Navigating Labor Shortages and Innovation in Trades

This chapter explores the labor shortages in the trades industry, focusing on the over 600,000 vacancies in manufacturing and the decline of interest among younger generations. It highlights Simpson Manufacturing's initiatives to engage underserved youth in trade skills, their community rebuilding efforts after disasters, and the importance of innovation, including AI integration, in enhancing business efficiency. Additionally, the chapter discusses the strategic role of mergers and acquisitions in enhancing design capabilities and aligning with long-term business goals.