Williamson County Manufacturing Day Oct. 6

Manufacturing has an historic presence in Williamson County and represents a vital segment of our industry makeup. Manufacturing as a whole in the United States has been losing visibility its appeal to the future workforce. Outdated perception of the industry as being “dirty” and “backbreaking” have attributed to this loss of appeal, as well as a lack of awareness about where the sector heading. To counter these trends, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) was formed and hailed by national leaders, companies and communities alike. Manufacturing Day is an occasion during which North American manufacturers showcase the potential of modern manufacturing, foster interest in manufacturing careers, and address misperceptions by opening their doors to show, in a coordinated effort, what modern manufacturing is really like.

Part of the Williamson County Economic Development Initiative to support and grow existing businesses has been geared towards bringing our local manufacturers together to discuss best practices and challenges, as well as address the problem of a rapidly aging-out workforce. Through the Manufacturing Roundtables, Tennessee’s first dual enrollment program has started at Fairview Middle and High School, where students can earn an associate’s degree in advanced manufacturing. This course of study combines math, engineering, and robotics, and this increase in degrees will directly feed our talent pipeline.

MFG DAY addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

Supported by a group of industry sponsors and co-producers, MFG DAY is designed to amplify the voice of individual manufacturers and coordinate a collective chorus of manufacturers with common concerns and challenges. The rallying point for a growing mass movement, MFG DAY empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.

Find more information about national Manufacturing Day efforts at www.mfgday.com.

This year’s sponsors of MFG Day in Williamson County are SPX Flash Technologies, Horn USA, APCOM, Card Marketing Services, and Columbia State Community College.  If you’d like to learn more about this year’s Williamson County MFG Day on October 6, 2017, please email Patrick Cammack at patrick@williamsonchamber.com.