Indiana County Gears Up for Annual Manufacturing Week

Indiana County celebrated Manufacturing Week, running from Monday September 30 through  October 4.

“Indiana County’s rich history in manufacturing stems back to the salt mines in Saltsburg in the early 1800s,” County Commissioner Robin A. Gorman read from a proclamation on September 25 approved by the board of county commissioners Wednesday.

“Manufacturing is vital to Indiana County because of how essential manufacturing jobs are to both the residents and the economy of the county,” Board of Commissioners Chairman R. Michael Keith read from that proclamation.

“The economic might in America came from good, honest workers in the manufacturing sector,” Commissioner Sherene Hess read from that proclamation.

“It was exciting to hear of all the activities for Manufacturing Week,” said  Dana P. Henry, representative of the Indiana County Center for Economic Operations, which includes the County Commissioners, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, Indiana County Development Corporation, Indiana County Tourist Bureau and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. “It’s a very important topic for Indiana County.”

Among the entities who planned activities for the week is Miller Fabrication Solutions, a strategic steel fabrication partner for global original equipment manufacturers, from their facilities in Homer City, and in the Brookville area in Jefferson County,.

As company officials pointed out, what also is known as MFG Day is held on the first Friday of  every October, to encourage people to consider careers in manufacturing. MFG Day is an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers.

“Manufacturing Day is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our industry and for people to learn about the great jobs available in manufacturing,” said company President Eric D. Miller. “Finding enough skilled workers to meet increasing business growth is an ongoing challenge. We leverage Manufacturing Day each year to inspire people to explore manufacturing careers.  We also enjoy giving people an inside look at the fascinating processes we execute every day to make very complex metal parts. It’s really one of those things you can’t fully appreciate until you see it.”