In a recent blog post titled “Only 9% of You Are Ready for the Silver Tsunami,” Ben Brugler, president and CEO of Akhia, issued a call to action for manufacturing leaders. Brugler noted that with more than 11,000 baby boomers retiring every day, only about 9% of manufacturers are equipped to bring in and keep the next generation of talent. He urged manufacturers to focus on people over products, share authentic workforce stories, open doors to new talent and position manufacturing as a problem-solving profession rather than just a job.

His message echoes the goals of the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint, which emphasizes industry-led collaboration to grow and sustain the state’s manufacturing talent pool.

Click here to read the full open letter and Connections Partner Akhia’s call to action. 11/3/2025