Manufacturing Day Provides ‘Awesome Platform’

On the eve of Manufacturing Day, the head of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative says few, if any, promotional events hold the same significance for the industry. Conexus Indiana Chief Executive Officer Mark Howell says Manufacturing Day offers the opportunity to showcase the impact and opportunities — particularly for young people — surrounding the industry in the state. Some initiatives connected to the celebration have already taken place and event organizers the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute list nearly 100 events in all parts of the state.

In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Howell says Manufacturing Day can help overcome challenges to the industry’s perception. "I have said for a very long time I think the opportunities, the importance and the impact of Indiana manufacturing is one of our — unfortunately — best-kept secrets and any opportunity we have to expose more people to the reality of manufacturing, the better," he said. "I don’t think that we’ve taken the time to completely understand how Indiana’s manufacturing (industry) is impacting the world and because of that, it creates so much meaningful work and long-term career pathways for young people."

Howell says the industry and the career possibilities it holds have suffered from decades of misperception. "Because it was a perception that developed over lots of years, it’s not an easy thing to turn around, but it’s something that we have to do and these Manufacturing Days are an awesome platform to get that done," he said.

You can connect to a sampling of some of the Manufacturing Day events in Indiana by clicking here.