Interview with Justin Gutierrez

The goal of this position is to connect rising college talent with global, innovative and growing companies whose products make lives better. The nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry is a healthy and growing industry that is continually seeking new, bright talent as some of our 'baby boomers' approach retirement. In response to requests by member companies, the position of assistant director of career services was created to position the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry as an attractive career choice for soon-to-be college graduates. My role is to increase the awareness of the industry among college students with both technical and general backgrounds. This awareness, combined with member recruitment efforts, is intended to make it easier for members to attract top talent.

Previously I was in B2B sales at the Jacob Holm Group specialising in the Sontara line of industrial nonwoven boxed wipers used in the automotive and aerospace industry. Prior to that I was a lead account manager at Arvato Bertelsmann with a focus in the technology and games supply chain. I also have previous experience at the university level during my time as an assistant cross country and track and field coach. My professional career includes opportunities in customer service, new business development, market research, sales, and recruitment.

First and foremost, my responsibility is to supplement our membership's current recruiting efforts. I will promote, at large, the attractive benefits the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry has to offer while member companies promote specific positions. INDA's goal is to add value to member company recruitment efforts presenting the industry as an attractive career choice meeting the aspirations of rising young professionals.

The opportunities within the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry are limitless. The entire value chain is available for talented individuals. From chemistry and life science to finance, marketing, and graphic design to mechanical, chemical, and materials engineering to biomedical and computer sciences-our industry embraces talent and innovation. These careers offer opportunities for travel, relocation, innovation, upward mobility, and to be a part of an industry that makes products that make lives better.

Outreach and messaging will be important tools to promote careers in the industry. Recruitment offices, 'Career Day' events, university departments, clubs, and organisation 'touch points', and on campus events will be used to increase awareness and knowledge of our technically innovative industry.

INDA's focus is primarily on providing value for its membership's important geographies. We'll focus on the US and the schools where our members already recruit.

The Worldwide Outlook for the Nonwovens Industry report published by INDA and EDANA, states that the nonwovens production grew 7.1 per cent annually between 2004 through 2014. Industry production then expanded another 7.6 per cent in 2015 and 6.3 per cent last year to surpass 10 million tonnes of production. This growth has been led by absorbent hygiene in the developing markets and by growth in both the wipes and transportation markets in the developed markets.

According to the INDA and EDANA Worldwide Outlook for Nonwovens, production is forecast to increase 5.7 per cent annually through to 2020. Across the nonwoven technology processes-specifically, dry laid/carded hydro- entangled production will expand at the fastest rate, adding 7.6 per cent annually. The worldwide nonwovens industry's prospects are excellent, and it remains an exciting industry in which to be involved. The future of nonwovens/engineered materials for raw materials, manufacturing, converting, supply and brand owners has high opportunities for growth.