Robots and happy workers: Productivity surge helps explain US economy's surprising resilience
Across the United States, chronic worker shortages have led many companies to invest in machines to do some of the work they can’t find people to do
By PAUL WISEMAN
Published - Feb 21, 2024, 06:06 AM ET
Last Updated - Feb 21, 2024, 06:06 AM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trying to keep up with customer demand, Batesville Tool & Die began seeking 70 people to hire last year. It wasn't easy. Attracting factory workers to a community of 7,300 in the Indiana countryside was a tough sell, especially having to compete with big-name manufacturers nearby like Honda and Cummins Engine.
Job seekers were scarce.
“You could count on one hand how many people in the town were unemployed," said Jody Fledderman, the CEO. “It was just crazy.’’
Batesville Tool & Die managed to fill just 40 of its vacancies.
