
We've been talking about it for months and now is the time to celebrate ALL THINGS MANUFACTURING!
Governor Phil Scott proclaims October 2024 Manufacturing Month in Vermont The entire month of October has become part of a growing national MFG Day/ Month initiative. Vermont Governor Phil Scott has proclaimed October 2024 as Manufacturing Month in Vermont; read the full proclamation here.
The following VT-based companies have graciously agreed to open their doors:
Fab-Tech Inc., Colchester - Hosting five (5) separate events on October 4 for your convenience, Fab-Tech is a leading manufacturer of PermaShield Pipe (PSP®), a Factory Mutual approved system of stainless steel corrosive fume exhaust duct with PermaShield Fluoropolymer Barrier Coating on interior surfaces.
Hubbardton Forge, Castleton - Celebrating their 50th year in business, plan on visiting one of the US's leading lighting creator on October 10. From design to engineering, forging, welding, metalcraft, finish, assembly, pack ‘n’ ship, the "Forge" is known for its interior and exterior applications in both residential and commercial settings.
Maple Landmark, Middlebury - Visit this award-winning maker of high-quality wooden toys, and educational and novelty wooden products whose wood is sourced locally from sustainably harvested wood. Six (6) separate tour times are offered on October 4 which will include examples of Lean Mfg. implementation.
Find An Event We know more are in the planning phases of their events so be sure to check back often to see who's hosting what in your area or plan on making a road trip for you, your team or entire company! Be sure to type Vermont USA into the search field and plan to attend one or more events!
Host An Event Registering your event contributes to the larger MFG Day phenomenon in a major way. The more events we know about, the more people we can say we’ve affected which inspires more interest in manufacturing. MFG Day makes a big impact in shifting the misconception of modern manufacturing. Tell your story by opening your doors and hosting an event with students, parents, educators, media, community leaders and elected officials. ![]()

Advanced MFG Day - Can We Make It?
Thursday, October 10
3:00 - 6:00 pm
Generator Makerspace, Burlington
FREE!
VMEC and Generator Makerspace will play co-hosts for this exciting event that focuses on the importance of careers in manufacturing, inspiring the future manufacturing workforce.
The event will offer multiple networking opportunities, a facility tour, demos, and a panel discussion/ Q&A with Vermont manufacturing leaders who will share their advice, knowledge and experience in the manufacturing world. Also available will be a resource area where manufacturers are invited to bring their hard copy collateral materials and holders to showcase open positions their company is currently hiring for and/ or a company-specific brochure or flyer that’s focused on the company product/ service. We also welcome you to bring a small item to display that depicts a product that your company manufactures or showcases.
A cash bar tended by Queen City Brewery, an alcohol-free bar service tended by tonique and light hors d’oeuvres will be available on-site.
For complete details and to register, visit AMD - October 10.![]()

Manufacturing Day: Engaging Youth and the Young at Heart
Perhaps the most essential aspect of a successful Manufacturing Day is connecting with America’s youth and young at heart. By trying to understand the hobbies people, especially young people, are most interested in, manufacturers can produce more successful MFG Day events. In this blog post, check out suggestions for how manufacturers can engage with people in a way that excites them about possible careers in manufacturing. Here’s a hint: Channel your inner kid and think about the hobbies that people love!![]()

All things Supply Chain and Connex VT!
So, where are you in YOUR supply chain journey? And have you reaped the benefits of CONNEX™VT, our online platform that connects ALL Vermont manufacturers, buyers, and suppliers in a single, searchable supply chain solution? And what about SCOIN?
Officially launched on June 1, 2023, the Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN) expands the MEP National Network’s scope from working primarily with individual companies to include taking a more comprehensive approach to manufacturing supply chains. The initiative will help establish new MEP service offerings to provide manufacturers with what they need to improve existing supply chain networks and fill gaps in the supply chain. One key SCOIN service, CONNEX™ Vermont, is the Green Mountain State’s answer to your supply chain solution. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, this is THE one-stop shop in a secure, on-line platform that connects Vermont’s small manufacturers and suppliers.
Register for one of our monthly "Intro to CONNEX VT and SCOIN" webinars. October 8, November 6 and December 5 will round out our year-long monthly offerings. If these dates won't work for your schedule, connect with Mark O'Hearn, VMEC Business Growth Advisor - Supply Chain, to learn what supply chain solutions we have in store for you!
And lastly, let Mark provide you with a Supply Chain Assessment which will determine the health of your supply chain; visit this page (scroll to bottom) and fill in the necessary fields.![]()

Training and Workforce Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry
Thursday, October 17
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Virtual & FREE!
Training anywhere, anytime, many opportunities less than one hour at a time, created by and recognized by industry. Join our webinar to seek ways to build your training and development program with self-paced online options that work for you and your business.
As the manufacturers move toward Smart and Advanced Manufacturing, the need for training and mastery has never been greater. Working with manufacturers, educators, workforce development agencies, and more, Tooling U-SME empowers organizations to unleash productivity, efficiency, and possibility.
Join Jacky Larson, Tooling U-SME Senior Workforce Education Strategist, and Carla Wuthrich, VMEC Director of Field Operations/ Professional Manufacturing & Business Growth Advisor, to hear about the online manufacturing programs available through Tooling U-SME and VMEC such as Machining, Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics, Smart Manufacturing and more. These readily available programs are aligned to industry certifications and the most pressing needs of small and medium-sized manufacturers.
Scroll to October 17 to read the complete description and Register Today!![]()

Machining capacity at The Manufacturing Collaborative helps VT Manufacturer meet tight deadline
VMEC’s partner, The Manufacturing Collaborative, recently resolved a time critical supply chain delivery issue for Burlington- based Benchmark Space Systems. Having previously shown the ability to work flexibly and to deadline with difficult machining operations, BSS turned to TMC once again, this time for a machined aerospace parts project. The project was a huge success and met its deadline, thanks to the diligence and hard work of the Collaborative's staff!
Read Project Spotlight - Benchmark Space Systems and contact Chris Coulter, VMEC Advanced Manufacturing Technology Advisor, to learn more about how the Collaborative and VMEC can assist you with your advanced manufacturing needs. And if you've not toured the Randolph Center facility, be sure to schedule a visit through Chris soon.![]()
Part of the nationwide MEP National Network and hosted by Vermont State University since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission, “to strengthen and empower Vermont manufacturers.”
A local resource and trusted adviser to manufacturing enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. VMEC is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Vermont.



