Today’s Manufacturing: Not Your Grandfather’s Widget Factory

Back in the day, manufacturing had the reputation of being a “dirty” industry known for poor working conditions, low pay, lack of opportunity, and overall, low prestige. In short, unless you were the owner, nobody aspired to it as a career choice. It was simply a means to an end—a job that put food on the table and paid the rent. The very face of manufacturing changed dramatically during the 20th century, and in the 21st century the industry morphed into an entirely different category of business.

So, what changed?