LAWRENCE COUNTY—National Manufacturing Day will be celebrated in Lawrence County this Friday, October 3rd, with a massive collaborative effort involving local schools, manufacturers, and economic development partners.
Nearly 400 students from North Lawrence Community Schools and Mitchell Community Schools will participate in the event, which aims to highlight career opportunities and the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the modern manufacturing sector.
The event, sponsored by the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, is recognized officially by local governments, with Lawrence County, the City of Bedford, and the City of Mitchell all issuing proclamations declaring October 3rd as Manufacturing Day.
Manufacturing: A Local Economic Powerhouse
Manufacturing plays a crucial role in the local economy. In Lawrence County, the industry:
- Employs over 3,000 workers.
- Accounts for 14% of the total workforce.
- It is responsible for 25% of the total wage distribution.
Hands-On Learning for 8th Graders
A significant component of the day will involve hands-on activities for 8th graders. Students will begin the day by visiting two local manufacturers to see real-world production in action.
Following the tours, students will head to the Boys & Girls Club to engage in a hands-on STEM challenge: building hydraulic claw kits.
“Through this hands-on activity, students will learn how fluid power and engineering principles are used in real-world manufacturing and robotics,” Joe Timbrook, Director of Career Development at the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council stated. “As they assemble, test, and adjust their claw designs, they will discover how creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills all come together to power the modern manufacturing industry.”
Community Partners
The success of the collaborative Manufacturing Day is made possible by the support of numerous local partners. The sponsors and participants include:
- Manufacturing Companies: CAP Group, Heidelberg Materials, Rogers Group, Whitney Tool, Stone City Products, PRD, SAMCO, Bedford Machine & Tool, IN-FAB, WF Meyers, D&M Tool, and TRISTAR.
- Support Organizations: Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, Fastenal, and Ivy Tech.
For more information about Manufacturing Day activities, contact Joe Timbrook, Director of Career Development at the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council, at 812-275-4493 or joe@lawrencecountygrowth.com.
