Turning US Manufacturing investment into talent
As US manufacturers invest billions in expansion and automation, the real challenge isn’t just building facilities, it’s finding the skilled talent to run them.
The US manufacturing sector is entering a period of strong growth, driven by significant investment across packaging, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies. The US manufacturing jobs market alone is projected to expand rapidly, with major players like Pratt Industries committing billions and creating thousands of new positions across multiple states.
At the same time, the Industry 4.0 talent pool is under increasing demand as companies adopt robotics, AI, IoT, and digital twin technologies to modernise their operations.
Industry 4.0 talent: US packaging
The US packaging market is set to hit $224 billion by 2026. It’s a huge number, but the real story is what’s driving it. Automation is accelerating fast. With the automated packaging market on track to grow from $23.4 billion in 2025 to nearly $40 billion by 2030, powered by robotics and digitalization.
Meanwhile, North America is leading the world in Industry 4.0 adoption, commanding about 32% of the global market in 2025 and expected to reach $173 billion by 2030. So what does this translate to?
“Manufacturers aren’t just building bigger factories. They need smarter systems and, crucially, the skilled people to run them.”
US manufacturers need people as much as plants
From packaging to Industry 4.0 technologies, the demand for expertise is growing faster than ever. Here’s why securing the right workforce is critical to turning investment into results. These investments are creating unprecedented demand for skilled talent. The US manufacturing workforce currently stands at roughly 13 million, yet hiring pressures remain high, with vacancies above historic norms.
Deloitte estimates the industry could need 4 million new workers by 2033, with potentially 2 million roles unfilled if talent acquisition, retention, and upskilling don’t keep pace.
Roles in demand:
- Operations Leaders: Scaling facilities requires more than infrastructure. It demands leaders who can optimize processes and guide skilled teams.
- Engineering & Automation Specialists: Technology adoption drives demand for Industry 4.0 talent, including experts in robotics, IoT, digital twins, and smart factory systems.
- Field Service Engineering, Quality Control, Project Management, Pre/Post Sales, and Leadership roles are seeing strong growth, reflecting the broad scope of talent needed to match industry expansion.
What’s next for US Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 talent
“Investment alone doesn’t deliver results. People do. Manufacturers that align their workforce strategy with technology and process innovation will be the ones who truly capture growth.”
As AI, automation, and smart factories reshape operations, the need for highly skilled, adaptable US manufacturing jobs and Industry 4.0 talent will only accelerate.
The skills gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Salt US is uniquely positioned to help businesses bridge it, combining deep market insight with tools like Salt: X to secure premium talent across manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Aligning workforce strategy with investment is key to turning growth into tangible results.
Businesses planning growth in US manufacturing need the right talent in place to maximize their investments. Partnering with Salt ensures access to the expertise needed to drive digital transformation and operational excellence.
