Manufacturing day
What is Manufacturing Day?
Manufacturing Day is a national program by The Manufacturing Institute to raise awareness of manufacturers' vital role in many communities and states across the United States.
Locally, the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, Bay College, Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, UP Michigan Works, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, and local manufacturers such as Billerud, CCI Systems, Loadmaster, Nelson Paint, System Control, and Trident Maritime Systems work with area schools to introduce professional skilled trades career paths to all ninth-grade students in the region.
Representatives from each business guide hands-on experiments to show students the types of jobs available right here in Dickinson County upon graduation from high school.
Students also learn about dual-enrollment educational paths through the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center and Bay College.
Alliance Investors support this event, with additional sponsorships from Bay College, Enbridge, M.J. Electric, Norway Springs, and UP Michigan Works.
skilled Trades Career facts
Job security
The manufacturing sector is one of the most significant contributors to our local economy in the Dickinson area.
Over the next 4-5 years, the area’s large manufacturing employers are expected to need approximately 800 professional trades employees.
Dickinson consistently has the lowest unemployment rate of all 15 counties in the U.P.
competitive wages
Dickinson County has the highest average weekly wage among all 15 U.P. counties, at $1,172/week – that is $60,944 per year, plus benefits.
Less debt
Not all careers require incurring debt from a 4-year university program, and many are available to students upon graduating from high school.
With dual enrollment and early college programs through the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center and Bay College, students can gain skills and college credit while still in high school.
2026 Participating Manufacturers
CCI Systems
Ever wonder how internet and communication networks connect homes, schools, and businesses?
At CCI Systems, Inc., students will get an inside look at the technology, people, and processes that make those connections possible.
During Manufacturing Day, students will explore careers in engineering, construction, operations, information technology, and business while learning how broadband, fiber optic, wireless, and network solutions help keep communities connected.
We look forward to helping students discover how their interests today can lead to exciting career opportunities tomorrow. Learn more at https://www.ccisystems.com/.
Systems Control
Manufacturing at Systems Control is where innovation, engineering, technology, and skilled craftsmanship come together to power the communities around us. We design and manufacture electrical solutions, including control panels and equipment enclosures, that support the reliable transmission and distribution of energy across North America.
Behind every product is a talented team of engineers, electricians, welders, machine operators, assemblers, technicians, and other professionals working together to solve problems and deliver quality solutions.
We’re proud to offer a wide range of career opportunities in modern manufacturing and to help develop the next generation of skilled professionals right here in the Upper Peninsula. Manufacturing Day gives us the opportunity to welcome local students, give them a firsthand look at what we do, and show them that there isn’t just one path to a career in manufacturing. Learn more at www.hubbell.com/systemscontrol/en.
Billerud
Manufacturing today is driven by innovation, technology, teamwork, and sustainability. At Billerud, students can explore a variety of career opportunities ranging from production and skilled trades to engineering, automation, environmental stewardship, and leadership roles. We are committed to investing in the next generation through workforce development initiatives, internship opportunities, and scholarship programs that support students pursuing higher education and skilled trade careers. We are excited to partner with local schools through Manufacturing Day to help students discover the many pathways available in modern manufacturing and the opportunity to build successful careers right here in our community. Learn more at www.billerud.com.
Loadmaster
Since 1992, Loadmaster has been manufacturing refuse bodies for garbage trucks. All of its equipment is made with pride in the USA. From fabrication and welding to paint and assembly, Loadmaster builds all models from the ground up in Norway, Michigan. Each truck is custom to the customer’s specifications, so no two days are the same. Learn more at loadmaster.org.
The Nelson Paint Company
The Nelson Paint Company has been a leader in paint innovation since 1940. We pioneered encapsulated, washable paintballs and developed paint marking guns, the log hammer, and a comprehensive range of marking, industrial, marine, and household paints.
The Nelson Paint Company manufactures mil-spec coatings, solvent and water-borne commercial and industrial coatings, epoxies, enamels, traffic paints, architectural coatings, and specialty coatings. In addition, we produce and distribute solvents, cleaners, empty containers, and paint sundries, while also offering custom toll manufacturing and paint and chemical packaging services across North America. Learn more at nelsonpaint.com.
Trident maritime systems
We participate in Manufacturing Day because we believe in the future of American manufacturing and the importance of developing the skilled workforce needed to support it. As a company that proudly supports the U.S. Navy through the work we do, we understand firsthand how important skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and a dedicated workforce are to our nation’s defense and security.
Manufacturing Day gives us an opportunity to showcase the work we do, and introduce students and members of our community to the rewarding careers available in manufacturing. From skilled trades and engineering to technology, quality, and operations, there are countless opportunities to build a meaningful career while contributing to something bigger.
By participating in Manufacturing Day, we are helping inspire the next generation of skilled workers and strengthening the workforce that supports our company, our communities, and the important work we do for the U.S. Navy. Learn more at www.tridentllc.com.
2026 Manufacturing day Sponsors
2026 Educational & COmmunity partners
Dickinson-Iron ISD Career & Technical Education Center
Hands-on technical education, in a safe and orderly environment, providing students of all ages the opportunity to transfer their academic knowledge into today's technological world while helping students develop positive attitudes toward life and stressing employability skills. Learn more at www.diisd.org/page/technical-education.
Bay College
Offering personalized support and guidance that provides a great experience to our students, industry partners and community. Working with local schools and employers, the community college prepares the workforce to enter the job market with skills our local employment base needs. Learn more at www.baycollege.edu.
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) helps Michigan manufacturers grow, compete, and build stronger teams. As part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), we work alongside companies across Michigan on Lean manufacturing, quality systems, technology adoption, and workforce training. We participate in Manufacturing Day because the future of our industry depends on the students in these classrooms today. Modern manufacturing is fast-paced, problem-solving work, and our hands-on 5S activity gives students a real taste of how teams improve their workplace and work smarter together. We're proud to help students see that rewarding, high-skill careers are waiting for them right here in our region. Learn more at www.the-center.org.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC)
The leading provider of educational and training excellence in Northeast Wisconsin, enriching lives and strengthening communities. Learn more at www.nwtc.edu.
UP MichiganWorks
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! cultivates opportunities for developing a skilled workforce, helps businesses succeed, and collaborates with partners to build a strong economy. Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! envisions a skilled workforce, successful businesses, and collaborative partners working together to build a strong economy. Learn more at upmichiganworks.org.
Manufacturing day Partners
