German manufacturing vs. American manufacturing

[killersheep]

Killer I think its apples and oranges. There are too many factors when comparing the U.S. to just about any nation. Sure there are things we could emulate that might help but their system works for them b/c its THEIR system. The U.S. can't just co-opt another countries medical, education, manufacturing system and expect similar results.

Apples to Oranges? Truly in it's essence manufacturing is not that different so no comparison can be made to see the benefits and detriments of each system. Furthermore, something that isn't working can be analyzed vs. what is working to improve an existing system. There are costs of labor, equipment, taxes, employee benefits and logistics. There is money coming in from customers both public and private to pay for all these expenses. It's not a difficult fair comparison to make as both entities (American manufacturers and German manufacturers) are either privately owned or publicly traded. The logic here is not to point out legislative differences (tariffs, min wage etc.) rather cultural choice differences.

Where I'm coming from................................

I've been interviewing people for a few positions at my work and while Arizona used to be a hotbed for microelectronics manufacture I don't know where all the talent has gone. I can't believe the garbage people say in interviews, I really believe that most people think they are above doing work. I have interviewed people that have provided false EE degrees and can't do basic math, shipping people that aren't willing to work over time, floor workers that are unwilling to work before 10 o'clock. It blows my mind that in this time when unemployment is so high and an opportunity is presented noone is excited about it or willing to make the effort for a full time job with benefits, available overtime and profit sharing. We have hired people, that have never shown up a single day. I'm starting to understand why corporations outsource more, it's not just that American labor is expensive, it's that it sucks.