Manufacturing Day – October 7, 2022, history significance
Every year, America’s manufacturing sector opens its doors to celebrate Manufacturing Day on the first Friday of October, falling on October 7 this year. For those interested in making things with mind and machines, it is a day that begins a month of inspirational experiences. This year also, America’s manufacturing sector is gearing up to celebrate the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the United States’ economic power.
HISTORY OF MANUFACTURING DAY
In 2011, the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) of the United States hit upon making the manufacturing sector more accessible to the general public, especially America’s students, their parents, and the policymakers, by opening its doors through events, exhibitions, and so forth. The key members in the association believed that it would enable people to understand more about modern manufacturing and appreciate its value for modern living.
The FMA organized the first-ever Manufacturing Day in October 2012 to serve as a starting point for over 200 events to be conducted in the Midwest during that month. It was a successful initiative and received active participation and appreciation from high school students, educators, parents, and other community members. In the subsequent years, the concept became popular, with thousands of people participating in events across the country.
Each year, starting from the first Friday throughout the month, the manufacturing sector organizes job fairs, exhibitions, shop floor walkthroughs, seminars, and so forth., for students, educators, parents, and community influencers. The day kick-starts a month-long exhibition of America’s manufacturing prowess.
Subsequently, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), along with The Manufacturing Institute and various federal partners, including the U.S. Census Bureau, are driving the endeavor.
National Manufacturing Day has caught the imagination of America’s tech and machine learners, who now throng the over 2,000 events organized every year throughout October. Over 14,000 manufacturers across America now participate in country-wide celebrations. For those interested in technology, including bioengineers, machine technicians, data analysts, and robotic machinists, this day marks the beginning of a series of magical experiences that unfold throughout the month
MANUFACTURING DAY TIMELINE
2011
The Need for Manufacturing Day
Members of the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) of the United States strongly feel the need for entities, such as institutes and companies, to open their doors to the general public.
October 1, 2012
The First-Ever Manufacturing Day
The Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) of the United States organizes the first-ever Manufacturing Day in the Midwest, with more than 200 events.
2016
NAM Takes Over
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), with more than 14,000 manufacturers as members, takes over the mantle of driving Manufacturing Day.
2019
A Presidential Proclamation
President Donald Trump signs the Presidential Proclamation declaring October 4 as Manufacturing Day.
HOW TO CELEBRATE MANUFACTURING DAY
Organize an event solo or in a group
If you are a student, teacher, parent, or just someone generally interested in machines and creating things with moving parts, you will find many people on social media or in your organization who want to contribute to events related to Manufacturing Day. Join hands with them and organize an event of your own. It could simply be about creating robotic models or making battery-operated miniature models of cars. Getting together to create something is fun!
Ask your employer to participate
If you work in the manufacturing domain, participate in a job fair or seminars, exhibitions, or simply motivate your employer to organize shop floor walkthroughs for students and educators. You will inspire the next generation to fill your shoes when you hang up your boots. Share the knowledge, and with it, the good tidings.
Show your machines some love
Machines are an important cog in the manufacturing wheel and could do with some attention. On Manufacturing Day, pamper your machines. Give them a good workover by treating them to some generous greasing and cleaning. Call students over and explain the features of your machines, leaving them awestruck with your mechanical prowess.
5 KEY FACTS ABOUT THE U.S. MANUFACTURING SECTOR
4 million jobs in the future
It is expected that by 2030, the manufacturing sector will generate four million jobs that would need to be filled.
Exports of manufacturing goods
In 2020, the U.S. manufacturing industry exported nearly $1.2 trillion worth of goods.
Manufacturing is an economy in itself
The U.S. manufacturing industry, when considered in isolation, would qualify to be the world’s eighth-largest economy.
Average wages in the manufacturing sector
In 2019, the average annual wages of a worker in the U.S. manufacturing sector was $88,406, counting pay and benefits.
The multiplier effect
Each $1 spent in manufacturing adds another $2.79 to the economy — the best multiplier effect for any industry.
WHY MANUFACTURING DAY IS IMPORTANT
To inspire the future workforce
Manufacturing Day can create a platform where the manufacturing sector can showcase America’s prowess in manufacturing and inspire the next generation to develop the skills to enter the sector.
To celebrate the ones driving America’s progress
Manufacturing Day proudly celebrates the achievements of America’s manufacturing sector. It acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of all the faceless and tireless technicians, engineers, and shop floor workers who have contributed to the nation’s economic power.
It enables manufacturers to collaborate
Manufacturing Day empowers manufacturers to collaborate for addressing collective challenges for society’s advancement.
