Manufacturing Production Technicians

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, all work was done by hand. People grew their own food, wove their own cloth, and bought or traded very little. The economic landscape changed when machinery was invented that could mass produce products and goods, reducing the number of workers needed. Among the first machines was the spinning jenny, a multiple-spindle machine for spinning wool or cotton. Many inventions and developments soon followed, for example, the steam engine, power loom, cotton gin, steamboat, locomotive, telegraph, and Bessemer converter. With these machines came the need for people who could maintain and repair them.

All machines have levers, wheels and axles, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, and screws. These elements were combined in more complex ways so they could do more work in less time than what people or animals could accomplish. Machinery mechanics and production technicians became essential in keeping production lines running and businesses profitable.

Manufacturing industries continue to innovate their equipment and machinery, with automation, robotics, and computers. Today's manufacturing production technicians help ensure machinery is operating properly and in accordance with safety standards and regulations. They are knowledgeable not only about manufacturing equipment and processes but also well versed in various analytical and computer-aided design software programs.