During the past 40 years the metal-forming and tool-and-die industries have undergone more changes than in any other corresponding period since the onset of the industrial revolution. The next decade will likely bring about transformations more radical than the previous 40 years combined. The question is; will you be ready? After World War II, many skilled tradesmen immigrated to 'the United States from the ravished landscapes of Europe. They brought with them diversity in culture, work ethic, technical training and experience. A global spectrum of technical training and experience was particularly important to the metal-stamping and tool-and-die trades. At the time, die design and die construction were exclusively experienced-based disciplines. Consequently, the more technically diverse and experienced a company's work force was, the better prepared it was to handle the challenges of designing and building a variety of stamping dies. The difference between employing a good die maker as opposed to an average die maker was what separated your company from your competitor's. As a result, experience became the most coveted attribute for a tool-and-die maker to acquire because it was synonymous with job security, high wages, advancement, prestige, respect and influence.
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