September 30, 2025 by Joe Kane, Chief Executive Officer, Rollomatic U.S. manufacturing is in the midst of a technological revolution, but the pace of innovation is threatening to outrun the very people meant to harness it. As factories rapidly invest in robotics, automation, and AI, a critical gap is emerging between cutting-edge machinery and the skilled workforce needed to program, operate, and maintain it. Recognizing this critical link, companies like Rollomatic, a private Swiss entity renowned for its high-precision CNC grinding and laser cutting machines, are actively investing in education and partnering with organizations like the SME Education Foundation to cultivate the next generation of manufacturing professionals. In an SME Insights interview within the Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 Experience at SME's recent Manufacturing Technology Series EAST event in Massachusetts, Christian Jensen, Director of Institutional Giving for the SME Education Foundation, talked about the importance of manufacturing education with Joe Kane, Chief Executive Officer of Rollomatic. Their discussion included the vital role of industry-education partnerships in nurturing the skilled workforce of tomorrow. Rollomatic has carved a niche for itself by specializing in the design and manufacturing of cutting-edge CNC machines used for production grinding of cutting tools, cylindrical grinding, and laser cutting of ultra-hard materials. Rooted in a deep understanding of precision and performance and a customer-centric culture, the company puts a premium on learning, as demonstrated through the development of its Rollomatic Learning Center. According to Rollomatic, the Learning Center is designed to empower customers to enhance their performance and productivity and achieve operational excellence by centralizing and delivering Rollomatic's extensive knowledge base. Through a blend of digital resources, in-person workshops, and customized training programs, the Learning Center equips individuals with the skills and understanding necessary to maximize the potential of Rollomatic's advanced machinery. This dedication to continuous learning underscores Rollomatic's belief that providing cutting-edge technology is only half the equation; ensuring customers can effectively utilize and optimize that technology is equally crucial. The Gift of Opportunity: The Rollomatic Scholarship Recognizing the broader need to support aspiring manufacturing professionals externally, Rollomatic, under Joe Kane's leadership, has significantly demonstrated its commitment to manufacturing training through its contribution to the SME Education Foundation's scholarship program. The Rollomatic Scholarship is a generous annual award bestowed upon two talented and deserving students pursuing degrees in manufacturing or engineering. Kane described the scholarship's origin, stating, "Our contribution through the scholarship with SME, is basically our Christmas gift to our customers.” Kane says the company had made various educational contributions in the past, but the Foundation scholarship allows the company to make a consistent and long-term commitment to manufacturing education. “Personally, I've got 30 more years of doing this. I'd like to ensure that there's customers in 30 years. And the investment in training is something that's universal." This perspective highlights Rollomatic's understanding that investing in the education of future generations is not just an act of corporate social responsibility, but a strategic imperative for the entire manufacturing ecosystem. By supporting students pursuing manufacturing and engineering careers, Rollomatic is directly contributing to the pipeline of skilled individuals who will eventually become their customers, suppliers, and partners. This long-term vision is further solidified by the recent transition of Rollomatic into a foundation, akin to a trust in the U.S. As Kane noted, this ensures the company's continuity in perpetuity, mirroring the long-term commitment embodied by the partnership with the SME Education Foundation. Kane noted that Michele Rollier, the founder of Rollomatic, holds a deep personal passion for training, serving as a driving force behind the establishment of the Rollomatic Learning Center. His belief in the importance of a strong manufacturing foundation resonates throughout the company's educational endeavors. The Rollomatic Scholarship is a vital component of the SME Education Foundation's comprehensive scholarship program, which has awarded millions of dollars to students at various stages of their academic journeys, from graduating high school seniors to graduate students. A single online application provides applicants with access to nearly 60 different scholarships, including the Rollomatic Scholarship and numerous others supported by like-minded manufacturers across the United States. In the coming year, the SME Education Foundation is expected to award nearly $850,000 in scholarships. Tangible Impact and Shared Vision The impact of the Rollomatic Scholarship is already being felt, not only by the student recipients but also within Rollomatic's broader network. Kane shared an anecdote illustrating this point: "We normally send out a letter at Christmas, and we explain, 'Hey, this year is our present. We've made this donation to ensure the Rollomatic Scholarship Fund through SME continues.' And I'm always pleasantly surprised, but surprised nonetheless, that we get letters back from a variety of customers thanking us for that. One that came in was from a new customer that year, and the engineer said, ‘I had the SME scholarship when I was going through college, and it's amazing.’” This feedback underscores the interconnectedness of the manufacturing community and the profound impact of investing in education. Even if a customer doesn't directly benefit from the Rollomatic Scholarship, they recognize that the recipients will become part of the future workforce, potentially as their own employees or customers. This forward-thinking investment in developing the next generation of talent strengthens the entire ecosystem and creates a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation and growth. Jensen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Foundation's role in connecting scholarship recipients with their benefactors, stating, "The manufacturing sector is such a small world, but they know that Rollomatic has helped enable their educational pursuits, which is really cool. And we're really excited to always celebrate our partners’ philanthropy and their generosity." Kane emphasized the importance of foundational skills within the broader manufacturing workforce. “That's how we look at that partnership with you guys,” he said. “We can provide the specific training eventually, but we need a really well-educated workforce." This statement underscores the symbiotic relationship between industry-specific training provided by companies like Rollomatic and broader fundamental education supported by organizations like the SME Education Foundation. Advice for the Next Generation: Embrace Every Opportunity Drawing upon his own non-traditional path to success in manufacturing, Kane offered valuable advice to young people considering entering the sector today. His primary recommendation is simple yet profound: "Volunteer for everything,” he said. “As soon as they say, ‘Hey, we need somebody to go take this course or we need somebody to go do this or that,’ put your hand in the air and go learn or go have that experience. You never ever know where it's going to lead.” "Great advice. Joe,” said Jensen. “Thank you for your partnership and your investment in the future of the skilled manufacturing workforce." The partnership between Rollomatic and the SME Education Foundation serves as a powerful example of how industry leaders can actively contribute to shaping the future of manufacturing. Through scholarships, training initiatives, and a shared commitment to fostering talent, they are working to ensure a robust and skilled workforce for years to come. To gain even deeper insights into this crucial topic and hear the full conversation between Christian Jensen and Joe Kane, watch the whole interview.
