11,000 STUDENTS SET TO LEARN ABOUT MODERN MANUFACTURING WITH SUPPORT OF MICHIGAN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTER

PLYMOUTH, MI, October 5, 2018 – More than 11,000 students from across Michigan will gain a first-hand look at modern manufacturing thanks to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center), which is supporting multiple initiatives today in recognition of Manufacturing Day 2018.

Occurring on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day is an international celebration designed to show the public modern manufacturing in action and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

Started in 2012, Manufacturing Day has seen participation grow dramatically over the years. Michigan leads the nation with more than 270 events scheduled around the state. For the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, it’s an opportunity to join with other organizations and introduce innovative, dynamic manufacturers to school students.

“Our mission is based on serving our state’s small and medium-sized manufacturers so they can succeed in an ever-changing business environment,” said Mike Coast, The Center’s President. “One of the major challenges facing manufacturing is developing the next generation of skilled trades that will be needed in this increasingly high tech profession. Manufacturing Day activities enable us to shine the spotlight on an industry that accounts for the largest sector of the Michigan economy, with 21 percent of the total output in the state and 14 percent of the workforce,” Coast said.

Specific activities include:

• In southeast Michigan, The Center’s involvement includes working with the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Schoolcraft College to enable 700 students, teachers and chaperones to tour seven manufacturers, and partnering with the Canton Chamber for tours for 300 students in Canton.
• Similarly, The Center is sponsoring 1,200 students in southwest Michigan where 20 manufacturers will display interactive exhibits in two locations.
• In Grand Rapids, The Center is supporting “Discover Manufacturing,” a partnership event among Michigan Works!, community colleges, higher education institutions and economic developers that will attract 8,000 students and more than 165 manufacturers.
• Across a five-county region in the northern lower peninsula, The Center will host 950 students as they tour 44 manufacturing facilities.
• Additionally, 380 students in the Upper Peninsula will visit five manufacturers in Dickinson County as part of a “Heavy Metal Tour.”

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is an organization dedicated to supporting Michigan manufacturers to work smarter, to compete and to prosper. The Center offers personalized services to meet the needs of clients in virtually every aspect of their businesses. The Center’s consulting services include: Growth, Cybersecurity, Operational Excellence, Leadership Development, Skill Development, Accelerating Technology, Research Services and Food Processing. Over the past year, 418 of The Center’s clients achieved $214.6 million in new sales, $1.7 billion in retained sales, $85.4 million in cost savings, $224.9 million investments made and 11,699 jobs created or retained. In effect, every $1 a company spent with The Center returned $157 back in financial improvements.

The Center is affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is the official Michigan representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP National Network), a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. The Center also is closely affiliated with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with the shared goal of making Michigan businesses vibrant, driving GDP growth, and creating new and lasting jobs. For more information, visit https://the-center.org.