Metalformers and Sheetmetal Fabricators Need a Shot of Youth

As the seasons change and the leaves begin to turn, it can mean only one thing: Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) rapidly approaches (it’s Friday, October 5). And that means it’s time for every company involved in sheetmetal forming and fabricating technology—users and suppliers alike—to go “all in” with their MFG Day activities. Learn how to get involved, by hosting tours, sponsoring events and more.

In their promotional efforts, the organizers of MFG Day (the National Association of Manufacturers) are pushing a new theme this year:

Open Doors, Open Minds—Inspire the Next Generation of Manufacturers.

They ask, “How do you get students to pursue manufacturing careers?” The answer, posted on the MFG Day website:

“Spark student interest by exposing them to modern manufacturing in action, and letting them find what inspires them, whether it’s the technology, the creativity, the problem solving, the team attitude, or the reassurance of good pay and benefits and high job security.”

Surveys evaluating the results of MFG Day activities yield impressive results. After attending MFG Day events, 64 percent of students say that they’re “more motivated to pursue careers in manufacturing,” and 71 percent say that they’re “more likely to tell friends, family, parents or colleagues about manufacturing.”

As of this writing, according to the MFG Day website there are more than 700 MFG Day events planned by U.S. companies, universities and organizations, scheduled mostly throughout September and October. As an example, 71 events registered with the MFG Day website are planned in Ohio, including tours of 3D-printing company BasTech; tooling manufacturer Dayton Progress; metalformers Dayton Rogers, McGregor Metalworking, and Staub Manufacturing Solutions; and metalforming-equipment manufacturer Formtek Group.

MFG Day activities allow manufacturers to connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the entire industry. In addition to hosting plant tours and informational sessions, your company can organize or participate in manufacturing-related community events such as conducting a job fair or an educational event. These all represent excellent opportunities to begin narrowing the skills gap.

If you decide to participate, please let me know about it, and we’ll be happy to promote your activities and describe the results in a coming issue of MetalForming.

Technologies: Management

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