New automotive industry jobs to become available in the United States

Western Kentucky is one of several areas that could see its workforce grow over the next few months. According to WPSD-TV, Kemmerich USA, a company that creates welded components that are used by several automotive manufacturers, is establishing a new facility in Calloway County, Kentucky. Kemmerich USA officials noted that they plan to invest $12.2 million in the new plant.

“The good news keeps coming here in [Kentucky], with yet another new company choosing to locate in this community,” Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear told the news outlet.

Additionally, Kemmerich USA administrators stated that they will increase their hiring for the Kentucky facility. The plant will bring many new full-time jobs to the area, and Kemmerich USA’s investment could help spark the local economy.

Meanwhile, the Battle Creek Enquirer reports that auto-parts supplier Denso will expand its North American operations as it looks to boost its profits and keep up with increased demands from customers. The company is investing $750 million in its North American projects and will create thousands of new positions at its Michigan facility. In fact, Denso’s recent investment may lead the business to provide quality supplies for drivers worldwide, which could allow the company to further increase its workforce.

 

U.S. engineering firms look for expansion opportunities in 2013

Parametric Solutions, a Florida engineering firm that specializes in gas and underwater turbines, is ready to add staff members in 2013. According to the South Florida Business Journal, the company intends to increase its workforce as part of its two-year expansion plan. Additionally, Parametric Solutions officials announced that they purchased a 40,000-square-foot facility in Palm Beach County, Florida.

“The business decision to expand confirms that Palm Beach County and the state of Florida offer an attractive environment for aviation, aerospace and engineering companies,” Kelly Smallridge, CEO of the Palm Beach County Business Development Board, told the news source.

Engineering positions are quickly becoming available across the country, which is reflected in recent data. Architect Magazine reports that at least 3,800 engineering jobs were added to the U.S. economy in December 2012. The increase in hiring among engineering firms has helped the country lower its unemployment rate over the past year, and these companies could significantly influence the nation’s economy in 2013. If engineering businesses continue to grow, they could substantially boost their profits and hire more skilled professionals so they can successfully meet the needs of their clientele.

 

Krissy Whitaker & TRG Accounting and Finance Complete Successful Search

(Roanoke, VA), January 15 – Krissy Whitaker and the Accounting & Finance Search Division are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of our recent search for a Director of Fleet Operations. This search was conducted for our client, a Virginia based company in the electrical transmission and distribution (“T&D”) power services industry operating in union and non-union markets.
 
Our search was specific to the New Valley region of Virginia, where we worked to best identify a candidate with the technical experience to manage an extensive fleet of heavy equipment. The key component necessary for success in this role was a proven track record of maintaining an efficient and organized fleet of equipment.
 
The new Director of Fleet Operations is a revered equipment management professional who has recently implemented the most cost effective and highest impact approach systems. With a proven ability to make significant changes for process improvement, he will become an integral player in the growth and prosperity of the team and the overall future success of the organization. 
  
Should you desire additional information about this successful search or about our firm, please contact Krissy Whitaker, Director of the Accounting & Finance Division at 804-285-2071 or email Krissy at krissy@richgroupusa.com

U.S. rail transportation industry provides cost-effective alternative for businesses

The U.S. rail transportation industry saw its profits increase
over the past few years, thanks in part to company leaders’ focus
on energy efficiency and expense reduction. In January 2013,
IBISWorld researchers found that this industry has been revitalized in recent years because
it provides a reliable option for businesses of all sizes. In fact,
IBISWorld industry analyst Lauren Setar stated that despite a
profit decline in 2009, the industry rebounded – its revenue
increased 1.1 percent last year.

“Despite signs of a troubled economy, revenue rose in 2007 and
2008,” Setar said. “Rising fuel prices made rail transportation a
better alternative for shipping.”

Amtrak has been a primary contributor to the rail transportation
industry’s success, and the company accounted for 86.5 percent of
the sector’s revenue in 2012. Additionally, consumer goods and raw
materials could help the segment grow over the next few years.

Setar noted that the U.S. economy’s recovery from the recession
of the late 2000s is important for the country’s rail
transportation industry to expand. If the economy improves, more
manufacturers that require bulk freight could rely on rail
transportation, which could lead railroad companies to increase
their hiring.

 

Accounting Industry Continues to Rapidly Grow

So who is riding the pines and prepared to play, coach!?

We are entering a new era of hiring, where we will experience unprecedented numbers of retirements in the next few years.  The baby boomers are beginning to retire and the number of key executive roles open for their successors will soar. 

The time to plan, prepare and identify the top talent to keep the generation of leadership strong is now!  The caveat to this scenario is…the demand of such talent will far exceed the supply of quality candidates available.  With more retirements and with fewer employees available to take their reigns, there will be significant competition to attract, hire and retain the best employees for your organization.

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects accountant and auditor employment growth of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, adding 279,400 more positions to the 1.29 million already-existing jobs. The accounting profession is often tied to the growth of the economy. More business creation means more clients. Despite the recession, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of accountants to grow faster than the national average for job growth.”

1. Plan and act now!  Focus on attraction and retention and the leadership necessary to make these elements priorities.
2. Build your bench strength! Evaluate your current team and their strengths for long-term contributions.
3. Make a decision already!  Long, drawn out hiring processes will hinder a company’s ability to hire the right candidate.
4. Partner with a recruiting expert! Network and build relationships with us in order to develop the market base of passive talents. 

For assistance or additional information, please call The Richmond Group USA.

Krissy Colley Whitaker
Director of Accounting & Finance Division

Rubber manufacturers boost U.S. operations

The U.S. rubber industry appears to be moving in the right direction, as several companies are expanding their production facilities.

For example, R.T. Vanderbilt Company, a Connecticut firm that distributes chemicals and minerals used primarily in the rubber industry, is currently reorganizing its operations. Crain Communications reports that the company also anticipates it will finish a new $30 million production facility in the summer of 2013.

“These changes…will provide new opportunities for us to demonstrate our commitments to providing unequaled value in our products and services,” R.T. Vanderbilt COO Roger Price told the news source.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber is among the companies that could seek more rubber industry professionals to add to its workforce. The Times-Leader notes that Goodyear officials recruited veterans and military spouses during a job fair on January 9, 2013. The event allowed company administrators to evaluate qualified candidates and expand its team.

New hires can help rubber industry companies like Goodyear boost their profits. In fact, these qualified professionals could spark additional interest in the U.S. rubber sector, as more consumers could be attracted to firms that provide consistent, quality support.