MFGDay Manufacturing Institute

Each year, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is held on the first Friday in October to show future workers, parents, and those with an interest in making things what modern manufacturing is all about. The fourth industrial revolution is rapidly changing our world. New advanced manufacturing technologies bring about whole new careers, requiring a skilled workforce interested in pursuing them. From technicians to bioengineers, to data analysts, robotics specialists, and all of the operations in between, there is a place for everyone in manufacturing!

Together with the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute, MEP Centers, and federal agency partners, the Manufacturing USA network celebrates the manufacturers who make the products that keep us safe, enrich our lives, strengthen our economic and national security, and provide countless opportunities for our communities and workforce. Host or find an event and get involved. #MFGDay25

Resources

MFG Day Marketing Toolkit

Tips for Hosting an Event

Raise Awareness 

Career Pathways

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Modern Makers: Careers That Make an Impact
Modern Makers: Careers That Make an Impact
Graphic say: "Modern Makers: Meet the modern makers who help power the manufacturing usa ecosystem." With photos of Adonis Summerville (Black male wearing safety glasses) and Maria Araujo (woman with long blonde hair wearing a blazer). Click to learn more.

Demystifying Careers in Advanced Manufacturing

Have you explored the world of advanced manufacturing? It’s time to challenge outdated perceptions. The Manufacturing USA network, in partnership with NextFlex and NIST, hosted a discussion to dispel common myths about manufacturing, such as it being dirty, unskilled, or limited to assembly line work. Our moderator, Dr. Brad Conrad, leads an insightful conversation tackling these misconceptions and highlights why modern manufacturing is an innovative, high-tech career path offering competitive wages and opportunities for everyone.

Learn how advanced manufacturing can be a rewarding career choice!

Panelists include:

  • Ms. Courtney Power is the Deputy Director of Workforce Development at NextFlex
  • Dr. Courtney Taylor is the Executive Director of Mississippi’s Office of Workforce Development, Accelerate MS
  • Dr. John D. Williams describes his job as the lead engineer and co-developer of a research and development (R&D) team at The Boeing Company
  • Dr. Christina Jones is a Partnerships and Outreach Strategist in the Office of Advanced Manufacturing, NIST
Demystifying Careers in Advanced Manufacturing
Demystifying Careers in Advanced Manufacturing

News

Go to A Customized Robotics Solution for Kenson Plastics

A Customized Robotics Solution for Kenson Plastics

| ARM
Kenson Plastics is a family-owned business that has been manufacturing and assembling custom-made, precision pressure-formed plastics since 1972. You’re likely familiar with their work because they... Read More
ARM Institute
Go to Meet ARM Champion Glenn Saunders

Meet ARM Champion Glenn Saunders

| ARM
The ARM Institute Champion program recognizes ARM Institute Members who have gone above and beyond the call of membership to strengthen US manufacturing through robotics, physical AI, and workforce... Read More
ARM Champion Glenn Saunders
Go to Workshop Recording: Robotic Machine Tending

Workshop Recording: Robotic Machine Tending

| ARM
In collaboration with ARM Member Catalyst Connection and through the ARM Institute’s Robotics Manufacturing Hub, we recently hosted a free, hybrid workshop exploring robotic machine tending for... Read More
ARM Workshop Robotics Machine Tending
Go to Innovating Together: Manufacturing USA at TechConnect

Innovating Together: Manufacturing USA at TechConnect

| AFFOA
We often say that Manufacturing USA helps bridge the “valley of death” between innovation and commercialization, supporting the domestic production of new products and ideas. This year, the network... Read More
Zara Brunner from NIST interacts with an attendee at the Manufacturing USA booth at TechConnect.
Go to Five Questions with Titan Robotics

Five Questions with Titan Robotics

| ARM
ARM Institute Members vary in their focus areas, sizes, and history, but one common thread unites each organization: a drive to build the future of US manufacturing. Each of member organization... Read More
Arm Institute-Titan Robotics
Go to Manufacturing USA Releases its 2025 Annual Report

Manufacturing USA Releases its 2025 Annual Report

| AFFOA
Manufacturing USA continues to pursue its mission of strengthening U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology to solve industry-relevant challenges... Read More
Cover of 2025 Annual Report. Center graphic is map of the United States with institute logos.
Go to ARM Institute Announces Appointment of Misty Dawson as Chief Technology Officer

ARM Institute Announces Appointment of Misty Dawson as Chief Technology Officer

| ARM
The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Misty Dawson as Chief Technology Officer effective March 16, 2026. Her appointment follows Dr. Chuck... Read More
ARM Chief Technology Officer-Misty Dawson
Go to ARM Institute Project Highlight: AI-Enabled Mobile Multi-Use Robot (MMUR) Defastening

ARM Institute Project Highlight: AI-Enabled Mobile Multi-Use Robot (MMUR) Defastening

| ARM
Background Funding for this project was provided through the ARM Institute by the Air Force as a Directed Project Call. Directed ARM Institute Project Calls enable the Department of Defense/War to... Read More
ARM Institute MMUR
Go to Meet ARM Champion Jared Glover

Meet ARM Champion Jared Glover

| ARM
The ARM Institute Champion program recognizes ARM Institute Members who have gone above and beyond the call of membership to strengthen US manufacturing through robotics, physical AI, and workforce... Read More
ARM Champion Jared Glover
Go to ARM Institute Issues New Education/Workforce Project Call

ARM Institute Issues New Education/Workforce Project Call

| ARM
This week, the ARM Institute released our new Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Project Call that allows ARM Institute Members to apply for and undergo the ARM Endorsement evaluation process for... Read More
ARM Institute EWD Project Call
Go to ARM Institute Funds New Robotics & AI Projects to Advance and Grow US Manufacturing Innovation

ARM Institute Funds New Robotics & AI Projects to Advance and Grow US Manufacturing Innovation

| ARM
The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is proud to announce the project selections from the institute’s 25-01 Core Technology Project Call issued earlier this year. This Technology... Read More
ARM Institute Press Release Graphic
Go to 2025 Year in Review

2025 Year in Review

| ARM
In 2025, the ARM Institute marched into its eighth year of operations armed with 470+ member organizations and thousands of subject matter experts spanning industry, government, and academia ready to... Read More
ARM Institute

 

Unlocking Opportunities: The New Frontier of U.S. Manufacturing Careers
Unlocking Opportunities: The New Frontier of U.S. Manufacturing Careers
Manufacturing USA: De-Risking Tech Startups
Manufacturing USA: De-Risking Tech Startups