The Significance of a
National Manufacturing Month Observance
Encouraging Attendance at MFG Day and MFG Month Events
Celebrated on the first Friday in October, MFG Day (“Manufacturing Day”), organized nationally by the Manufacturing Institute, is manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation, positively shift perceptions about the manufacturing industry, and educate and inspire the manufacturing workforce of the future.
NC State University Industry Extension Services is the extension and outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering and administers the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program for the state of North Carolina through the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership network. Industry Extension Services works with manufacturers across North Carolina to provide resources, tools, and connections to industry experts to help manufacturing businesses grow, prosper and increase the state’s economic development.
Because Industry Extension Services’ mission is to support small to medium-sized manufacturers, MFG Day events have extended throughout the entire month and October is now recognized as Manufacturing Month. These events bring manufacturers together to address collective challenges and help their communities and future generations thrive. Amid record job openings in manufacturing, supporting these collective efforts is more important than ever.
Attend a Manufacturing Month Event to support the North Carolina manufacturing industry!
Dell Technologies
Friday, October 2, 2026
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (open to public)
Tours of facility: Registration required:
https://forms.gle/ym783NGvpANo5c5W8
Closed-toe shoes required
5800 Technology Drive, Apex, NC 27539
About Dell Technologies/About Dell Apex /About the event:
Dell Technologies offers a complete portfolio that spans high‑performance AI servers, enterprise storage, and networking, as well as premium laptops, workstations, and gaming machines. Product families include Dell Pro Premium laptops, Alienware gaming systems, Dell Rugged Extreme devices, Dell Pro Precision workstations, and a full range of monitors, docks, accessories, and services backed by comprehensive support.
Dell Apex is part of Storage and Solutions (S&S) within Dell Global Operations. Dell Apex is one of three S&S facilities – the others are in Franklin, MA and Cork, Ireland. We assemble and test high-end storage solutions within our 388,000 sqft. facility in beautiful Apex, NC.
The Dell Apex manufacturing facility has been supporting this event for 8 years. As one of 3000+ plus sites around the country, the facility opens its doors to local educators, policymakers, customers, and residents. We showcase our facility through Mfg floor tours, interactive demonstration tables, and community and culture exhibits that share Dell Technologies’ Culture Code with the public.
Central Carolina Community College
Friday, October 2, 2026
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (open to public)
Register to attend by September 15
https://apply.cccc.edu/register/2026MFGDAY
2101 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330
About Dell Technologies/About Dell Apex /About the event:
Central Carolina Community College has courses and programs that fit your schedule and your goals. In-person and online programs are available with expert faculty and instructors across three campuses and specialized facilities throughout Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties.
To celebrate National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), CCCC hosts an annual Manufacturing Day Industry Showcase on the first Friday of October. This event is held at the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center. Manufacturing-related companies from our three-county service area, as well as faculty and department chairs from CCCC’s manufacturing-related programs, are onsite to showcase their products and programs.
Get ready to explore the exciting world of our local manufacturing industry! MFG Day is a floating event designed to let you set your own pace as you follow the flow through our diverse lineup of exhibitors. Along the way, you’ll connect directly with local manufacturers and discover the incredible educational programs that train our community for high-tech manufacturing and manufacturing-adjacent careers. Once you’ve completed your journey, your final stop is the hot dog stand! Wrap up your experience with a free hot dog lunch available to all attendees, proudly sponsored by one of our Industry Champion sponsors, Mertek. Individuals and community members are invited to join us for the MFG Day Industry Showcase! Please register to attend on the event registration page.
2026 Event Schedule:
- INDUSTRY SHOWCASE | 9 a.m. – noon Career exploration for 8th – 12th grade students with regional employers and education partners.
- COMMUNITY JOB FAIR | noon – 2 p.m. Open to the community—bring your résumé and connect with employers across three counties.
MFG Day began as an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute and is now the industry’s largest annual opportunity to expand knowledge about manufacturing careers and excite the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this event.
Core Technology
Multiple student events throughout October 2026
Contact Brandon to schedule your elementary, middle, and high school group events
5670 Millstream Rd, Whitsett, NC 27377
About Core Technology /About the events:
Core Technology Molding Corp. is a North Carolina-based custom plastic injection molding manufacturer serving customers across the aerospace, automotive, medical device, appliance, consumer goods, and outdoor equipment industries. Founded in 2006, the company provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions that include injection molding, two-shot and insert molding, 3D prototyping, tooling, engineering support, automated assembly, and cleanroom manufacturing. Core Technology operates 24/7 across five shifts and ships products to more than 150 countries. Its advanced capabilities include ISO Class 7 cleanroom production for medical applications, as well as specialized expertise in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
To celebrate National Manufacturing Day and month, Core Technology hosts elementary and middle school groups for tours, hands-on activities, and exposure to advanced technology and STEM topics in a modern manufacturing environment.
Core Technology’s goal is to teach today’s youth to create tomorrow’s future through Molding Kids For Success. This nonprofit organization strives to educate the youth of our community in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We do this by combining classroom experiments with real-world applications on the manufacturing floor. We’re not only molding kids for success, but also molding them for a bright future. The goal of “Molding Kids For Success” is simple. We want to expose kids to STEM at an early age. It’s clear children aren’t being exposed early enough. This may be due to school curricula and the challenges of underprivileged school systems.
It is Important to Recognize the Significance of Manufacturing Day/Month
The significance of Manufacturing Day/Manufacturing Month cannot be overstated. Here are a few reasons why this day/month holds so much importance:
1. Promoting Awareness: Manufacturing Day/Manufacturing Month is crucial in raising awareness about the manufacturing industry and its impact on our everyday lives. Many people need to be made aware of the diverse range of products manufactured locally, and this day serves as a platform to educate the public about the significance of manufacturing in our economy.
2. Inspiring the Next Generation: Manufacturing events aim to inspire young people to consider careers in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers can showcase their exciting and innovative work by opening their doors to students. This firsthand experience can spark interest and encourage young individuals to pursue careers in manufacturing, helping to bridge the skills gap that the industry often faces.
3.Addressing Misconceptions: Manufacturing events provide an opportunity to dispel common misconceptions about the manufacturing industry. Many still hold outdated stereotypes about manufacturing, such as being dirty, labor-intensive, or lacking career growth opportunities. Manufacturers can challenge these misconceptions by showcasing modern manufacturing facilities and technologies and highlighting the industry’s advancements.
4. Community Engagement: Manufacturing events promote community engagement by allowing manufacturers to connect with local communities. It fosters relationships between manufacturers, educational institutions, government officials, and community leaders. These connections are vital for creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages the growth and success of the manufacturing industry.
5. Economic Impact: Manufacturing plays a significant role in driving economic growth. It provides employment opportunities, contributes to GDP, and supports other sectors of the economy. Manufacturing events help to highlight the economic impact of the industry, emphasizing its importance in creating jobs and fostering innovation.
You can find MFG Day events across the nation by visiting the national MFG Day website.
Help encourage the next generation to consider careers in manufacturing!
