9/26/2014
Now in its third year, National Manufacturing Day continues to grow in awareness and involvement. This year, at the time of this writing, there are over 1300 different events planned for the week leading up and including Fridays Manufacturing Day extravaganza. These events are both physical plant tours at manufacturing facilities across North America, and virtual events for those that can’t get away from home, school or work. These scheduled events are a blend of open to the public drop-in open houses to private invitation only events. For a complete listing or to find an event near you, go to www.mfgday.com and filter for events by country, state, city or host name.
In Michigan, MMTC and MMTC clients, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Macomb County and the Macomb Intermediate School District and many other partners are coming together to host 58 events across the state. This is up from 12 last year. We’re so excited to see the growing interest in the great products and services being produced right here at home.
Of course, these great events wouldn’t be as successful without our great sponsors. The Manufacturing Day sponsors this year, by sponsorship are:
Bronze: The American Foundry Society (AFS), American Welding Society (AWS), CNA, Kelly Services, Manufacturing Talk Radio, Manufacturers’ News, Inc. (MNI), MSC Industrial Supply, Reliable Steel & Aluminum Co., SME’s Tooling U and Education Foundation, Vision Made Locally, and Women in Manufacturing
We are thankful to have the Science Channel back this year as our Media Partner. They will be kicking off a week-long celebration of manufacturing leading up to Friday’s main events with “How it’s Made” Week. Starting Monday, September 29th, Science Channel will air more than 200 favorite episodes of “How It’s Made” and “How It’s Made: Dream Cars,” culminating in new episodes of the series at 10PM ET/PT on Friday, Oct 3rd. The complete schedule includes the inaugural episode of “How It’s Made” on Monday, Sept 29th, at 9PM ET/PT and the momentous 1000th product featured on the show at 9:30 PM ET/PT that same night. New episodes will begin on Friday, Oct 10th at 9:00 PM ET/PT only on the Science Channel. Please check local listings and help support our Manufacturing Day partners.
The Alcoa Foundation and Discovery Education will produce the first MFG DAY virtual event this year. You can attend from anywhere. This live virtual field trip will provide an inside look at the plant and careers in advanced manufacturing through an interactive event hosted from the Alcoa Davenport facility from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, Oct 3rd. To register, go to the www.mfgday.com website or visit Manufacture Your Future and click on virtual field trip.
Another exciting partner, new for this year, is the American Made Movie. This project, being premiered at various mfgday events around the country, follow these filmmakers as they traveled the U.S. to highlight small businesses and its effects on the local communities in which they operate. It features interviews with a variety of individuals to discuss the importance of manufacturing and features some great American Made Products.
This event, while great for Manufacturing, is a symptom of a great need. The large volume of support and host companies is proof positive that things are moving in a positive direction. A large number of area school districts, colleges and universities are partnering this year and this will be a huge win for manufacturers if even half of the students involved with these events consider manufacturing as a viable career.
We love it . . . but we are a bit biased. So, hold onto your hats and get ready . . . This year’s Manufacturing Day Week should prove to be an exciting thrill ride of events and spotlights on Michigan’s manufacturing heritage and its future opportunities.
Since 1991, MMTC has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses compete and grow. Through personalized services fitted to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.mmtc.org.
Categories: Manufacturing Day