The Rodon Group supports STEM education and STEM careers.

1. Careers in Manufacturing
The importance of STEM Skills

2. 41% grew in 2011
70% to grow in 2012
50% are hiring
83% plan to increase production
71% upgrading equipment
66% adding new products & services
57% finding jobs hard to fill
Source ThomasNet.com Industry Market Barometer, 2012
The future of
manufacturing
is bright

3. STEM workers make more $$$
•26% more than non-STEM
•Highest paid HS grad positions
•Lowest unemployment rates
•STEM jobs will grow by 17% (vs 9.8)
•80% of the jobs in the next decade with require technology skills
Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, Natl. Assoc of Manufacturers,
“Why the Focus on STEM?” the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council; 2011
The future of
manufacturing
is bright

4. Manufacturing companies
•Account for 72% of all private R & D
•Contribute the most in new patents
•Employ more scientists and engineers
Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, Natl. Assoc of Manufacturers
The future of
manufacturing
is bright

5. Manufacturing companies
•1 Manufacturing job = 2.9 jobs in other businesses
•$1 in goods sold = $1.43 in local economy
•Produce $1.7 trillion of value each year
Taken alone, U.S. Manufacturing would be the 9th largest
economy in the world.
Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, Natl. Assoc of Manufacturers
The future of
manufacturing
is bright

6. The future of
manufacturing
is bright and yet
there is a
shortage of
skilled workers
Source: MathMovesU Initiative from Raytheon Corp. Visit their website at http://www.mathmovesu.com/

7. K’NEX is America’s only building STEM solution.
•We design and provide over 25 K’NEX Education STEM sets for classroom use.
•Each set provides a complete STEM solution, focusing on STEM concepts taught in sequences
that build upon each other and have real-world applications.
•Teacher guides include lessons that challenge students as they build.
This hands-on, inter-disciplinary approach creates lifelong learners who can solve
problems, think critically, work collaboratively and adapt to change in today’s
technologically evolving world.

8. K’NEX Brands, LLC – Our Story
Since 1992, Rodon has manufactured over 31 billion parts for
the K'NEX building toy system
• K’NEX controls approximately 10% of the U.S. construction toy market
• K’NEX manufactures more than 90% of its core construction system in the U.S.
• The K’NEX family of brands includes K’NEX Building Sets, K’NEX Thrill Rides, K’NEX
Education, Lincoln Logs, TINKERTOY, NASCAR, Angry Birds, Mario Kart Wii,
Mario Kart 7, Super Mario and more.

9. Rodon’s turnkey operation designs, tools, and manufactures
your part, utilizing state of the art technology and automation
• Design - Uses cutting edge CAD/CAM and 3D modeling technology.
• Tooling - EDM/CNC machining centers and details performed by highly skilled
tool makers who fabricate molds to exact tolerances.
• Manufacture - 106 state of the art presses utilizing robotic functions produce
world class injection molded components at globally competitive prices.

10. Commitment to American Manufacturing
Over the last year alone, we have repatriated several hundred million parts
from China.
We are active members of the organization American Made Matters,
whose mission is to educate consumers about buying US-made products to help
strengthen the American Dream.

11. •97% percent of people think America-made products are better
•76% are more likely to purchase a “Made in the USA” product
If every American spent an extra $3.33 on U.S. made
goods, it would create almost 10,000 new jobs in the
country.
Sources: 2012 Perception Research Services International, Inc,
Alliance for American Manufacturers, ABC News

12. K’NEX Brands L.P. is proud to support STEM education.
“Through apprenticeships, we help young adults get the training and
experience they need to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing.”