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Manufacturing Day, which took place on October 4 this month, was the industry’s opportunity to raise awareness for marine manufacturing in the U.S., and the industry delivered! Several NMMA members hosted Manufacturing Day events nationwide, engaging local leaders and decision makers, students, job seekers, and communities. One member even held the opening of its expanded facility to coincide with Manufacturing Day! Read on for some of the highlights from #mfgday19.

SureShade (Philadelphia, PA) held the official opening of its new 11,000 square foot headquarters and factory facility, celebrated with employees, partners, Philadelphia City and PA State Officials. The opening included a full factory tour and overview of the manufacturing process of their sunshade systems for marine and RV.

Officials taking part in SureShade’s Manufacturing Day festivities included keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA District 2), PA State Representative Michael Driscoll (173rd district), PA State Representative Joe Hohenstein (177th district), Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon (6th district and founding member of Philadelphia’s Manufacturing Growth Task Force), Philadelphia Councilmember-at-Large Allan Domb and Philadelphia Director of Commerce Harold Epps, also a founding member of the Manufacturing Growth Task Force.

Volvo Penta of the Americas (Chesapeake, VA) celebrated Manufacturing Day by hosting a group of students from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. The event was held in collaboration with the REECH Foundation, as part of an ongoing partnership aimed at promoting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia where Volvo Penta is based. The agenda focused on introducing high school students to opportunities within the manufacturing industry and provided a comprehensive overview of the work Volvo Penta does right in their own backyard.

Premier Marine (Wyoming, MN) partnered with other area manufacturing facilities and provided tours and a career fair for numerous schools in the area. The company had approximately 150 students participate in the event, which included tours of the facilities led by the engineering team and the career fair, attended by both students and local job seekers.

Premier Marine’s Manufacturing Day was also visited by Senator Mark Koran and Congressman Pete Stauber. The highlight of the day for Premier Marine was awarding a Manufacturing Day Scholarship to a local high school senior.

Basscat/Yar-Craft Boats (Mountain Home, Arkansas) welcomed students from three area high schools to tour the facilities, participate in a Q&A and learn about careers in marine manufacturing.

Centurion and Supreme Boats (Merced, CA) partnered with the Merced County Office of Education to bring local high school students to the factory, providing them an opportunity to see the types of jobs that exist in marine manufacturing and also allow them to see firsthand how the boats are built.

Nautique Boat Company (Orlando, FL) partnered up with Manufacturers Association of Central Florida to bring Lake Tohopekaliga High School students to the Nautique factory for an in-depth tour, presentation, and more.

NMMA encourages all members to support our industry’s importance to the U.S. economy and offer similar opportunities during Manufacturing Day in 2020. And, be sure to share your stories with us! Did we miss your 2019 Manufacturing Day event? If so, contact Sarah Salvatori, [email protected].