Step Up and Support Manufacturing Day 2014

The third annual Manufacturing Day is coming up Oct. 3. Far away, you might think, but close enough that you maybe start planning if you intend to participate.

Manufacturing Day, for those who don't know, is an important day for any company that makes things to show off their businesses, technology and the products they make to students, parents, teachers, and job seekers who are interested in learning about manufacturing and the skills and training needed to start a career in the field. To strut their stuff, as it were.

I believe plastics processors need to take this event more seriously.

The second annual Manufacturing Day was held last Oct. 4. On that day, more than 825 manufacturers in 48 states opened their doors to in excess of 35,000 guests to show what manufacturing is all about.  “Manufacturing Day 2013 was a success because hundreds of manufacturers invited their communities—including students, educators and legislators—to visit their operations and see first-hand the value of the work they do”, states Ed Youdell, president and CEO of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association.  

Youdell added: “By focusing the events of so many manufacturers around a single day, participants collectively delivered the message that manufacturers are of significant importance to the U.S. economy, are well-managed companies that can compete globally, and offer family-supporting careers to students who follow technical and community college paths as well as four-year degree programs.”

Manufacturing Day gives companies a chance to inform the general public about the issues they face, such as a shortage of skilled labor. During the events they hosted, many manufacturers reported how this shortage affects them on a day-to-day basis, as well as the solutions they are developing to tackle it. That message was delivered not just to the 35,000 visitors at local events, but to more than 80 million viewers of the website and social media postings.

“At The Manufacturing Institute, we are working to help manufacturers attract quality talent and develop the workforce pipeline,” noted Jennifer McNelly, president of the group . “When we all work together, manufacturing is stronger, and when manufacturing is stronger, the U.S. is stronger.”

“The robust response and participation in Manufacturing Day from across America shows manufacturers’ commitment to developing the talent needed for a 21st-century workforce,” added Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. “By opening shop floors to young and curious minds around the country, we are able to show that modern manufacturing is a technology-driven industry that offers secure, good-paying jobs and the ability to develop products that will change the world.”

But of the 800+ manufacturers that opened their doors to interested people last October, only a handful—fewer than 10—were processors. That’s a disappointing number at any point, particularly when this industry, like many others, is having enormous challenges finding young talent.

One processor that took part in the 2013 festivities was Plastic Molding Technology (PMT), El Paso, Tex. "The goal of the Manufacturing Day event at PMT was to draw greater attention to the outstanding opportunities a career in manufacturing can provide, and to promote the pursuit of skills leading to a long-term career for qualified candidates," said Charles A. Sholtis, owner and CEO of the company. “Manufacturing is coming back to the U.S.,” Sholtis added. “The role of manufacturing in the supply chain has become increasingly important to end markets. Hopefully, by opening up shop floors around the country to students and other businesses, we were able to show modern manufacturing for what it is—a sleek, safe, technology-driven industry that offers secure, good-paying jobs.”

Bill Carteaux, president and CEO of the Society of the Plastics Industry, put it this way: “A high-quality manufacturing sector is vital to our nation’s ability to thrive within a global economy. It’s important that we invest financial and human resources into expanding manufacturing so that we can continue to create American jobs and grow our economy. Companies that participate in Manufacturing Day help secure the future of the plastics industry by promoting its innovative technologies and opportunities.”

PMT plans on participating again this year, and expects a bigger turnout at its plant than last year. Why don’t you give it some consideration? Log on to mfgday.com to learn how to get involved.

Visiting university students watch in amazement as Baxter the robot demonstrates the future of automation in manufacturing during Plastic Molding Technology Inc.’s plant tour for Manufacturing Day 2013. Baxter was supplied by Shepard Controls. Photo: Plastic Molding Technology Inc.