The Significance of a
National Manufacturing Month Observance
Encouraging Attendance at MFG Day and MFG Month Events
Celebrated on the first Friday in October, MFG Day (“Manufacturing Day”), organized nationally by the Manufacturing Institute, is manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, positively shift perceptions about the manufacturing industry, and educate and inspire the manufacturing workforce of the future.
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions is the extension and outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering and administers the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program for the state of North Carolina through the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership network. Industry Expansion Solutions works with manufacturers across North Carolina to provide resources, tools, and connections to industry experts to help manufacturing businesses grow, prosper and increase the state’s economic development. Because Industry Expansion Solutions’ mission is to support small to medium-sized manufacturers, MFG Day events have extended throughout the entire month and October is now recognized as Manufacturing Month.
These events empower manufacturers to come together to address collective challenges to help their communities and future generations thrive. Amid record job openings in manufacturing, supporting those collective efforts is as important now as ever. Attend a Manufacturing Month Event to support the North Carolina manufacturing industry!
Below are some of the Manufacturing Month Events happening in North Carolina:
Surry County Economic Development, Surry Community College: Surry County Manufacturing Week 2023
October 2, 2023: Campus Tours of Surry Community College for potential students
October 3-6, 2023: Small group industry tours that business leaders and educational professionals
In-Person Events
We will be kicking off Manufacturing Week in Surry County in partnership with Surry Community College and several local manufacturing companies. We will offer campus tours for students interested in manufacturing careers (5 area high schools as well as community college students) on Monday, October 2, 2023. Following the tours and career fair, we will have a luncheon to celebrate manufacturing in Surry County and North Carolina. October 3-6 we will have small group industry tours that business leaders and educational professionals can register to attend.
Register: Contact Catrina Alexander for more information at catrina@surryedp.com
Manufacturing Solutions Center MFG Day Event
October 5, 2023 | 10 a.m.
350 5th Avenue SE, Conover, NC 28613
In-Person Event, Open to the Public
The Manufacturing Solutions Center’s Manufacturing Day will begin in the new MSC II facility at 350 5th Avenue SE in Conover, NC at 10 a.m. with presentations about the MSC and the companies which operate in the MSC II building. A tour of the MSC facilities will be available to attendees following the presentation. The program is co-sponsored by the Conover branch of the Catawba County Library System. The MSC’s mission is to support US manufacturers and to create and retain US manufacturing jobs. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Register: Contact Jacqueline Collins for more information at jcollins074@cvcc.edu
Central Carolina Community College MFG Day Event
October 6, 2023 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center
2101 Nash Street, Sanford, NC 27330
In-Person Event, Open to the Public
Area Industries showcasing their business to increase manufacturing awareness and present potential career opportunities to the next generation of employees
Representatives from local industries (Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties) will be on-site to showcase their company and products, present potential career opportunities, and increase manufacturing awareness. CCCC faculty and department chairs will also be on-site with program information related to careers in manufacturing.
Register: Contact for more information at 919.718.7081 or panderson@cccc.edu, or visit www.cccc.edu
Honda MFG Day Event
October 6, 2023 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
3721 South North Carolina Highway 119, Haw River, NC 27258
In-Person Event, Open to Students, grades 7-10, up to 30 per school
Facility tour, hands-on activities, discussions with partner organizations on career paths to manufacturing.
RSVP: workforcepartnerships@na.honda.com by September 15
Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership MFG Day Event
October 17, 2023 | 2-4 p.m.
Industrial Reliability and Repair
2307 Mercantile Drive, Leland, NC 28451
In-Person Event, Open to the Public
The MFG Day event on October 17, 2023, hosted by the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership and NC State Industry Expansion Solutions will be held at the Industrial Reliability and Repair facility in Leland, North Carolina. Attendees are encouraged to arrive between 1:30-1:45 p.m. for networking. Presentations will begin at 2 p.m.
James Flock, General Manager, Blair-HSM will provide a welcome and announcements. Karen Barefoot, Director of Organizational Effectiveness will present an overview of Industrial Reliability and Repair and Phil Mintz will share information about NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and the North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership. Following the presentations, tours of the facility are planned.
Register to attend by October 9, 2023
It is Important to Recognize the Significance of Manufacturing Day/Month
The significance of Manufacturing Day/Manufacturing Month cannot be overstated. Here are a few reasons why this day/month holds so much importance:
1. Promoting Awareness: Manufacturing Day/Manufacturing Month is crucial in raising awareness about the manufacturing industry and its impact on our everyday lives. Many people need to be made aware of the diverse range of products manufactured locally, and this day serves as a platform to educate the public about the significance of manufacturing in our economy.
2. Inspiring the Next Generation: Manufacturing events aim to inspire young people to consider careers in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers can showcase their exciting and innovative work by opening their doors to students. This firsthand experience can spark interest and encourage young individuals to pursue careers in manufacturing, helping to bridge the skills gap that the industry often faces.
3.Addressing Misconceptions: Manufacturing events provide an opportunity to dispel common misconceptions about the manufacturing industry. Many still hold outdated stereotypes about manufacturing, such as being dirty, labor-intensive, or lacking career growth opportunities. Manufacturers can challenge these misconceptions by showcasing modern manufacturing facilities and technologies and highlighting the industry’s advancements.
4. Community Engagement: Manufacturing events promote community engagement by allowing manufacturers to connect with local communities. It fosters relationships between manufacturers, educational institutions, government officials, and community leaders. These connections are vital for creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages the growth and success of the manufacturing industry.
5. Economic Impact: Manufacturing plays a significant role in driving economic growth. It provides employment opportunities, contributes to GDP, and supports other sectors of the economy. Manufacturing events help to highlight the economic impact of the industry, emphasizing its importance in creating jobs and fostering innovation.
You can find MFG Day events across the nation by visiting the national MFG Day website.
Contact the Industry Expansion Solutions Regional Manager in your community for more information.
