Manufacturing Institute Celebrates Manufacturing Throughout The Month of October

Walmart named as platinum sponsor for annual celebration of U.S. manufacturing

(Washington, DC) October 6, 2020 – In recognition of U.S. manufacturing and the millions of jobs created across the country, the Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers will celebrate MFG Day 2020 on Friday, Oct. 2. Walmart will serve as a Platinum sponsor of the month-long event.

Companies celebrating MFG Day 2020 will do so through virtual workshops, seminars, open houses, competitions, awards ceremonies, and many other creative activities, targeting students, parents, educators, and community leaders. 

Walmart kicked-off Manufacturing Month with the company’s annual Open Call event on Oct. 1, inviting qualified entrepreneurs to pitch their U.S. manufactured products to its team of buyers. Walmart reported a 44% increase in applications to participate in the event and announced that more than 175 businesses had received initial approval for placement in Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs. More than 450 businesses are receiving further consideration. 

“Walmart is proud to sponsor MFG Day 2020 and celebrate the contributions domestic manufacturers make to our local communities,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for global sourcing and U.S. manufacturing. “Domestic manufacturing creates jobs and Walmart is committed to sourcing an additional $250 billion in products that support U.S. job creation. Together with NAM and the Manufacturing Institute, we also want to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators.”

In addition, Walmart is partnering with state chambers and economic development organizations in Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin and Missouri states in support of their MFG Day activities. The company is also the presenting sponsor, and will participate in NAM/MI’s flagship event on Oct. 13, from 12-1pm EDT. “Creators Respond: Inspiration from America’s Creators.” Creators Respond is a virtual event focusing different ways creators mobilized in response to COVID-19. The event can be accessed on www.CreatorsWanted.org.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed for all of us the importance of modern manufacturing in our lives. In the coming months and years, it will be modern manufacturing that leads our recovery and renewal. This year’s MFG Day is a uniquely powerful opportunity to bring awareness to the high-paying, rewarding and meaningful career opportunities in our industry,” said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Across the country, manufacturers are saying, ‘Creators Wanted.’ We have hundreds of thousands of jobs to fill—and will have millions more over the coming decades. MFG Day will open minds to what’s possible with a modern manufacturing career.”

Since its founding in 2012, MFG Day has been the keystone manufacturing education and awareness day that gives manufacturers the unique opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations of talent, reframe the public perception of what modern manufacturing is and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.

About Manufacturing Institute The Manufacturing Institute grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all American workers and emerging workers, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and career growth. As the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information, please visit creatorswanted.org/mfgday.