How did it start? How has it changed? Friday, October 2nd was Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), which is held annually on the first Friday in October. Across America, and throughout New York State, manufacturers will open their doors to close the gap between historical misconceptions about industry and the high-tech reality of today’s factory floors.
The Origins: A National Strategy
Manufacturing Day began in 2012. The catalyst was a looming crisis: the “skills gap.” Leaders recognized that while manufacturing technologies were advancing, the public still saw industry as a “Rust Belt” legacy. That included the next generation of workforce talent, which was often encouraged to pursue careers in other fields.
Getting started took a team effort. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), and several federal partners all worked together. One of those federal partners, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), leads the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), to which New York MEP (NYMEP) belongs.
In MFG Day’s inaugural year, approximately 240 events were held across the United States. They weren’t just open houses – and they still aren’t. Instead, they’re opportunities for students, educators, and parents to see for themselves that modern manufacturing isn’t dark, dirty and dangerous. Instead, it’s bright, digital, and highly skilled.
Why It Matters: Addressing the Skills Gap
Manufacturing Day isn’t just a series of events at various companies. It’s a matter of economic necessity. Research shows that by 2030, the United States will face a significant shortfall of manufacturing workers if more talent isn’t recruited. Ask any small-to-medium manufacturer about this today and you’ll probably hear that the problem isn’t four years away. It’s happening right now.
The good news is that public perception is changing. Today, Manufacturing Day connects local schools with regional employers. It’s part of a larger effort to ensure that vocational training matches the needs of nearby industries. That’s crucial because the same small-to-medium manufacturers who need workforce talent are the economic backbone of their communities.
Key Milestones and Growth
What started with a few hundred events has scaled exponentially. By 2016, the number of MFG Day events surpassed 2,800. By 2019, participation included all 50 states and Puerto Rico. In 2020 and 2021, local events adapted to the global pandemic by introducing virtual tours and digital career panels. NY MEP participated through Remo, a virtual event platform used by FuzeHub.
Pivoting during the pandemic seemed like making the best of a tough situation, but it expanded Manufacturing Day’s reach. Students took virtual tours of manufacturing facilities that were too far to reach on a school bus. They also gained insights from manufacturing leaders that they wouldn’t have met otherwise. Today, a hybrid physical-digital model remains a staple in some areas.
By the Numbers: Impact and Statistics
The success of MFG Day is tracked by The Manufacturing Institute. The data shows a significant shift in student sentiment after attending an event.
- Student Awareness: 84% of students felt more aware of manufacturing careers.
- Career Viability: 64% of students were more motivated to pursue a career in the industry.
- Parental Support: 71% of parents said they would encourage their child to pursue a manufacturing career.
FuzeHub’s Role in Manufacturing Day Across New York
Throughout October, FuzeHub is partnering with organizations across New York to connect students with manufacturing education and career opportunities. As part of National Manufacturing Month, FuzeHub, MACNY, and AIM are partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) on Manufacturing Day events. The month kicked off October 2 with a tour of MVCC’s Mechatronics Department for the Syracuse ITC P-TECH class, giving senior engineering students an inside look at programs and opportunities available after graduation. Upcoming events include a Worthington Steel visit for Rome Free Academy students on October 13 and an MVCC Manufacturing Day event for Syracuse Academy of Science students on October 22, focused on mechatronics, modern manufacturing, and career opportunities.
The Future of MFG Day – and Manufacturing
Today, some MFG Day events feature collaborative robots (cobots) or 3D printers. Others showcase the latest equipment for metal machining, plastic injection molding, or electronics manufacturing. By focusing on innovation and problem-solving, Manufacturing Day is much more than an open house. It’s a workforce recruitment engine.
Importantly, Manufacturing Day is also the start of National Manufacturing Month – more proof that October isn’t just about falling leaves and Halloween pumpkins. October is also the season for the New York State Innovation Summit, a multi-day event that unites manufacturers with technology leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Be part of the action. Join us for the New York State Innovation Summit on October 27th and 28th at the Buffalo Convention Center. There’s still room in the Exhibit Hall. Manufacturers who are referred by FuzeHub can receive a deep discount, so don’t delay.