Released: September 03, 2007

Companies try to retain older workers

Source: Jonathan Peterson, Los Angeles Times

Every time John Remore steps up to his workstation to form a piece of sheet metal, he brings an intangible asset to the job: 42 years of experience, dating to lessons from his father. Remore, 60, doesn’t brag, but that won’t stop his boss. “He’s invaluable. He is priceless,” said Kellie Johnson, president of Torrance-based Ace Clearwater Enterprises, which makes parts for big aerospace companies.

She worries that when Remore and others of his generation retire, she will find it almost impossible to replace their skills. The average age of her workforce is 48. “We’re in the fight of our lives for skilled talent,” said Johnson, whose grandfather launched the business in the 1940s welding bicycles, coffeepots and tools. “Looking forward, that will be the No. 1 issue that affects our ability to compete in the global marketplace, without a doubt.”

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