10/02/2026
Manufacturing in our region reaches far beyond the factory floor. It supports local families, serves customers around the world, and creates opportunities to build meaningful careers.
Today’s Manufacturing Day discussion at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance brought those opportunities into focus. Representatives from BWXT, Aerofin, and T.R.U. Ball/AXCEL shared how they are adapting, developing employees, and preparing for the future, with GENEDGE helping guide the conversation.
A few takeaways stood out:
⚙️ Innovation starts with people. Employees working with a process every day often have the best ideas for making it safer, faster, and more effective. One manufacturer described reducing a 20-minute process to one minute after exploring an employee’s suggestion.
📈 An entry-level job can become a career pathway. Panelists shared examples of employees advancing from assembly into welding, machining, programming, and engineering through training and hands-on experience.
💻 Technology requires preparation. Digital twins, remote monitoring, automated ordering, and AI are changing how manufacturers operate. Investing in equipment also means investing in the people who use it—and ensuring they can evaluate what technology produces.
🤝 Workforce development is a community effort. Schools, colleges, employers, families, and organizations all have a role in helping people understand manufacturing careers and prepare for them.
🌱 Strong employees need support to become strong leaders. Technical expertise alone does not prepare someone to manage people. Training, mentorship, listening, and opportunities to practice matter.
For veterans, young adults, and people changing careers, manufacturing deserves a closer look. For employers, attracting talent is only the beginning. Interesting work, competitive pay, career development, and a supportive workplace give people reasons to stay.
Thank you to the Alliance, GENEDGE, and the panelists for a thoughtful conversation about the future of manufacturing in our region.
