Go Tour a Manufacturing Site for MFG Day

Friday, Oct 6, is National Manufacturing Day, a chance to direct the nation’s attention to manufacturers across America. Thousands of companies will open their doors to tours and other events to show students, educators and the general public what modern manufacturing looks like.

So put down your pen, step away from the computer, and go take a tour. To find an event near you, click here.

MFG DAY is a relatively new industry day, started about 5 years ago to address common misperceptions about manufacturing. MFG DAY has become wildly popular all across the county. Manufacturers have an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn't. Many tours are open to the general public and to schools.

Revitalizing and building enthusiasm for manufacturing in the US is key to strengthening our economy and to rebuilding the middle class in America. Across the country, we see a renaissance in making things and a renewed interest in manufacturing as a career choice.

This Is Not Your Grandfather's Manufacturing

Manufacturing in America today uses advanced techniques and equipment including computers, sophisticated machine tools, robots and 3D printers. The manufacturing environment is more likely to be clean and high tech, versus the dirty, smelly, dark and dangerous manufacturing of the past. In fact, most manufacturing jobs now require some cross-over between computer skills and engineering.

Today, manufacturing jobs tend to pay high-middle class wages for skilled workers. Average manufacturing jobs in the US pay between $45K and $85K –squarely middle class in most of America. And middle-class workers are a boon to communities. In fact, the Department of Labor estimates that every manufacturing job creates a 1.4x magnifier effect on the local economy. This is because middle-class wage earners tend to buy houses, cars, consumer electronics, put their kids through college and use local services such as restaurants and beauty shops.

That's not all. As manufacturing returns to the US, there is a constant need for more engineers, supply chain professionals, and all ranks of management.
So find a manufacturer with open doors on Friday and go take a tour. You are likely to be surprised by what you learn.

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