The Chicago Tribune (3/13, Bergen) reported that “many employers, in Chicago and elsewhere, are hiring again, easing fears that the economic recovery will be jobless,” yet “wariness remains among observers who predict a long road back to fuller employment.” Moreover, employers report that they are “hiring in very specialized areas.” A Chicago-area construction firm, for example, is hiring “specifically in engineering and cold welding, but very slowly.” Another Chicago-area executive, Jim McShane of The McShane Cos. in Rosemont, said “he is blown away by the deluge of applicants. … ‘We advertised for a project engineer and had over 400 applicants … and many had five to 10 years of experience.” The Tribune added that Pimco strategist Tony Crescenzi predicted that “a ‘new normal’ will be felt in some key industries, notably housing and autos,” with employment levels below the highs of the pre-recession era.
US Auto Exports Increasing
USA Today (3/7, Woodyard) reports, “Whether it means hawking family-friendly Dodge Journeys in Europe or sporty Chevrolet Camaros in Asia, US auto exports from US- and foreign-owned plants are rising.” A “weaker dollar and the perception of higher quality in US-made vehicles are leading to hopes of more vehicle exports, although the figures pale compared with the number of vehicles imported into the US” More than “1.5 million new cars were exported last year, up 38% from 2009, Commerce Department data show. Last year’s automotive exports were valued at $36.7 billion.” After Canada and Mexico, “the next most popular export destinations in 2010 were Saudi Arabia, China and Germany.”
Learn Design Online!
The NADCA Education division has recently launched its new Online Education system. Online education and training offers students the convenience of taking courses anywhere and the ability to complete courses at their own pace.In addition, companies and individuals can save money on travel expenses and reduce time away from the office.
The following courses may be of particular interest to die casting designers:
Introduction to Die Casting – This course helps to familiarize students, designers, engineers and interested buyers with the die casting process. NADCA has prepared this course to review the basics of die casting. The course will provide specifications for various alloys, briefly explain the types of machines used to cast these alloys and information that compares the die casting process to other processes. $99.00
Product Design – This online course offers an understanding of what should be included in the die casting die design. The course begins with a tooling design philosophy and evolves into all the major systems that must be included in the die. This course is targeted to the die casting tool designer, engineer, toolmaker and others involved in the design, construction and use of die casting dies. $59.00
New courses are being added frequently. NADCA’s Online Education system allows students to leave the course and begin where they left off. Each full course concludes with an exam and can count towards certification.
For course descriptions or to register please visit: www.diecasting.org/education/online. For additional information on NADCA’s Education options please contact Melisa Twarog at 847-808-3161 or email: education@diecasting.org.