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7,200 Michigan students to learn about modern manufacturing

More than 7,200 students from across Michigan will get a first-hand look at modern manufacturing thanks to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, which is supporting multiple initiatives in recognition of Manufacturing Day, Oct. 6, 2017.

“Manufacturing Day activities enable us to shine the spotlight on an industry that accounts for the largest sector of the Michigan economy, with 21 percent of the total output in the state and 14 percent of the workforce,” said Mike Coast, president of the center.

In southeast Michigan, the center’s involvement includes working with the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Schoolcraft College to enable 560 students, teachers, and chaperones to tour six manufacturers. The center also is supporting the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association and a dozen manufacturing facilities that will open their doors to 500 students.

It is sponsoring 1,300 students in southwest Michigan, where 30 manufacturers will display interactive exhibits in two locations. And in Grand Rapids, the center is supporting “Discover Manufacturing,” a partnership event among Michigan Works!, community colleges, higher education institutions, and economic developers that will attract 4,000 students and more than 150 manufacturers.

Across a five-county region in the northern Lower Peninsula, the center will host 805 students from 16 schools as they tour 33 manufacturing facilities. Additionally, two dozen students in the Upper Peninsula will visit Ironwood Plastic to see how robots are used in manufacturing and then tour Jacquart Fabrics, which features industrial sewing machines.