SCM, a world-leading producer of woodworking machinery with a double-digit annual growth in the U.S. market, welcomed Congressman Rob Woodall to in discussing public funding opportunities for Career Technical Education programs.
SCM, a world-leading producer of woodworking machinery, welcomed at its Duluth, GA branch Congressman Rob Woodall, the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s seventh congressional district.
The Republican congressman participated in SCM North America’s “Meet and Greet” event on June 1st, illustrating to local organizations and businesses in his district (companies, law firms and training institutions) the current manufacturing-related priorities on the political agenda. There to welcome Mr. Woodall were Mr. Andrea Aureli, SCM Group CEO, and Mr. Giuseppe Riva, SCM North America Country Manager. Among those present were representatives of the local administration and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as Mr. Ryan Kurtz, Honorary Consul for Italy in Atlanta.
The U.S. congressman’s visit was an opportunity to discuss the main concerns of companies operating in this area of the United States. In Georgia alone there are over 2,500 companies operating in the Woodworking industry, producing furniture, doors and window frames and woodworking machinery. SCM, with its record double-digit growth rate in the U.S. market, now speaks for the entire industry, which asks the Trump legislative to offer proper support again to the manufacturing sector and to allocate federal funds to boost technical and professional training.
“Our U.S. revenues have more than doubled over the last four years,” says Andrea Aureli, SCM Group CEO. “Today, the American market accounts for 20% of the Group’s exports, and the first half of this year shows a double-digit growth rate, higher than the average in the Woodworking District. Hirings are also on the rise. We are opening new offices with commercial personnel and technical assistants and are looking for enterprising and dynamic young people, because despite the numerous job applications we receive we always need more.”
“The scarcity of specialized technicians – to work on the production floor, provide maintenance service and develop software applications – who are familiar with the new Industry 4.0 digital developments, is a very serious problem, also in the United States, and especially in the woodworking industry. An industry which due to its economic and industrial importance, with 2,500 companies operating in Georgia alone, should be supported by the government, just as the automotive and aerospace industries are for example,” says Giuseppe Riva of SCM North America. “Woodall pushed for the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, which the United States Congress passed and which calls for allocating considerable federal funds for improving technical and professional education meant for the manufacturing sector. Now, American colleges should offer more courses focused on woodworking.”
Woodall, as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is also among the promoters of the Trump Administration’s 200 Billion Infrastructure Plan for repairing and improving the aging U.S. infrastructure. It would be a huge opportunity for the Italian giant and for the entire industry in North America – which has been growing with a fast pace recently.
Press Office SCM North America:
Rachel Joyce – rjoyce@scmgroup.com