Workforce

MFG Day 2020 looked a little different from last year, as the events celebrating modern manufacturing happened online instead of in person. But even amid the pandemic, there was a widespread outpouring of support for manufacturing, including from many policymakers. Here are some highlights, and a look at what’s next.

Bipartisan celebrations: The White House issued a proclamation on Thursday night designating Oct. 2 as National Manufacturing Day, while at least 28 governors and leading members of Congress marked the occasion by proclamation or on social media.

Illinois manufacturers have a proud history of ingenuity, innovation and resilience. And, despite the extraordinary challenges presented by COVID-19, they continue to persevere by adapting operations and offering life-saving solutions to this crisis. https://t.co/5Vg9gbzpr1

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 2, 2020

On #NationalManufacturingDay, we celebrate the more than 4,000 manufacturers who call Maryland home. Their incredible innovation and creativity have been on display more than ever this year, and we are grateful for their many contributions to our state & to our nation. #MFGDay20 pic.twitter.com/m2pPhGFseE

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 2, 2020

On National Manufacturing Day, we celebrate one of Ohio's most important industries, and the innovation and skill of manufacturing workers everywhere. #MFGDay20 pic.twitter.com/9AJfLEmeSC

— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) October 2, 2020

Hoosier manufacturers lead the world in innovation and growth. On #MFGDay20 we celebrate all the workers and job creators who build high-quality, made-in-America products that drive our economy forward. @MfgDay @TheMfgInstitute @ShopFloorNAM #CreatorsWanted pic.twitter.com/ubxPiKKvVZ

— Jackie Walorski (@RepWalorski) October 2, 2020

Virtual shop floor tours: Meanwhile, hundreds of manufacturers—in 49 states—invited students to “tour” their facilities via virtual events.

Proud to join our industry today to recognize the importance of modern manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent nationwide. https://t.co/IOQMCwnCcV #CreatorsWanted @TheMFGInstitute @ShopfloorNAM #MFGDAY20

— Caglayan Arkan (@Caglayan_Arkan) October 2, 2020

PTC is bringing #MFGDay2020 to life (and virtually, of course). Learn how we’re celebrating the next generation of #manufacturers.

[@MfgDay]

— PTC (@PTC) October 2, 2020

Modern day #manufacturing has evolved tremendously and I’m proud we were able to offer a glimpse of it to students nationwide who joined @SchneiderElec's virtual manufacturing tour and panel discussion as part of today’s @ShopFloorNAM's #MFGDAY2020 event. #creatorswanted pic.twitter.com/rpMrRKLGtA

— Annette Clayton (@AClaytonBoard) October 2, 2020

News coverage: MFG Day was also covered by traditional publications. Watch NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons on Yahoo! Finance discussing MFG Day and the need to practice safe social behaviors to combat COVID-19. And read two op-eds by Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee on the importance of MFG Day, in the Indianapolis Star and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Still more to come: Be sure to join us on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 12:00 p.m. EDT for another flagship event (presented by Walmart) on how manufacturers are stepping up in response to COVID-19. You can also find more events throughout October on CreatorsWanted.org.

And don’t forget to share your own celebrations of manufacturing by using the hashtags #MFGDay20 and #CreatorsWanted on social media.