The Metal Treating Institute: Spearheading Solutions in Heat Treating
Within the complex landscape of the heat treating industry, companies face a multitude of challenges. These range from navigating an uncertain economy and the competition for skilled workers to the transfer of invaluable expertise from seasoned employees to the rising generation. Additionally, securing cost-effective business insurance and keeping pace with the ever-evolving landscape of audit compliance and technical specifications add to the industry’s hurdles.
Despite the breadth of these challenges, the Metal Treating Institute (MTI), as the preeminent network and trade association for heat treaters and suppliers, is not only confronting these issues but is also converting them into avenues for growth and added value for its global membership.
Throughout the past year, MTI has catalyzed critical discussions, leveraging both in-person and virtual platforms, along with weekly operational check-ins, to ensure members are well-equipped with cutting-edge solutions for pivotal operational areas.
Addressing the Uncertain Economy
MTI, in collaboration with ITR Economics, has developed robust economic insights, including a 12-month analysis of heat treat sales trends and quarterly forecasts spanning three years. These forecasts encompass eight key industries driving sales, and with ITR’s commendable 96% forecasting accuracy rate, MTI members are empowered to make more informed decisions for their future planning.
Recruiting and Retaining Qualified Workers
In 2023, MTI unveiled the Jobs of Tomorrow Workforce Development initiative. This forward-thinking project, produced with Workerbee TV, comprises a six-episode docuseries showcasing the heat treating industry's societal impact and the career opportunities it presents. This content is tailored for multiple platforms, from a 22-minute Amazon Prime feature to snackable 45-second social media clips. Moreover, a new cutting-edge job portal complements the docuseries, propelling job recruitment into the future and inviting the next generation into the fold.
Knowledge Transfer from Veterans to Newcomers
The exodus of skilled workers post-COVID left a knowledge gap that MTI addresses through the MTI Online Academy for Heat Treaters. The Academy offers seven certificate programs that cater to all technical and managerial training needs, adhering to standards such as ARP-1962 and Nadcap, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer at affordable rates.
Navigating Business Insurance
To combat the challenge of obtaining affordable, high-quality business insurance, MTI has partnered with Precision Manufacturing Insurance Services (PMIS), delivering members savings of up to 40% and effectively changing the game for many, who can now reinvest in their workforce and equipment.
Keeping Up with Audit Compliance and Technical Changes
Given the dynamic nature of audit compliance and technical specification changes, MTI’s Technical Standards Committee diligently updates members through quarterly webcasts on the latest developments. The Committee’s active presence in major industry groups ensures that heat treaters have a formidable voice in the rule-making process.
The Metal Treating Institute remains a dynamic entity, driven by its expansive network of over 350 member companies, more than 15,000 professionals, and over 100 dedicated volunteers, all unified by a singular objective: ensuring your success in the heat treating industry.
Join the Movement: For more information on how MTI can bolster your company's success, visit www.HeatTreat.net and schedule a virtual meeting. Ready to become MTI Strong? Join us now at www.MTIStrong.com.