The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that manufacturing contributes $1 trillion annually to America’s economy. That’s nearly 20% of our GDP. Every October, Manufacturing Month serves as a reminder of the importance of manufacturing to American businesses and the country at large. Manufacturers play a crucial role in creating jobs, helping us stay competitive globally and improving quality of life across the nation.
National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) originated as a day to highlight and celebrate the manufacturing industry in America and has extended into a full month of activities nationwide. While events may vary from region to region, the central theme remains the same: each October, thousands of people gather to learn about new technologies, highlight career opportunities in manufacturing and celebrate the American manufacturing industry. On National Manufacturing Day, companies host open houses where visitors tour factories and meet employees. In addition to these educational opportunities, some companies will sponsor competitions such as robot-building contests and product design challenges. Visit mfgday.com to learn more.
Below are recaps of just a few of the MFG Day events NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) staff members were able to attend:
NC State University IES Director Phil Mintz, Director of Data Management Systems, Marketing and Reporting KeAnne Hoeg and Public Communications Specialist, Shelby Kimes attended the Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) event in Sanford, North Carolina at the newly purchased E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center. There were over 20 exhibitors and over 300 people in attendance including this year’s Coolest Thing Made in NC large business category winner, Caterpillar. At the event, NC State University director Phil Mintz presented the founder of Mertek Solutions, Jerry Pedley, with a Friend of NCMEP plaque for his continued dedication to the advancement of manufacturing in North Carolina. During the event, CCCC president Dr. Lisa Chapman discussed the college’s plans to support workforce development in the world-class facility through education and hands-on training.
NC State University IES Associate Executive Director of Field Operations Barabara Williams attended the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T State) held a live-streamed MFG Day event via Zoom. The event was entitled “National Manufacturing Day, Meeting North Carolina’s Manufacturing Needs in the 21st Century.” A&T State hosted a panel discussion with representatives from Haeco Americas, Hanes, CoreTechnology and WolfSpeed. During this event executives from manufacturing companies in NC discussed the challenges and opportunities for manufacturing. They discussed the need to move toward manufacturing 4.0 – automation, robotics, digitalization, artificial intelligence and the need to find alternative power sources – wind, solar, etc and the need to build and expand with the environment in mind.
NC State University IES Director of Business Development and Management Steven Hughes attended an event hosted by Ketchie, a manufacturer of precision machining solutions located in Concord, North Carolina. Ketchie President, Courtney Silver introduced the visitors to Ketchie and shared what they manufacture. While speaking Silver provided the group with factoids like how for every worker in manufacturing, five workers are added to the overall US economy. Attendees had the opportunity to ask some questions of Ketchie’s employees were present – David, Pete, Tiffany and Mitch – for the round table discussion. The panelists discussed the origins of their careers and how they learned skills like welding and rebuilding home mowers from their families growing up.
The event participants were led on a facility tour where they were greeted by employees who were pleasant and helpful when answering questions. One large sign at the entrance to the floor has their values stated; ‘Be agile”, “Do the right thing” and “Embrace Continuous Improvement”. All of which were values Ketchie displayed on MFG Day.
NC State University IES Western North Carolina Regional Manager Chris McGraw attended the event hosted by BorgWarner, an auto parts manufacturer with a facility located in Arden, North Carolina. BorgWarner focused on celebrating manufacturing careers. Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools students and educators were in attendance, in-person, for the first time since 2019; there were more than 200 students, educators, and partners in attendance. Buncombe County Board of Commission prepared a Proclamation in support of MFG Day 2022 during their October 4 meeting.
NC State University IES Director Phil Mintz and Senior Manufacturing Engineering Specialist Jason Low attended an event at Loray Mill in Gastonia, North Carolina, co-hosted by Cross Company, an automation machinery manufacturer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. During the event, the President of Cross Company, Lynn Crump, introduced the group to a historian of Loray Mill, which was built in the 1900s, explained Firestone’s long relationship with the mill/town, and shared the evolution of the products that passed through the many sections of the building we visited. Lynn introduced us to Cross Company engineer Manan Banerjee, who explained the concept of collaborative robotics and walked the audience through an application of material handling that the company uses to demonstrate the technology. Later, Lynn introduced the group to the company’s engineering suite where we were able to see a collaborative palletizing cell, and right next door, watch an active customer project using a higher payload industrial robot.
We will continue to celebrate Manufacturing Day annually across North Carolina in the month of October, and highlight events often held on the first Friday of the month, designated as MFG Day. NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is the extension and outreach team with the mission to support the North Carolina manufacturing industry. We invite you to join us on MFG Day 2023!
