WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of the third-annual Manufacturing Day, more than 1,600 manufacturers across the country are opening their doors and displaying the exciting, technology-driven operations that make manufacturing among the most rewarding career options available. Manufacturing Day events have increased by 800 percent since the inaugural event in 2012, offering new opportunities to provide students and members of the community an up close view of the dynamic, highly skilled jobs available in modern manufacturing. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and The Manufacturing Institute are coordinating today’s events, along with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International and the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

"America’s growth, innovation and competitiveness are based on a strong manufacturing sector," said Caterpillar Inc. Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Doug Oberhelman. "A highly skilled and high-quality workforce is essential to maintaining U.S. economic leadership. Manufacturing Day showcases the secure, well-paying careers available across the country, making products that enhance our quality of life."

"While we feel like every day is Manufacturing Day because of the lives we touch and the communities we strengthen, it is inspiring to see more manufacturers opening their doors and more people interested in learning about the rewarding, exciting careers we offer," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. "Manufacturers are dedicated to developing the 21st-century workforce that will drive innovation and growth for decades to come. Manufacturers led this movement from small beginnings to a nationwide event that is changing the perception of our industry."

Manufacturers from a broad cross-section of industry are hosting open houses, public tours, career workshops and other events. Manufacturers continue to face a variety of workforce challenges that threaten future productivity and innovation, including a skills gap that reveals hundreds of thousands of jobs remain unfilled despite ongoing high unemployment. Manufacturing Day spotlights the unparalleled benefits a manufacturing job can provide and promotes the pursuit of skills that will lead to a long-term career that offers security and growth for qualified candidates.

"Manufacturing Day provides a focused point in time each year when all manufacturers in America can collaborate to bring attention to this crucial sector of the economy and celebrate their accomplishments," said The Manufacturing Institute President Jennifer McNelly. "It is a great opportunity to shift Americans’ perception that it is not our grandfathers’ manufacturing anymore and to showcase the tremendous career opportunities manufacturing has to offer."

To learn more about Manufacturing Day, visit www.mfgday.com.

Source: National Association of Manufacturers