In October, hundreds of manufacturers across the country will participate in Manufacturing Day 2017 by hosting open houses, public tours, career workshops and other events.  Manufacturing Day was designed for anyone who is curious about modern-day manufacturing and who would like to know more about what happens in today’s manufacturing facilities.

For example, a few years ago, my kids and I visited The Sanvik Coromant US Headquarters – a metal cutting facility in Cypress, California.  It was fascinating to watch how they made modern day metal equipment such as surgical tools.

Furthermore, we learned that today’s manufacturing environments include highly trained, well-paid employees who work on state-of-the art equipment.  Manufacturing workers make on average $77,000 per year and have the highest job tenure in the private sector.

Southern California MFD 2017Events

In Southern California there are over 30 companies, schools and facilities hosting Manufacturing Day events.  Here are just a few of the many that I found.

Los Angeles MFD Events

Dynamic automation, Simi Valley (10/4 & 10/5 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Discussion of manufacturing workforce needs, career opportunities, and skill requirements, hosted in partnership with the Manufacturing Roundtable of Ventura County.  Learn about the changing skills needed for current opportunities in high-tech manufacturing and how to plan a skills development pathway to work toward a future of well-paying manufacturing jobs and careers.  Students will visit the site in assigned groups that are registered through their schools.

College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita (10/6 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm)

Edge Factor’s star and host, Jeremy Bout, will be hosting a panel discussion with representatives from a number of leading manufacturing and advanced technology companies in a range of industries (aerospace, biomedical devices, auto parts, etc.). Topics will include: jobs in today’s manufacturing world, skills required, career paths, and earnings potential. The panel will entertain questions from the audience, and a portion of the new documentary film will be shown.

FMI Aerostructures, Santa Clarita (10/7 @ 10:00 am)

FMI was established in 1987, it is woman owned, and privately owned. We specialize in complex machining for Military aircraft components and assembly.  Join us for a presentation and plant tour.

Hi Tech Precision, La Verne (10/7 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)

We are contract machine shop that uses raw materials like aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and steel in the form of metal bars, castings and forgings.  We machine from raw material into custom parts for our customers.  You will see multi-axis CNC Lathes and CNC Mills in operation and a short discussion on what we are doing.  We will be open for tours and a short presentation on what we do.

The Academy of Agriculture Engineering at Golden West High School, Visalia (10/7 @ 8:00 am)

The Academy of Agriculture Engineering at Golden West High School is designed for students to gain a hands-on learning experience focusing on the tenets of S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education conjunction with the FFA where students will gain Premier Leadership, Personal Growth, and Career Success.  Join us for a facility tour, manufacturing expo and presentation.

ACE Clearwater, Compton (10/17 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – invitation only)

ACE will be hosting MFGDAY for the fourth time this year, presenting “The Manufacturing Process from Conceptual Design to Final Assembly”. Fifteen work centers will showcase traditional, innovative and futuristic, state-of-the-art processes and technologies — including Computer-assisted Design Softwares, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Metal Forming, Robotics, CNC Precision Metalworking, Computer-driven Laser Cutting, 3D-Coordinate Measuring Systems, and an Interactive Welding Exhibit. We will also be demonstrating new Drone Technology, Specialized Raw Material Characteristics and LEAP Motion movement-tracking Interactive Software.  Students younger than 18 must be accompanied by a guardian or teacher.   Advance reservations required by calling 310-538-5380.

Advanex Americas, Inc., Cypress (10/7 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – invitation only)

We will be hosting 50 High School Juniors and Seniors who have expressed interest in the Engineering and Manufacturing fields. As a second year participant in the National Manufacturing Day events, we believe that making young people aware of the importance of US manufacturing is critical to the future of our industry. It is also important to let them know that there are interesting careers in the field and jobs in their local community. Advanex Americas, Inc. is a part of the Global Advanex Group; however, we have been in Southern California for 50 years and have a local part of the Cypress community for almost 25.

Bay Cities, Pico Rivera (10/7 @ 10 am)

For 60 years, Bay Cities has provided brands with their packaging and displays at a variety of retailers across the country. During the tour, you will learn how we design and manufacture point of purchase displays, in-store signage, and retail and industrial packaging for many of the products you see every day. Refreshments will be provided and fun will be had as you tour all 200,000 square feet of our manufacturing plant.  Please wear close-toed shoes.  Safety glasses will be provided.

Cerritos College, Norwalk (10/7 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)

During this open house attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Automotive, Plastics/Composites, Machine Tool Technology, Welding, Woodworking Manufacturing Technologies, Engineering Design, and New Product Development departments at Cerritos College.  Open to high school students, educators and professionals.

Baxalta (Shire), Thousand Oaks (10/6 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Discussion of manufacturing workforce needs, career opportunities, and skill requirements, hosted in partnership with the Manufacturing Roundtable of Ventura County. Manufacturing continues to face a critical skilled labor shortage. Learn about the changing skills needed for current opportunities in high-tech manufacturing and how to plan a skills development pathway to work toward a future of well-paying manufacturing jobs and careers. To register, contact your local high school teacher or counselor. Students will visit the site in assigned groups that are registered through their schools.

AMGEN, Thousand Oaks (10/7 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Discussion of manufacturing workforce needs, career opportunities, and skill requirements, hosted in partnership with the Manufacturing Roundtable of Ventura County.  Manufacturing continues to face a critical skilled labor shortage.  Learn about the changing skills needed for current opportunities in high-tech manufacturing and how to plan a skills development pathway to work toward a future of well-paying manufacturing jobs and careers.  To register, contact your local high school teacher or counselor.  Students will visit the site in assigned groups that are registered through their schools.

Architectural Woodworking Company, Monterey Park (10/7 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm)

Please join Architectural Woodworking Company, (AWC) a high-end commercial millwork shop located east of downtown Los Angeles for our MFG Day event. We are a 60,000+ square foot wood products manufacturing facility, with veneer, panel processing, assembly-trim, finishing and shipping departments. Tours of the shop will be provided, and an opportunity to meet some of our key vendors, such as Sherwin Williams, OneSource Distribution (3M adhesives), Royal Plywood, Hafele (hardware), Colonial Saw (tools and machinery) and others. Appropriate dress: no open-toed shoes.

Orange County MFD Events

Association for Manufacturing Excellence, Irvine (10/5 & 10/6 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm)

This AME West Region event features 4 companies that are demonstrating how to deploy and sustain lean and enterprise excellence at their sites.  This is a hands-on tour of 4 sites.

What You Will See:

• At Alcon (a Novartis company) in Irvine, you will see cellular manufacturing, Kanban pull systems, one piece flow and more
• At Fender Musical Instruments you will observe daily Kaizen, one item flow, Kanban and Jidoka (autonomation) and much more
• Nordson-Asymtek will highlight teams and people engagement, Gemba walk, leader standard work, flow lines, pull systems, plus more.
• DJO Global will feature self-directed work teams, one piece flow, visual controls, Kanban, operated-based TPM and much more.

Fullerton College, Fullerton (10/7)

High School students will tour classrooms and labs for some of Fullerton College’s most promising Advanced Manufacturing programs.

The Coalition for a Prosperous America, Aliso Viejo (10/13 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Southern California Manufacturing summit featuring national speakers, Ian Fletcher, Dr. Greg Autry, Michael Stumo, and Michele Nash-Hoff.  The purpose of the event is to learn and discuss how Southern California’s advantages can be used to re-grow manufacturing to create good paying jobs through smarter policies on trade, taxes, and the economy.  Business attire or casual business attire if appropriate.  It would be of interest to both educators and students.

Inland Empire MFD Events

Brenner-Fielder, Riverside (10/7 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm)

Brenner-Fielder is a premier Automation & Pneumatic provider for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users.  We will be providing students with the opportunity to see manufacturing in action. From panel building to robot planning, our fun filled Manufacturing day tour will encourage students to learn more and pursue this field.  Please wear closed toed shoes and bring your openness for adventure.

DeVoll Rubber, San Bernardino (10/7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Showcasing DeVoll Rubber’s manufacturing space and capabilities, as well as the diversity of local business here in the High Desert area.   The event will inform attendees on what modern manufacturing is as well as what opportunities exist through local business.  Close-toed shoes will be required. Safety glasses will be provided.

San Diego MFD Events

General Engineering and Research, San Diego (10/3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

General Engineering and Research is focused on advancing functionalized nanoparticle ideas and products.  Join us for a factory tour.

CACT at San Diego City College, San Diego (10/3 @ 12:30 pm – invitation only)

Machine Technology Tour for High School Students.  The mission of CACT is to advance global competitiveness and innovation for advanced technology companies in California through responsive workforce training and technology consulting services.

CACT at San Diego City College, San Diego (10/3 @ 12:30 pm – invitation only)

Manufacturing Engineering Technology’s STEM Guitar Building Program High School Tour.  The mission of CACT is to advance global competitiveness and innovation for advanced technology companies in California through responsive workforce training and technology consulting services.

GMS Industrial Supply, Inc., National City (10/4, 10/5 & 10/6 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)

GMS Industrial Supply, Inc., a SBA certified, Small Woman and Minority (SWaM) company, has been a major supplier of green cleaning and maintenance products.  Join us for a facility tour.

Dr. Bonner’s, Vista (10/6 @ 9:30 am)

Join us and get a behind the scenes tour of Dr. Bronner’s and see where all the magic happens!  Family Owned and Run, Natural Product Pioneers. 5 Generations of Soapmaking Excellence. Dr. Bronner’s continues its mission and commitment to building an engine for promoting and advancing positive social change.  Join us and get a behind the scenes tour of Dr. Bronner’s and see where all the magic happens!  Visitors must be at 18 years old and must wear close toe shoes during the tour.

Carlsbad Tech, Carlsbad (10/6 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 am & 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm)

Carlsbad Tech will host, two tours of our manufacturing building including an introduction to Carlsbad Tech as a company.  We would like to invite our current and prospective customers, suppliers and current enrolled College Students to attend.  Must be 18 years of age or older.  No photography.

CACT at San Diego City College, San Diego (10/7 @ 12:30 pm)

Manufacturing Engineering Technology’s STEM Guitar Building Program High School Tour.  The mission of CACT is to advance global competitiveness and innovation for advanced technology companies in California through responsive workforce training and technology consulting services.

Federal Heath Visual Communication, Oceanside (10/7 @ 1:30 pm)

A leader in the industry, Federal Heath offers innovative, comprehensive and consistent solutions to sign product and service requirements to exceed customer requirements and satisfaction.  Come join us for a factory tour.

Chuao Chocolatier, Carlsbad (10/7 @ 11:00 am – 1:30 pm)

Chuao Chocolatier, named a Top 10 Chocolatier in North America by Dessert Professional Magazine, was founded in San Diego in 2002.  Be among the first to get a sneak peak of our brand new sweet JOY factory, not yet open to the public.  You’ll receive a behind the scenes tour of our facility- and maybe even a taste of our internally award winning confections!  Please wear closed toe shoes, no jewelry and a (provided) hair net to join the tour.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals Facility Tour, San Diego (10/18 @ 10 am – 3 pm)

Join us for the Latest Technologies and Equipment on Display at the 2016 San Diego Test Equipment Showcase to network with leading test and measurement equipment manufacturers, exhibiting their latest technologies. This is your opportunity to meet industry professionals who have developed equipment with your needs in mind. Get a first-hand look at the technology used in labs and in the field.  See demos’, discussions and topics, company tour and more.  Lunch provided.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals Manufacturing Expo, San Diego (10/18 @ 10 am – 3 pm)

Excited to meet industry professionals that developed the test equipment you use? Or are you a manufacturer interested in showcasing your products?  Get a first-hand look at the latest technology used in the labs and out in the field from over 25 test equipment manufacturers.  Plus experience product demos, training, procurement and rental opportunities, networking, and more!  Sign up for the for the San Diego Test Equipment Showcase event today by registering at www.sdtes.org.

Santa Barbara MFD Events

Haas Automation, Inc., Oxnard (10/3 – 10/6 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm)

Gene Haas founded Haas Automation, Inc., in 1983 to manufacture economical and reliable machine tools.  Join us for a discussion of manufacturing workforce needs, career opportunities, and skill requirements, hosted in partnership with the Manufacturing Roundtable of Ventura County.

Freedom Photonics LLC, Goleta (10/7 @ 3:30 – 5:00 pm)

They will be offering a facility tour and laser demonstration.  Must be in junior high or older and a US citizen/resident to attend.  ID required.

UCSB Nanofabrication Facility (Cleanroom), Santa Barbara (10/6 @ 3:30 – 5:00 pm)

A tour of the UCSB Nanofabrication Facility, led by women who work in and use the facility at their respective companies and research groups.  Grade 6 and up.  Open to the public.

Applied Powercoat, Oxnard (10/3 – 10/6 @ 9:30 – 10:30 am)

Discussion of manufacturing workforce needs, career opportunities, and skill requirements, hosted in partnership with the Manufacturing Roundtable of Ventura County.  Manufacturing continues to face a critical skilled labor shortage. Learn about the changing skills needed for current opportunities in high-tech manufacturing and how to plan a skills development pathway to work toward a future of well-paying manufacturing jobs and careers. To register, contact your local high school teacher or counselor.  Students will visit the site in assigned groups that are registered through their schools.  Invitation only.

I hope you get a chance to take your children to one of these outstanding educational events in support of Manufacturing Day!

Happy Field Tripping!

Jilleen