SANFORD, N.C. -- The first Friday of October is the annual date set to celebrate manufacturing and its impact with the recognition of National Manufacturing Day, which provides an opportunity to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, positively shift perceptions about the industry, and build the foundation for the manufacturing workforce of the future.

Central Carolina Community College hosted its Manufacturing Day event on Oct. 6th at the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing & Biotech Solutions Center where regional companies showcased the diverse career opportunities in manufacturing. The event strives to raise awareness and excitement around manufacturing careers for students, educators, parents, influencers, and community leaders.

The 30-plus companies present at the annual showcase ranged across the manufacturing spectrum from robotics and lasers to textiles and heavy equipment, with all providing a glimpse into what they make and how it is done.

Local companies included Boon Edam, whose table was highlighted with videos demonstrating the array of technologically advanced security doors, turnstiles and various entry systems. Bharat Forge Aluminum USA displayed many of its locally manufactured aluminum forged components that support its global automotive OEM and Tier 1 suppliers. Mertek Solutions showed why its president, Jerry Pedley, is known as "Mr. Robot" with a demonstration robot on-site and a number of the things made with the solutions developed at Mertek.

VinFast, which announced last year it will build a car plant in Moncure, had one of its vehicles on exhibit, a white, electric SUV that drew crowds from the attendees who had an opportunity to experience the new electric vehicle coming to the area. Caterpillar brought two of its compact construction loaders and helped students step into the driver's seat to consider the possibilities. Caterpillar representatives answered questions about how the equipment is used and how it is made in Sanford, N.C.

Pedley was one of the trailblazers when the entire idea of Manufacturing Day launched with the Manufacturing Institute more than a decade ago. Pedley says he's stunned by how this particular event has evolved and grown, even with a long hiatus during the recent pandemic. "For the first Manufacturing Day, we had a small event at our facility and then it grew to 600 kids from five counties. That was all we could do, and we always wondered what's going to be next," he said. "I can't believe how it's developed. I'm so proud of the community college, the people who work here and what they've done. It's the most amazing event ever."

Central Carolina Community College provided information at tables around the perimeter where high school students and the community could learn about educational pathways into manufacturing. Program areas included lasers & photonics, biotechnology, automotive, machining, industrial systems, business administration, and engineering, along with welding. The CCCC welding area was busy all day long with college students holding a welding demonstration and a collaboration with Transfr, Inc. where students were able to have a virtual experience with several types of skills and jobs.

That kind of interest is what everyone was hoping for -- not only the college, but also company officials who spent the day introducing young people to the idea of manufacturing. Two leaders from Boon Edam traveled from Lillington to meet students at Manufacturing Day. Tonya Parker, the company's Human Resources Director, said that a lot of students don't really understand what happens in manufacturing. They know that you make something, but they don't really know what happens inside the factory.

With more than 800 attendees - including over 500 students from schools in four counties, this was an ideal chance to show everyone how manufacturing works and what kind of career opportunities are available.

Boon Edam Plant Manager Eric White, who also made the trip up U.S. 421 for Manufacturing Day, says ongoing changes in the national economy have made manufacturing and events like these more important than ever. He noted that some years ago, we communicated as a nation that we were no longer a manufacturing country, that we were more service oriented, and we moved a lot of our manufacturing overseas. "We know that has come full circle, where we're now moving back towards manufacturing and making things here," he said.

"I think there was a gap. There were some things that were lost when we made that decision and now we're kind of moving back towards manufacturing in the United States. So, I think this is an opportunity to close that gap and help the kids know that you can have a great career in manufacturing."

Many of them are listening. Not long before lunch, a large group from Northwood High School in Pittsboro was watching three robots in motion along a table manned by Motion Ai, a company that distributes automation products and assembles robots for companies across the United States.

One of them was Jackson Whitehead, a senior who boarded one of the two packed school buses to learn more about robotics and architecture. "Building stuff is what I love to do," he said, so manufacturing could be where his career is headed. Though he was just getting started at Manufacturing Day, Whitehead was already impressed with the robots, the lights and pretty much everything else around him. So, what was his agenda for the rest of the day? "Check out everything I can," he said. "See everything I can see in the time that I have."

While the focus is squarely on students, Manufacturing Day also is something many companies use to make contacts and keep in touch. Last year, Pedley ran into his good friend Hayden Ireland from Electric Supply and Equipment Co. and enjoyed some time sharing stories and insights about the direction their industry is taking. This year, Pedley was again looking forward to getting out from behind the table and meeting folks himself.

"I have customers in these other booths, and I have potential customers in these other booths, so it's a great networking event just for us manufacturers to see each other," he said. "We don't get together enough."

That's the kind of student and employer reaction Patricia Anderson was hoping for while planning this year's event. As the CCCC Executive Director for Industry Services, Anderson wanted Manufacturing Day to be a fun and engaging event for everyone. Companies showcase the diverse career opportunities in manufacturing. Students learn that manufacturing careers offer high pay, professional growth and the chance to impact the world. And the college showcases pathways to good, lucrative jobs. "This event is a win-win," she said. "It helps our communities and future generations thrive."

A big thanks to the industries that participated in the successful Manufacturing Day event: 3DFS; AD Tubi USA, Inc.; Arauco North America-Moncure; Armtec Defense Technologies; Astellas Gene Therapies; Bear Creek Arsenal; Bharat Forge Aluminum USA, Inc.; Boon Edam Inc.; Bulldog Hose Company; Caterpillar Inc.; Coty; CTI Systems; Edelbrock; Electric Supply and Equipment; Gildan; GKN Automotive; JMC Tool & Machine; Mertek Solutions Inc.; Moen; Morgan Advanced Materials; Motion AI; Mountaire Farms; Pentair; Pfizer; Pilgrim's Pride; STI Polymer; Transfr Inc.; Triangle Brick Company; True House North Carolina; VinFast and Wolfspeed.

Learn more about Central Carolina Community College by visiting www.cccc.edu.