Manufacturing Day 2017 designed to inspire students

 Celebration of modern manufacturing showcases careers, companies building Michigan’s future 

 Media Contact: Erica Quealy
517-582-2961

Sept. 28, 2017

LANSING, Mich. – Manufacturing is a proud part of Michigan’s heritage, and students are getting an up-close look at how they can be a part of its bright future through Manufacturing Day events across the state.

Manufacturers will host tours and information sessions on Oct. 6, as part of the national event celebrating the role manufacturing plays in our lives, how it is a vital component of the state’s economic engine and how it provides rewarding careers for hundreds of thousands of residents.

Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed Oct. 1-7 Michigan Manufacturing Week, encouraging residents to reflect on the road Michigan has traveled as a manufacturing state and the bright future that lies ahead.

“Manufacturing is vitally important for Michigan’s economy, and we need to make sure we have the next generation of people ready to step into the these rewarding careers,” said Roger Curtis, director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development. “A key part of this day is making people aware of the opportunities that exist, and the pathways to obtaining these high-skill, high-tech jobs.”

Almost 200 events around the state will showcase modern manufacturing, the products created here in Michigan and career opportunities existing now and into the future. Students, educators, employers, media and lawmakers are invited.

Manufacturing employs more than 600,000 Michigan residents. While the state is the global leader in automotive, Michiganders manufacture a wide variety of products known around the state and around the world. According to the Michigan Manufacturers Association, there are more than 11,400 manufacturers in the Great Lakes State.  

Berkley Screw Machine Products, Inc. a leading producer of precision machined parts, based in Rochester Hills, MI, is one of the many companies participating, hosting over 100 students. The company will welcome students with tours, demonstrations and discussions about the future career opportunities and training pathways.

“We have witnessed manufacturing move forward in great ways,” Amanda Haley, Berkley Coordinator said. “We feel it’s an extraordinary field and continues to be a wonderful way to support and raise a family. We are promoting the industry to help manufacturing regain the respect it once held, and deserves.”

Michigan leads the nation with an increase of 145,300 manufacturing jobs since 2009 and the sector accounted for 19.2 percent of Michigan’s Gross State Product in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Market Information, showing the important role the industry plays in the state’s resurgence.

To search for manufacturing careers in Michigan, visit www.mitalent.org.