wongwean/Shutterstock.com
CTE News
Manufacturing Day Events Held Amid Ongoing Pandemic
H
eld annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders. As manufacturers seek to fill 4 million high-skill, high-tech and Right: 8th grader John Todd working with teammate 6th grader Eric Higgins at a Robotics League event to corral and score as many yellow balls in the center goal as possible, six points for in the basket and two for around it. Below: 8th graders Sebastian Quintero and Joshua Jacobson are working with 7th grade teammate Tryce Aviles on their robot, Charlie. Their robot is unique and they have 2 flyways that they power up to launch the ball into the goal in order to go for the 6-point shot.
60 | SPRINGS | Winter 2022
high-paying jobs over the next decade, MFG Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive. The 2021 MFG Day also included a strong emphasis on engaging digital and virtual events throughout the country. Here are some of the events held by spring manufacturers in 2021.
Newcomb Spring
Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is an important event for Newcomb Spring Corp at many of its manufacturing facilities. Newcomb has done many different activities over the years to engage its community and local schools. “Newcomb has had open door events for our community to learn about manufacturing. We have had middle and high school students in our facility for tours, and we have participated in going to schools to talk about the types of jobs that are available in a manufacturing environment,” said Don Jacobson III of Newcomb Spring, who also serves as SMI’s secretary/treasurer. “Our favorite activity every summer is being part of the STEP-UP program in Chattanooga and bringing in high school students to learn about manufacturing though paid internships.” In 2021, Newcomb took it a step further at its Tennessee location by volunteering to support an entire robotics program at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga. This is the school’s first year in the program and Jacobson reports that the students are very excited and eager to be part of something hands on and fun. “The Vex IQ program allows students to solve complex engineering tasks with teamwork, creativity, and problems solving,” explained Jacobson. “Best of all, the students get to build and rebuild robots throughout the year. These robots are both driven by team members and are programmed to run autonomously during skills competitions. This is a great program that Newcomb is excited to partner
