workers to help create all of the cars that have been both promised and ordered.

An important skill that is needed in the automobile industry, of course, is working with steel. Even as the politicians continue to battle over the cost of imports and exports, in fact, the steel industry remains an important part of our economy. Consider these facts and figures about the steel industry and the impact that it has on the economy of the nation:

• In 2017, the country imported up to $27 billion worth of steel, making this country the world’s number one importer of steel.
• Import and export rates continue to play an important role in the world as 17% of imported steel into the U.S. comes from Canada.
• Viewing this statistic from the other side, a total 88% of Canada’s steel exports went to the U.S. in the year 2016, according to Oxford Economics.
• 50% of the world’s steel is used for infrastructure and buildings.
• Nearly 16% of the world’s steel is used for mechanical equipment like for manufacturing or robotics.
• A 3.9% increase from 2016, world crude steel production iincrease from 2016 reached a total of 1.69 billion tonnes.

Skills and knowledge of tasks like induction hardening remain important parts of the world we live in. Without workers who are familiar with the steel industry, in fact, the country would not have the resources it needs to construct its new buildings and repair its infrastructure. From the machining of replacement parts to the induction hardening of steel, there are many decades old tasks that are still necessary today.