Walmart Sponsoring MFG Day 2021, Inspiring New Generation of Manufacturing Talent

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/1/21 –

The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced Walmart as an Ally Sponsor of Manufacturing Day 2021 (MFG Day 2021). Launched annually on the first Friday in October and continuing throughout the month, MFG Day features focused events to promote manufacturing to students, parents and educators. Manufacturers will open their doors—in person or virtually—to offer a firsthand look at the career possibilities in modern manufacturing. An initiative of the MI, MFG Day also advances the mission of Creators Wanted, the industry’s year-round effort to build the workforce of the future. Through consistent support for initiatives like Creators Wanted, MFG Day and notably their annual Open Call event for entrepreneurs of U.S.-manufactured products, as well as the historic commitment to spend an additional $350 billion on products made, grown or assembled in the U.S.to invest in the future of U.S. manufacturing, Walmart continues to play a leadership role in the vibrant manufacturing industry in America.

“Without question, the manufacturing industry’s biggest long-term challenge is the skills gap. We have nearly 900,000 open jobs in manufacturing, and we will need to fill 4 million positions by the end of the decade, according to research from the MI and Deloitte,” said MI Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Closing that skills gap requires us to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of manufacturing workers—and that’s where Creators Wanted and MFG Day come in. Walmart’s significant support for MFG Day and Creators Wanted demonstrates their commitment to building the modern manufacturing workforce in America. They are going the extra mile—and then some—for the industry.”

“Now more than ever, U.S. consumers appreciate our nation’s more than 12 million essential manufacturing workers, who stayed on the job when we needed them most,” said Laura Phillips, senior vice president, Global Sourcing and U.S. Manufacturing for Walmart. “In March, Walmart committed to spend an additional $350 billion on products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. which we estimate could help create more than 750,000 American jobs. We’re grateful to be able to support initiatives like National Manufacturing Day and the MI’s MFG Day 2021 to bolster interest and excitement around U.S. Manufacturing.”

MFG Day empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive. MFG Day is an initiative of the MI and was originally founded by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International.

-The MI-

The MI grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the workforce development and education partner of the NAM, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

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