AEM members across the country celebrated Manufacturing Day with a series of events that highlighted the importance of the equipment manufacturing industry to the U.S. economy, and the importance of training a new generation of manufacturers.
“Our industry is proud to support 1.3 million, good-paying U.S. equipment manufacturing jobs, and to have added $159 billion to the economy of the United States last year,” AEM President Dennis Slater said in a statement to mark the occasion. “That is why AEM has focused on telling this story every day this year, by partnering with our member companies to welcome dozens of elected officials to manufacturing facilities across the country this year.”
Several AEM member companies organized events to celebrate Manufacturing Day, some under the I Make America banner. The future of the manufacturing workforce dominated the focus of companies’ activities.
Vermeer Corporation opened its doors to more than 700 students from 10 Iowa schools to tour its headquarters and manufacturing facilities. The company organized more than 30 hands-on activities for students to learn how modern manufacturing jobs are high-tech, worthwhile careers. Learn more about Vermeer’s Manufacturing Day program for students here.
Likewise, Doosan Bobcat North America welcomed over 500 students to six facilities across three different states. Students had an opportunity to tour manufacturing facilities and participate in hands-on activities led by the company’s STEM Ambassadors.
CLAAS of America once again hosted a Manufacturing Day celebration at its Omaha-area facility. The company hosted 150 students for a special I Make America event to promote careers in manufacturing.
Vermeer MFGC.W. Machine Worx also hosted 100 students at their facility in Carroll, OH. The students had the opportunity to tour the facility and learn about the products they manufacture.
Meanwhile, two AEM member companies — Manitou Americas and Kolberg-Pioneer – organized a week’s worth of activities in Yankton, South Dakota. The companies opened their doors to the community for tours of the manufacturing facilities, and held several other celebrations as well.
Finally, Sioux Corporation also located in South Dakota hosted their state Senator Jim Bolin and state Represented Kevin Jensen for an I Make America inspired Manufacturing Day celebration. Both elected officials had the opportunity to tour the facility, speak with employees and enjoy a cook out.
AEM has been a stalwart supporter of Manufacturing Day, an annual celebration first launched in 2012. Manufacturers from across a variety of sectors held over 2,700 events on October 6 to mark Manufacturing Day 2017.
