More than 900 students from 10 high schools across St. Clair County experienced modern manufacturing careers firsthand during this year’s Manufacturing Day tours, marking the 10th year of the local initiative. Over eight days in October, students visited 14 local companies that opened their doors to showcase the advanced, high-tech opportunities in today’s manufacturing industry.
Participating companies were: ALD Thermal, Axiom Group, Blue Water Control, Bio Pro, Inc., Greene Group, Michigan Metal Coatings, Motherson, Norma Group, PTM Corporation, Pier One Polymers, Prosper Tech Machine & Tool, SABA North America, U.S. Farathane, and ZF Axle.
Celebrating Modern Manufacturing
Manufacturing Day, celebrated nationally on the first Friday in October, is an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. The event brings together manufacturers and students to inspire the next generation of creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. Local events like St. Clair County’s tours aim to help students understand the wide range of careers available in modern manufacturing, including production, engineering, information technology, human resources, and supply chain management.
Connecting Learning and Career Exploration
Locally, the tours were coordinated by St. Clair County RESA’s Blue Water College Access Network (BWCAN), which works to prepare students for success after high school by increasing the number of students graduating from high school with a plan detailing postsecondary goals and action steps to achieve them. Through initiatives such as Manufacturing Day, BWCAN fulfills its mission to increase college and career readiness across the region, helping students explore their paths to college, apprenticeships, and careers.
“Even if students don’t intend to go into manufacturing, it’s valuable to be an informed consumer in a global economy,” said Erin Schweihofer, Supervisor of Career and College Programs at St. Clair County RESA. “The tours help students appreciate the manufacturing industry and the many different processes involved in it, including product design and planning, production and assembly, packaging and distribution, and marketing and sales management. They also help students understand the diverse educational backgrounds and pathways that lead into the field.”
Hands-On Learning That Inspires
During the visits, students engaged in guided tours and interactive demonstrations highlighting robotics, engineering, and design. Companies across the county showcased innovation practices, hands-on technologies, and the collaborative work that makes manufacturing an important part of the local economy.
Manufacturing is the largest industry in St. Clair County, employing thousands and offering a wide range of career options. The county’s manufacturing sector is diverse and includes advanced manufacturing, automotive, robotics, and metal stamping.
St. Clair County RESA thanks the 14 manufacturing partners who welcomed students into their facilities, as well as the educators and school staff who made these visits possible. By opening their doors and sharing their expertise, these companies are investing directly in the region’s future workforce and showing students what’s possible in their own backyard.
View photographs from the tours on our Facebook page.