Chicago / Skills Gap will crimp their growth next year

Chicago-area manufacturers who participated in a panel discussion Thursday said the shortage of skilled workers will crimp their growth next year.

Tim Jahnke, president and chief executive of Elkay Cos., an Oak Brook-based maker of stainless steel sinks, faucets, water coolers and plumbing products, said the situation is so severe that his company may have to forgo about $10 million in sales — unless he’s able to ramp up production.

Elkay is operating only one shift, and to increase production Jahnke would need more midlevel skilled welders, which he says he can’t find.

Steven Kersten, owner and president of WaterSaver Faucet Co. and Guardian Equipment Inc., said the days when manufacturers could hang “help wanted signs” are over.

Companies need to get involved in worker training, and Kersten said his company is doing just that. In addition to in-house training, the company has hired an English instructor. The company also partners with Austin Polytechnical Academy, a West Side high school whose goal is to train the next generation of leaders in advanced manufacturing…

Choosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor from

via Chicago-area manufacturers: shortage of skilled workers will crimp next year’s growth – chicagotribune.com.