At the core of the Obama Administration's economic recovery efforts is the knowledge that a growing and vibrant manufacturing sector is critical to our ability to innovate, export, and create good-paying American jobs. In an effort to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and job growth, the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is proud to share information about the first-ever
Manufacturing Day, to be held on October 5, 2012. All organizations and stakeholders in the manufacturing sector are encouraged to participate in the program. An initiative of the
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), together with the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), Manufacturing Day is intended to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the economy and draw attention to the many rewarding high-skill jobs available in manufacturing fields. The founders invite companies and organizations nationwide to join them in holding open houses, public tours, career workshops, and other promotional events at manufacturing facilities. The goal is to introduce as many people as possible to the important role of manufacturing both in local communities and to the nation, and to the promising career paths available to qualified workers. "October 5th is dedicated to celebrating the great work and innovation of the 12 million men and women who make the United States the world's largest manufacturing economy," said Ed Youdell, president and CEO of the FMA. "FMA and MEP centers are encouraging their members and manufacturers to open their doors to their local school kids, community college students, press, and job seekers so that they can see firsthand the safe, high-tech, and innovative work environments that await the best and brightest who pursue careers in manufacturing." Manufacturing Day events will also introduce manufacturers to business improvement resources and services available through the MEP's more than 400 affiliated centers across the country. The MEP is a public/private partnership that works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits and productivity, and expand their markets. A program of ANSI government member NIST, the MEP provides a variety of services, from innovation strategies to process improvements to green manufacturing, and includes a field staff of more than 1,400 technical experts located in every state. To learn more about Manufacturing Day on October 5, visit
www.mfgday.com.