October marks Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, a time to highlight the immense value of the manufacturing industry to both the state and local economies. Manufacturing remains one of the largest industries in Minnesota, providing nearly 11% of the state's employment and contributing $56 billion annually to the economy. In Southwest Minnesota, this industry plays a critical role in sustaining communities, offering high-wage, high-skill jobs in a range of fields from engineering and management to precision machining and welding.
In celebration of Manufacturing Month, the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) organized in partnership with the Minnesota River Valley Career and Technical Education Collaborative (MRV CTEC) the Tour of Manufacturing 2024, bringing students from five area high schools to explore the inner workings of local manufacturers. This annual event, now in its fifth year, continues to be an eye-opening experience for young people and a valuable tool in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
Impactful Learning Experiences
Students from Montevideo, MACCRAY, Yellow Medicine East, Renville County West, and Lakeview High Schools had the opportunity to visit eight local manufacturing facilities, including Action Manufacturing in Marshall, Ametek and Chandler Industries in Montevideo, SpecSys. Fagen Fabrication and Granite Fluid Power Machining in Granite Falls, Warner Manufacturing in Sacred Heart, and Extreme Panel in Cottonwood.
During these tours, students witnessed firsthand how the manufacturing sector is driven by cutting-edge technology, innovation, and a commitment to quality. For example, students visiting Chandler Industries saw robots precisely crafting parts, while at SpecSys, they observed how a CAD drawing translates into large-scale, real-world products. Over at Warner Manufacturing, students had the opportunity to assemble paint cups, gaining a hands-on understanding of USA-made products.
Local manufacturers like Extreme Panel Technologies emphasized entrepreneurship and the opportunities available within rural communities. “We like to encourage entrepreneurship in small rural communities,” said Jodi Bofferding, CAO of Extreme Panel Technologies. “Extreme Panel is an example of a business idea that started in a farm shop and has grown into a successful manufacturing plant.”
Student Perspectives
Students attending the event also expressed why they felt these tours were so important. One student highlighted the benefits of staying local after higher education, saying, “Touring local manufacturing companies is important because once we go to college and come back, we know companies we can work at in our area.” Another student pointed out the connection between education and the real world: “This event helped us understand how everything we use is produced and designed.”
Bridging the Skills Gap
The Tour of Manufacturing event is about more than just visiting factories. It’s about helping students see the variety of careers in the industry—from engineering and accounting to welding and assembly. With high wages and abundant job openings, the manufacturing sector remains a critical part of Minnesota’s workforce needs. Many businesses participating in the tour promoted the idea that students can either enter these careers directly after high school or return home after completing a degree, where they can find ample opportunities.
Teachers attending the tour also emphasized the importance of exposing students to these real-world opportunities. Hailey Condon, a teacher from Renville County West, highlighted how events like these help bridge the skills gap. “Students gain insights into industry standards, technology advancements, and safety practices. Events like this can inspire students, help them make informed career choices, and bridge the skills gap in the manufacturing industry.”
A Community Effort
The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council’s Youth Career Connector, Kelly Rickert, has organized this event for four years. Each year, the event has grown in scope and impact. The Minnesota Manufactured Statewide Tour, supported by the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center for Excellence, helped to fund transportation costs for participating schools and provided safety glasses to ensure a smooth and safe tour experience.
As Manufacturing Month progresses, the PIC remains committed to showing young people that manufacturing is not just an industry of the past but one that is shaping the future with innovation, technology, and opportunities for lifelong careers.
To learn more about Manufacturing Month and it’s impact in southwest Minnesota and beyond, visit www.careerforcemn.com/industry/manufacturing
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