National Manufacturing Day Is Building the “Workforce of the Future”

To emphasize that there is a place for everyone in the manufacturing sector, raise awareness about advanced manufacturing careers, and highlight what modern manufacturing is all about, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), happening Friday, October 4th, encourages companies and educational institutions around the country to help educate students, parents, teachers, and community leaders about modern manufacturing.

MFG Day and Celebrating Manufacturers

Founded in 2012 and held each year on the first Friday of October, MFG Day is an initiative by The Manufacturing Institute “to build the workforce of the future” through in-person and online events and resources. This holiday gives manufacturers the opportunity to address misconceptions about manufacturing careers and come together to resolve collective challenges to ensure future generations of industry professionals flourish.

“By working together during and after MFG Day, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry,” the MFG Day website explains.

In 2014, former President Obama formally recognized the manufacturing sector’s impact on the U.S. economy by declaring the first Friday of October National Manufacturing Day. “When our manufacturing base is strong, our entire economy is strong,” he said in his proclamation.

2024 MFG Day Events

As of this year, there are 623,000 manufacturing businesses in the U.S., so there is much to celebrate this MFG Day.

This year, S&C Electric Co., one of Chicago’s largest manufacturers, is hosting live product demonstrations, manufacturing tours, and a discussion on how rewarding a career in manufacturing can be.

Additionally, for students, Tulsa Community College is hosting hands-on manufacturing activities and lunch for 45 local high school students.

Our parent company, Xometry, is also hosting a virtual factory tour. Attendees will see Xometry’s quality assurance lab, machining center, flex assembly area, and additive manufacturing factory.

Other manufacturing tours and events include The Manufacturing Institute, ABB, Align Precision, and many more.

If you’re busy this Friday, October 4th, there are plenty of events happening throughout the month of October and into November. Find the complete list of events and their many locations here.