LITTLE ROCK – October 7, 2022, is National Manufacturing Day, and manufacturers throughout the state are partnering with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Division to celebrate all month with tours of local facilities, community and employee training seminars, and chamber of commerce events.
“Manufacturing is vital to our state’s economic health,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “According to the National Association of Manufacturers, about 148,000 Arkansans are working in manufacturing jobs with a total output of more than $19 billion. Yet, we need more workers to fill necessary job openings. I want to commend community leaders for recognizing the value of their manufacturers and thank the companies for opening their doors so that students and members of the community can learn more about products made in their own back yards.”
National Manufacturing Day, an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, is held each year on the first Friday in October to showcase modern manufacturing and the impact that industry has on local economies. During the day, and throughout the month, local manufacturers are encouraged to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and members of the community to promote local companies and the benefits of manufacturing careers. According to the Manufacturing Institute, more than 4 million high-skilled, high-tech, and high-paying jobs will need to be filled in the United States over the next decade.
Several manufacturers across the state are participating in Manufacturing Day activities, including Power Technology Inc., Rockline Industries, Tyson Foods, Potlach-Deltic, Grandeur Fasteners, ConAgra, Americold, KOPCO, Owens Corning, HSM Solutions, Pernod Ricard, ABB, QualServ, and Graphic Packaging. Communities such as Benton, Fort Smith, Russellville, Springdale, and Clark County are participating, as well. Programs for students are being held throughout the state and include a career exploration fair sponsored by the Clark County Workforce Training Group, the Fort Smith iCan Career Expo, a Women in Manufacturing program for eighth graders, a trade and industry education day at Springdale’s Don Tyson School of Innovation, and more.
For information about events and participating manufacturers in your area, contact your local chamber of commerce.
