In addition to facilities services, the roundtable discusses and shares best practices in the following:

• Energy management,
• Future workforce planning
• Maintenance inventory and procurement
• Vendor and contractor management
• Technical training
• Safety practices
• Management development and succession 

Future workforce planning was the topic discussed during the February kick-off meeting, and the area manufacturing companies are concerned that a shortage of skilled industrial maintenance technicians will impede growth in the community. 

The MFC is leading a proactive strategy to develop future maintenance technicians with Wichita Area Technical College (WATC).  Local manufacturers such as Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Triumph Structures are focusing on three objectives- determine the future shortage in terms of open positions, develop an industrial maintenance curriculum, and market technical careers to the youth.  The team is 80% complete with the curriculum, and the first course should be available in 2008. 

For more information contact Craig Daharsh, Spirit AeroSystems at craig.l.daharsh@spiritaero.com or 316-209-9256.

Energy management is the second topic that the MFC is focusing on.  A follow-up session in May was hosted by David Walker with Spirit AeroSystems.  David presented retro-commissioning to a group of manufacturing FM Professionals, and all attendees thought the information was very useful.  Follow-on meetings will be held through out the summer to allow the group to meet and share energy management best practices. 

For more information contact David Walker, Spirit AeroSystems at david.l.walker@spiritaero.com or 316-208-4883.

For more information about the roundtable series contact Gary Rudkin at gary.rudkin@spiritaero.com or 316-208-3813.