Manufacturing Day is an annual event in the United States that is typically held on the first Friday in October. It is a celebration of modern manufacturing and an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of manufacturing in the economy. The primary goals of Manufacturing Day are to address common misconceptions about the manufacturing industry, showcase the diverse career opportunities it offers, and promote the idea that manufacturing can be an exciting and innovative field.
Manufacturing Day events are often organized by manufacturing companies, trade associations, educational institutions, and government agencies. These events may include factory tours, workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities to give people, especially students and job seekers, a behind-the-scenes look at modern manufacturing facilities and the technologies and processes involved.
Manufacturing Day aims to:
- Inspire the next generation of manufacturers: The manufacturing sector faces a skilled labor shortage, and Manufacturing Day plays a key role in inspiring students and job seekers to consider careers in manufacturing. By providing hands-on experiences, factory tours, and exposure to the diversity of job opportunities in the field, it encourages young people to pursue education and training in manufacturing-related fields.
- Promote the image of manufacturing: Manufacturing has evolved and become increasingly high-tech and innovative. Manufacturing Day helps change the perception of manufacturing as being old-fashioned or dirty work.
- Address the skills gap: Manufacturing has become increasingly advanced, requiring a workforce with specialized skills. Manufacturing Day helps highlight the need for skilled workers and encourages educational institutions and employers to collaborate in developing programs and curricula that address this skills gap.
- Strengthen Local Communities: Manufacturing companies are often significant employers in their communities. Manufacturing Day events help connect these companies with local schools, organizations, and residents, strengthening community ties and fostering a sense of local pride.
- Change Perceptions: Manufacturing Day helps change outdated perceptions of manufacturing. Many people still associate manufacturing with old, dirty, and labor-intensive work. By showcasing modern manufacturing processes, technology, and innovation, it helps shift public perception and make manufacturing more appealing to the next generation of workers.
- Promote Innovation: Manufacturing is a hub of innovation. By showcasing cutting-edge technologies and processes, Manufacturing Day fosters a culture of innovation and highlights the role of manufacturing in driving economic growth and technological advancement.
Manufacturing Day is not limited to a single type of manufacturing but encompasses a wide range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to food production and electronics. It has gained significant momentum since its inception, and thousands of events are held across the country each year. It serves as an important platform for promoting the vitality and importance of the manufacturing sector in the United States.
Each year, Manufacturing Day is held on the first Friday of October, and this year was no different. Recently, Mestek Machinery celebrated and hosted Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 6th at its plant in Cedar Rapids, IA. Local students from Solon High School’s industrial classes (9th-12th grade) and a few local area representatives from Vocational Rehab were invited to participate in Manufacturing Day at the plant. Students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the plant by Mestek Machinery employees Bill Dennis, Jacob, Hennager, and Joe Weldon. The employees provided the students with tours throughout the plant, describing the all the manufacturing processes that take place at the Cedar Rapids location.
As part of the tour, the students were shown example drawings of the popular Iowa Precision Pro-Fabriduct Duct Line, one of Mestek Machinery’s most popular products and the most advanced complete coil line for rectangular duct forming. The students and visitors later viewed the Pro-Fabriduct coil line that was being manufactured by Mestek Machinery’s machine builders. Students also viewed the older CD prints, programs, and concept panel layout drawings of other Mestek Machinery machines like the Iowa Precision Colatch and the Iowa Precision Collarmatic. Everyone involved in the Manufacturing Day event at the Mestek Machinery plant found the day to be exciting and worthwhile. We look forward to holding another Manufacturing Day event in 2024.
To learn more about Manufacturing Day, visit the official website.
