Inspiring the next generation of manufacturers- Opening Doors & Minds
Over the next decade, it is estimated that nearly 3.5 million U.S. manufacturing jobs will be needed and 2 million of those jobs are expected to go unfilled due to manufacturer’s inability to find talent with the required skills.
These numbers dramatically underscore the importance of Manufacturing month, with an estimated 3,000 events across the country designed to introduce as many people as possible to the significant role played by manufacturing including right here in McPherson County.
The McPherson Chamber of Commerce and McPherson Industrial Development Co. will be hosting, in partnership with many McPherson County manufacturers to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy and showcase the rewarding, highly skilled jobs available. Manufacturers across the nation will be participating by hosting open houses, public tours and other events. The events are not just informational, it is a way for manufacturers to convey their passion for what they do and explain why and how young people can embrace the profession with post-secondary training that often last just a year or two and doesn’t leave them with decades of college debt.
McPherson County Manufacturing month in October is a way for students, parents, educators and the general public to explore and learn about how they can be involved in the growing number of amazing career potential that exists in manufacturing. Go to www.mfgday.com for up to date additions.
Thursday, October 4th
Bradbury Co., 1200 Cole St., Moundridge, KS. “Join us for tours of our facility and plants. This year we will also have a career event which will showcase employees from our various departments. They will be showing us what a day in their life at Bradbury looks like. Students and field trips welcome! Tours for educational programs are available starting at 8:30 am by appointment. Please call Maria Pressnall 620-345-4278 to arrange a time for your school tour. Tours will be given to the general public from 2:00 pm -5:30 pm, starting every half hour. No reservations required.”
Friday, October 5th
Viega, 2211 Viega Ave., McPherson, KS will host the official McPherson County Manufacturing Kick Off on Friday, October 5th, 2018 at 2211 Viega Avenue beginning at 8:00 a.m. There are several other manufacturers scheduled that day with Open House events and tours. “Viega LLC will be hosting tours of our manufacturing campus. Tours will include our extrusion, molding, metal fitting and logistics divisions. There will be a job fair going on during this time as well. We will serve light lunch from 11:30am-1:00pm consisting of hamburgers and sides. Closed toes shoes are required for the tour.” Register at www.mfgday.com or contact Eric Wicker, 620-717-3386 for event information.
The Grasshopper Company, 105 Old US Hwy 81, Moundridge, KS “will be hosting tours of our manufacturing facility in Moundridge, KS for educational programs. Students will have the opportunity to see first hand the production process for the Grasshopper Zero Turn Riding Lawnmower, from raw steel to finished product. The tour will showcase CNC Machining, Fabrication, Robotic and Hand Welding, Powder Coat Painting, Assembly, Crating and Shipping. Tours for educational programs are available by appointment 8:30am-2:30pm. Closed toe shoes required, long pants requested, safety eyewear provided. Educational programs may call Ryan Wiebe at 620-345-6301 to arrange a tour.”
American Maplan Corporation, 823 South 81 By-Pass, McPherson, KS “Scheduled facility tours, with a focus on career path opportunities for high school graduates. Flexible tour schedule, between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Please contact event coordinator, Rachel Capo at 620-798-2362 to set up a facility visit. Closed-toe shoes are required.”
Saint-Gobain CertainTeed, 873 N. Hickory St., McPherson, KS “will showcase not only their current facilities but opportunities for future employment and growth within their company. They will also showcase the newest addition to the CertainTeed building” Tours are available Friday, October 4th at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 and 2:30 p.m. Register online or contact Lolu Ogunlewe at 316-554-9626 for questions.
Wednesday, October 10th
Saint-Gobain CertainTeed, 873 N. Hickory St., McPherson, KS “will showcase not only their current facilities but opportunities for future employment and growth within their company. They will also showcase the newest addition to the CertainTeed building” Tour available Wednesday, October 10th at 6:00 p.m. Register online or contact Lolu Ogunlewe at 316-554-9626 for questions.
Thursday, October 11th
Archrock, 1404 Mohawk Rd., KS. Archrock will have an open house offering public tours from 1:00 PM -3:00 PM. Register online or contact Kay Moyer 620-241-8740 for event information.
Keep posted of all the available events at www.mfgday.com