Photo Courtesy Bill Craighead

On October 6 manufacturing careers were showcased to students, teachers, and parents at over 2,800 events across the United States. In Oregon, Manufacturing Day 2017 was bigger than ever, boasting 92 events statewide, with over 190 manufacturers opening their doors to nearly 1,700 students.

We’ve seen this event grow significantly in Oregon since it’s inception which would not have happened without our partners and sponsors. Oregon manufacturers have opened their doors to educate students each year and we could not be more grateful. Here are a few media highlights from local events:

• Lane County manufacturing events – Inaugural Participation

• Jackson County -Inaugural Participation

• Lam Research – Kick Off Event

• Redmond / Bend Area Events 

• Makers Gone Pro

• Mount Hood Community College

• MEDP Awards Event

• The Dalles area events

• Donald  – GK Machine

• Tualatin Area

• Beaverton area events

• Canby Area Events

• Morrow County Events  – Inaugural Participation

• Scappoose Area – Oregon Aero

• North Coast Events – Inaugural Participation

OMEP Wrap Up Celebration

Students Touring Premier Press

OMEP hosted at a wrap-up celebration this week, where manufacturers, educators, and other partners shared best practices and lessons learned. Awards were presented by OMEP sponsors Key Bank and Moss Adams.

• Lam Research received a participation award for their tireless efforts promoting manufacturing day and acting as Presenting Sponsor for the past 4 years.
• Bridgetown Natural Foods in the Portland area received a participation award for several years of involvement in hosting students.
• Nu-Tech Machining received an award for their first time participating in a  manufacturing day event!

Is the Public Perception of Manufacturing Changing?

Over the years I’ve watched MFG day grow from a grassroots event to a full-fledged movement. It’s encouraging and uplifting to see students respond so positively to the new information they receive on tours. Based on exit survey results and anecdotal evidence, the efforts of manufacturing day are paying off.

Oregon is doing well in terms of growth in regions and companies participating, thanks to the tremendous efforts of sponsors, hosts, and partner organizations who want to expose a new generation to manufacturing careers. As you can see from this infographic provided by NIST MEP, Oregon is in the higher percentage of participation in terms of the number of events. With continual growth in new areas of the state, I imagine this will trend upward. we still have room to grow!  In a recent study by Deloite,  it is stated that:

the US public overwhelmingly believes manufacturing is vital with more than eight in 10 Americans indicating the importance of the US manufacturing industry in maintaining the ‘American Way of Life.’

Many more facts point to growing understanding of the importance of manufacturing in our nation. Oregon has a proud history of pioneering and innovation. Let’s continue moving it forward.

Remember to mark your calendars for next year’s Manufacturing Day: October 5, 2018!