This is the second in a two-part interview with Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation director George Robertson. Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation director George Robertson said places like India and China have emerging middle classes. Robertson said that nearly 200 million Indians and Chinese have moved into the middle class. What does the United States need to do to grow its middle class? According to Robertson, companies like Winona PVD provide the answer. “It’s almost a text book story,” said Robertson. “Every job they create, China loses two jobs.” The company specializes in chrome-plated wheels and used previous knowledge of working with powdercoating to create a solid niche market. The company is now drawing interest from the Big 3 automobile makers. “That’s how jobs will come back,” said Robertson. “By using technology and innovation. Manufacturing is going the way of the farmer.” By that Robertson means while the economy has become less agrarian, productivity by farms has gone up. In the first part of his interview, Robertson said that only 10 percent of jobs lost in the U.S. go overseas. That can be met with a jaundiced eye by people working at large companies that see plants being built in China and Europe. “Global companies sometimes don’t have a choice,” said Robertson. “If you sell a product in China. You better make it over there.” But while so many companies have places in Mexico, Asia or Europe, fuel prices may dictate whether they stay or go. “One of the things that will be a game-changer is if we hit $4-, $5-a-gallon gas,” said Robertson. He said at that point, the cost of freight may become so expensive that it’s cheaper for companies to move back to the U.S. Despite that, Robertson said its important to chase after those stage-2 or gazelle companies that can really grow the economy. While not ready to predict the future of Warsaw or Kosciusko County, Robertson said he believed there would be a lot more industry like Winona PVD with lean manufacturing reaching a niche market. He also believes that this county will do a better job of retraining those who need it while also brining in young people who left for more metropolitan areas. Robertson said that bringing people into an area requires four things: - Safety - Quality schools – Jobs – Continuing education Robertson said that OrthoWorx will help develop and promote those traits that Kosciusko County has to both employers and employees. Robertson has worked in economic development in North Dakota, New York, Maryland and Louisiana.
