The New Skills Gap in Manufacturing: How SMB Plants in D.C. Can Compete for Talent Against Bigger Employers

Manufacturing in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding region is evolving faster than most small and midsize businesses (SMBs) can hire. Automation, new technologies, compliance demands, and shifting workforce expectations have created a new type of skills gap, one that isn’t just about technical ability. Today’s gap is about finding people who can grow, adapt, and […]
2026 Manufacturing Workforce Outlook: Why SMB Manufacturers Need an Adaptive Talent Strategy

As manufacturers enter 2026, uncertainty continues to define the industry, volatile demand, shifting tariffs, reshoring pressures, and rapid technology adoption are reshaping workforce requirements. Deloitte’s 2026 Manufacturing Industry Outlook highlights a reality every SMB manufacturer now feels: the competition for skilled labor has never been more intense. According to Deloitte, one-third of executives say their […]