MFG Day Virtual Events

Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is recognized across the country on the first Friday in October (many MFG Day events happen throughout the month of October). The purpose of MFG Day is to inspire students of all ages by introducing them to potential of modern manufacturing. In previous years there have been more than 3,000 events, most of which involve manufacturers opening their doors and providing tours of their state-of-the-art facilities. While COVID will have an impact on the way the events look this year, the WVU Industrial Extension (WVUIE) is finding ways to make the experience as good, or even better, for the students in our area.

This year’s events explore two very different ends of the manufacturing spectrum. On October 2nd, the WVUIE has partnered with Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Buffalo, WV for a virtual tour followed by a question and answer session with engineers from that facility. Students will have the opportunity to see what is possible when extreme resources are combined with an emphasis on automation, efficiency, and quality. This event will provide a rare opportunity to see some of the most advanced manufacturing operations in the world happening right in our backyard.

Then on October 30th, just in time for Halloween, the WVUIE will introduce students to Dale Morton Studios through a virtual tour along with a question and answer session with studio owner Dale Morton. Dale Morton Studios has created mascot costumes for clients all over the country like Dunkin’ Donuts, Intel, and Hasbro and for local clients like West Virginia University, Marshall University, and several local high schools. The one-person company is blend of art and manufacturing and is a perfect example of how new technologies, like 3D printing and scanning, can have a huge impact on businesses of any size.

The WVUIE is excited to take advantage of opportunities provided by these tours being virtual. While there is no substitute for being on the shop floor at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, the question and answer session with experienced engineers is much better suited to a virtual learning environment. Dale Morton Studios would never have been considered for an MFG Day event using the previous standard which would require a facility that could accommodate busloads of students. By visiting the studio virtually, hundreds of students will be able to experience this amazing small business.

The WVUIE MFG Day events are free and open to the public, but registration in advance is required. You can find more information, including the link to register at www.wvmep.com/webinars.

Please direct all questions to:

Jamie Cope
Manager, Business Development
West Virginia University Industrial Extension
Mobile: 304-610-5104
James.cope@mail.wvu.edu