More than 450 students from 11 school districts in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are participating in tours of local manufacturing facilities during October as part of Manufacturing Month. The initiative is organized by MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, and its affiliate Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), in partnership with 15 area manufacturers.
The goal of Manufacturing Month is to introduce students to career opportunities in high-tech and high-demand manufacturing fields while connecting them directly with employers. This effort aims to address workforce challenges faced by manufacturers and support the development of local economies.
“Manufacturing Month is about inspiring the next generation and showing them the exciting, meaningful careers available right here in New York. By opening their doors, manufacturers are not only highlighting advanced technologies and innovation, but also their vital role in building strong communities. We’re proud to partner with educators and industry leaders to create pathways for students to join this dynamic and growing sector,” said Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY.
Facility tours include companies such as Gardall Safe Corporation, Golden Artist Colors, TTM Technologies, INFICON, Belden, Byrne, Eaton, JPW Structural Contracting Inc., Morse Manufacturing, Haun Welding Supply & Specialty Gases, OCWA – Central New York’s Water Authority, and Ralph W. Earl. During these visits, students observe advanced manufacturing processes firsthand and learn how education connects directly to industry needs through demonstrations and interactions with employees.
BuildSubmarines.com serves as the Presenting Sponsor for MACNY’s Manufacturing Month activities. The organization acts as a national hub linking job seekers with training programs and career opportunities specific to submarine manufacturing and maintenance. Additional facility tours hosted by Mohawk Valley Community College, Worthington Steel, and Indium Corporation will take place later in October.
“These tours give students the unique opportunity to see modern manufacturing in action — from the equipment and processes to the people who make it all possible. For many, it’s their first time stepping inside a facility and envisioning themselves in a future career. Manufacturing Month allows us to connect education with industry in powerful ways, helping young people explore career options while strengthening our region’s workforce pipeline,” said Emily Langan, Manager of PEB.
MACNY is also partnering with United Way of Central New York for an event called MFG Connects: Your Community at Anheuser-Busch’s Tasting Room this week. The gathering will bring together manufacturers along with community partners to discuss workforce development issues within the region.
“From our beginning in 1917, United Way of Central New York has benefitted from the ardent support of local manufacturers,” said Meghann Sandak, Chief Development Officer for United Way of Central New York. “We are excited to work with MACNY, and grateful for the support of Anheuser-Busch, to gather and celebrate the essential role of manufacturers in supporting our thriving community.”
“MACNY’s celebration of Manufacturing Month is a reminder that collaboration can shape the future of our region’s workforce,” said Scott Walker, VP of Operations for INFICON Inc. “INFICON is proud to show students and teachers that today’s manufacturing is driven by innovation, precision, and advanced technology. Our cleanrooms are high-tech and dynamic; it’s exactly the kind of exposure that can spark interest in a manufacturing career.”
For more information about Manufacturing Month events or participating organizations visit www.macny.org/manufacturing-month.
