Business leaders discuss future of manufacturing in Ohio

Roger Sustar, CEO of Fredon Corp., and Chuck Summerhill, vice president of operations from Roll-Kraft, both with companies in Mentor, Ohio, met to discuss the manufacturing future in the area. The main message presented was that northeastern Ohio manufacturers and American companies, in general, must continue to lower their operational and production costs in order to compete in the global marketplace. Since labor costs, in general, are substantially higher than in many other markets, manufacturers must rely on high-tech solutions and continued process improvements to lower their costs. A spirited question and answer session followed the presentations. Northeast Ohio has been struggling in recent years to maintain its manufacturing base and the needed qualified personnel. Some companies have developed educational programs and provided advice in designing curriculum to aid students in the skills needed by local businesses. This partnership has been a continuing benefit to the community. Both Roll-Kraft and Fredon will continue to research various methods to improve production and lower costs, in the on-going effort to be competitive with other companies around the world.