Standard Industrial's impact will be felt for years to come, but the future for manufacturing in Clarksdale hinges on the availability of skilled employees, says Vance Hays.
"We will have an impact on Clarksdale for the next 10 years and beyond," Hays told members of the Clarksdale Noon Lions Club Friday.
In presenting an overview about Standard Industrial, Hays said the region has a critical skilled manpower shortage.
"There's not enough specialized training needed in Mississippi," Hays said.
Hays said his company pays above average wages with a janitor's scale at $10 an hour.
Hays said the shift to a college-trained workforce has adversely affected the pool of skilled workers.
"We have people coming here with a high school or two-year college degree who don't have critical skills," Hays said.
Lion Marvin Carraway, the retired general manager of Clarksdale Public Utilities, echoed Hays' sentiments.
"The young people can't read a blueprint or know how to use basic tools," Carraway said. He said cutting out the vo-tech classes at Clarksdale High School years ago hurt the market.
Dr. Robert Ellard, the former Clarksdale superintendent, said local school districts recognized "the state made mistakes when it got away from hands on" curriculum.