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One World, One Industry: Connecting the Dots Between Manufacturing and Community

Across the United States, the first Friday in October represents the annual celebration of Manufacturing Day. On this date, manufacturers and supporters come together to celebrate the longevity and success of our industry. Since 2012, Manufacturing Day has served as a chance to learn about the businesses that thrive in our communities and contribute greatly to the economy.

The manufacturing industry has proven vital to the success and growth of our communities, and our communities are essential to the success of manufacturing. From printed circuit boards to cellphones, chances are there is a manufacturing facility near you, creating products that you may not even realize you use.

Manufacturing Day began with a goal to invite students, educators, businesspeople, media, and politicians to facilities across the country to educate them on the ins and outs of our industry. It has since evolved into an opportunity to inform visitors of the numerous career options in the manufacturing sector and the public policy issues that affect our success.

For example, manufacturers across the country have expressed concern over the perennial shortage of skilled talent. Leading into Manufacturing Day, IPC offered a letter of support for the Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act (S.1352)[1], which was introduced in the U.S. Congress by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The act would create a $5,000 tax credit for up to three years for companies that hire and pay employees enrolled in a federal- or state-registered apprentice program, as well as allow senior employees near retirement to draw from pensions early if they’re involved in mentoring or training new employees. Additionally, this act will help veterans get into skilled jobs that match their mili tary experience sooner by allowing credit in apprenticeship requirements from previous military training.

As an official endorser[2] of Manufacturing Day, IPC also reached out to several state governors requesting proclamations on the importance of this annual celebration. Govs. Greg Abbott (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bruce Rauner (R-IL), and Tom Wolf (R-PA), each offered proclamations recognizing the contributions of the advanced manufacturing industry in communities across the country.

Similarly, on Manufacturing Day, President Donald Trump convened manufacturers from across the country for a White House ceremony. During the service Trump signed a presidential proclamation recognizing the importance of the country’s manufacturing history.

Meanwhile, several IPC member companies joined the growing list of Manufacturing Day local events as they opened their doors to the public to show what advanced electronics manufacturing looks like.

IPC member company STI Electronics hosted local school groups, including a group of female engineers, to tour their manufacturing facility in Madison, Alabama.

Bay Area Circuits offered a presentation on importance of manufacturing and an overview of the PCB manufacturing process. The company also conducted a tour of its manufacturing facility, highlighting many key processes.

Power Design Services gave a tour of their 10,000-square-foot facility, where attendees saw the printed circuit board assembly process. The event included a career fair and a brief presentation on assembly technology and flow. Each year Manufacturing Day continues to exemplify the contributions our industry makes nationwide. If you missed the chance to celebrate the date this year, mark your calendar now for 2018.

References

1. IPC Supports Apprenticeships and Jobs
2. MFG Day Sponsors and Endorsers

John Mitchell is president and CEO of IPC—Association Connecting Electronics Industries. To read past columns or to contact Mitchell, click here.

This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of The PCB Magazine, click here.