Press release from the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board:
In celebration of Manufacturing Week 2019, Thermo Fisher Scientific, in partnership with Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe, and Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, hosted over 200 people, including elected officials, manufacturing employers, workforce development professionals, educators, and students for MFG Day 2019 as part of an effort to highlight modern manufacturing — a vibrant and growing industry that offers diverse, high-paying career opportunities. Hundreds of students and educators from five public school systems in the region, as well as manufacturing employers and workforce partners toured many manufacturing employers in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania during MFG Week, which was Sept. 30-Oct. 4, 2019. On Friday, Oct. 4, the MFG Day event celebrated the positive impact the manufacturing sector has on our local communities. For example, our region is home to a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing sector that employs over 20,000 people with an average wage exceeding $53,000 per year. Over the last 5 years, the Asheville MSA has led the top 10 most populous metros in the state in % GDP growth, as well as percentage growth in manufacturing job creation. The manufacturing sector has been a top sector for job growth in the region adding 1,500 jobs in the past year. The MFG Day event showcased tours of the Thermo Fisher Scientific facility, remarks from Keith Howell, Asheville Site Director for Thermo Fisher Scientific and a panel discussion with several Thermo Fisher Scientific employees about working in modern manufacturing. MFG Day, an annual national event held in communities across the country, is supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents and community members at open houses, plant tours and more to change perceptions of manufacturing and highlight the high-tech and innovative companies that are solving tomorrow’s challenges today.
“Today’s event, and the larger MFG Day initiative, allows manufacturing companies like ours to showcase what manufacturing is really about, in addition to the wide range of employment opportunities available to our local work force,” said Michael Meguiar, Vice President of Global Operations with Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We are proud to highlight the innovative work we are doing in Asheville, NC and hope our event today inspires the next generation of workforce talent to pursue a rewarding career in manufacturing.”
First held in 2012 by its founder, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, MFG Day is now organized by The Manufacturing Institute—the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers. The kick-off events around the country and month-long initiative gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gaps they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. Learn more about MFG Day and the significant impact this event has across the nation here.
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