Manufacturing Day to Feature Companies Across Connecticut

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With modern, advanced manufacturing producing 21st century job opportunities in Connecticut and elsewhere across the country, and the number of retirements across the manufacturing fields growing, the spotlight is increasingly on industries that aren’t what they used to be.

Held annually on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders. 

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Connecticut companies are among them – more than 30 businesses will open their doors at some point this month to welcome members of the community to take a first-hand look.

Industry officials point out that “today’s manufacturing jobs are highly skilled. Not only that, but they take place in some of the most exciting, innovative work environments anywhere.”

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers in Connecticut account for 10.74% of the total output in the state, employing 9.49% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $28.01 billion in 2017. In addition, there were an average of 160.32 thousand manufacturing employees in Connecticut in 2018, with an average annual compensation of $96,279.43 in 2017.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that manufacturing jobs have increased every month this year compared with the same month a year ago.  As of August, there were just over 160,000 manufacturing jobs in the state, compared with 156,700 just three years ago.  The state’s top five export markets, as of 2018, were France, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, and Mexico. 

A number of manufacturing companies in Connecticut are hosting events on Friday or later in October.  Among them:

Some companies, such as David-Standard in Stonington, held events earlier this week. 

In addition, a number of manufacturing companies are holding by invitation only events - often for students - during the month:

At the end of the month, on October 25, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association will be hold its annual Manufacturing Summit, in Trumbull.  The day will include a look at the latest technology and innovation trends that are reshaping the sector, and a dive into employee recruitment and retention strategies. Presentation of the Manufacturing Innovation Awards.