Governor Peter Shumlin formally proclaimed October as “Manufacturing Month” in Vermont in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day, October 3. “Manufacturing is critically important to Vermont’s economy,” said the governor. “I encourage all Vermonters to learn about the innovation of Vermont’s manufacturers, and particularly for young people to pursue careers offering quality jobs here in our state.”
A wide variety of events are being held across the state on Friday, October 3rd in Vermont including:
- American Precision Museum – The museum in collaboration with Springfield Regional Development Corporation (SRDC) is conducting school and company tours in the region in partnership with North Hartland Tool, River Valley Tech Center, and Hartford Area Career and Tech Center.
- Andrew Pearce Bowls in Bethel is hosting an Open House on October 4th.
- Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation -- FCIDC is holding a mixer in St. Albans on October 2nd for manufacturers and colleagues to meet and network.
- Husky Injection Molding Systems – Husky will be providing plant tours at its Milton facility on October 3rd.
- Maple Landmark Woodcraft – This Middlebury wood manufacturer will provide tours of their operation on October 3rd.
- GW Plastics will host an open house on October 4th at the Bethel headquarters.
- The Northeastern Vermont Development Association and the North Country Career Center will be hosting an event on Oct. 3rd from 9am to noon for the community.
According to the “Advanced Manufacturing Partnership” report issued by Governor Shumlin, over 1,000 Vermont manufacturers employ 5 or fewer workers. Approximately 31,000 workers are employed by manufacturers or about 10 percent of Vermont’s total workforce. Average earnings are about 36% higher for manufacturing jobs in Vermont according to the Vermont Department of Labor.
The nationwide Manufacturing Day effort is co-produced by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Manufacturing Institute (MI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) - with whom the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is affiliated - and Industrial Strength Marketing in Nashville.
To learn more about Manufacturing Day, log on to http://www.mfgday.com , where those wishing to host events will find resources to help them prepare.