To outsiders, the manufacturing sector conjures images of assembly lines and mass production. While that’s still valid to some extent, industry insiders know things are changing. Microfactories and on-demand production have taken their place alongside the traditional manufacturing model. It’s easy to see why, as the shift towards faster production in smaller areas has made manufacturing more flexible and, in many cases, more profitable.

As a staffing and recruiting partner with deep roots in the manufacturing sector, we at MRINetwork have witnessed the rise of on-demand production firsthand. We know these are not passing fads because they have changed manufacturing hiring trends. Everything has changed, including who companies need to hire and the in-demand skills. Here’s a look at these new trends in manufacturing, why they matter, and what it all means for hiring.

What Are Microfactories and On-Demand Manufacturing?

As the name suggests, microfactories are scaled-down versions of traditional sprawling manufacturing plants. They are often localized, situated closer to customers or design centers for improved efficiency. 

Thanks to the use of advanced robotics, AI, and integrated software, these small production plants are highly automated. More importantly, they are more flexible than their larger counterparts, as they can quickly switch between producing different goods. The emphasis is on speed and a quicker time-to-market cycle.

On-demand manufacturing trends are closely linked to the microfactory concept. You can think of it as the operational model that microfactories use. The primary goal of on-demand manufacturing is to produce goods only when needed, often in smaller batches and with a high degree of customization. This is in contrast to the “make-to-stock” philosophy of mass production.

What Industries Use Microfactories and On-Demand Manufacturing?

Industries leading the charge in adopting the on-demand model include:

• Automotive, for specialized parts or regional variations.
• Aerospace, for complex components.
• Consumer goods, for personalized products and faster production cycles.
• Healthcare, for customized implants and high-tech devices.

Why This Shift Matters for Hiring in Manufacturing

The shift toward on-demand manufacturing isn’t just an interesting development. A new class of manufacturing talent is suddenly in demand due to this trend. MRINetwork’s specialized recruiters have seen hiring needs completely change so that manufacturing organizations can embrace the new trends.

In particular, manufacturers need professionals proficient in automation and robotics. Programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting these complex systems are now important skills in the manufacturing sector. Additive manufacturing skills are also critical, as 3D printing is often the leading way manufacturers move designs from prototypes to production. 

Broad expertise in areas such as rapid prototyping, data analysis, and integrated software systems is valuable right now because multi-talented employees can manage multiple functions as needed. In general, we see a shift toward tech-savvy talent in the manufacturing sector rather than traditional production line workers.

The Hiring Challenge (and the Opportunity)

Even though on-demand manufacturing promises increased efficiency and flexibility, that doesn’t mean it will be easy for manufacturers. In fact, long-standing labor shortages in the sector have meant manufacturing organizations haven’t struggled to find the talent they need for years now. On-demand production doesn’t alleviate these challenges and may well amplify the inherent problems.

At MRINetwork, we see many companies want to adopt new models, but it’s an uphill battle to find, attract, and retain the specific blend of talent required. However, this challenge can become an opportunity. An experienced recruiting partner can help find the new class of tech-savvy manufacturing workers. If the recruiting partner understands hiring for advanced manufacturing trends and has experience recruiting in the sector, they can relieve companies of their recruiting burdens and attract the top talent they need.

In addition, MRINetwork can help shore up talent shortages beyond the recruitment process. Strategic workforce planning must evolve hand-in-hand with major operational shifts like on-demand manufacturing. By advising on planning, upskilling, and reskilling, we can guide manufacturing organizations through the skills gaps that hold them back from adopting new production methodologies.

Success Starts with the Right Talent

Agile, automated, and flexible facilities represent the future of manufacturing. For many manufacturers, that future is already here. The lesson they learned early on is that it’s people, not just machines, who drive success. They saw the future of manufacturing workforce planning and embraced it. 

Success in on-demand manufacturing starts with building the right team. To learn more about our manufacturing talent solutions, contact an MRINetwork office near you today.