Manufacturing Day
12th Annual Oakland County Manufacturing Day, Friday, October 2, 2026
Students and teachers from school districts across Oakland County and its four technical campuses participated in three-hour visits to advanced manufacturers across the region. There, they enjoyed tours of design labs, testing centers and assembly operations, as well as participated in hands-on activities and engaged with employees to learn about career paths, skills and entry-level job opportunities.
The Oakland County Department of Economic Development, Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland Schools and Oakland Community College are partnering to organize the event. Oakland County is the epicenter of advanced manufacturing in the state. Oakland County Manufacturing Day is designed to inspire students to begin their journeys toward successful careers and allow employers to meet with the workforce of the future.
32 Employers Host 1,000 Students During Oakland County Manufacturing Day
Recognizing the need to showcase advance manufacturing to the next generation of workers, 32 Oakland County companies hosted more than 1,000 students from 24 high schools and the four Oakland Schools Technical Campuses for Oakland County Manufacturing Day on Oct. 2.
This was the 12th year Oakland County participated in the national celebration of the rewarding career track. Nationwide, more than 3,000 employers hosted tours of their facilities as part of Manufacturing Day.
Students received a close-up look at the jobs of engineers, technicians, skilled trade employees and support staff during the three-hour visits. They stepped into design labs, testing centers, production pods and other manufacturing environments.
Event sponsor and tour host Triple Inc., located in Troy, specializes in high-precision aerospace machining.
“Manufacturing Day is important because it provides students with awareness and exposure to the outstanding aerospace machining careers available right here in our community,” said Triple Inc. COO Matt Minor. “It’s truly a twofold opportunity: students gain valuable insight into a potential future career, while our employees have the chance to engage with young people, share their experiences and inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals.”
Madison Heights-based Mopec Group, another tour host and sponsor, is a leading manufacturer of medical equipment and laboratory products for hospitals, universities, morgues and other markets.
“Modern manufacturing offers rewarding careers in engineering, technology, service, project management and leadership,” said Mopec Group CEO Francis X. Dirksmeier. “We want students in our community to see their opportunities firsthand, right at home.”
This year’s full roster of tour hosts included 3-Dimensional Services Group, ABB Robotics, AirBoss Flexible Products, AkzoNobel, Ascent Aerospace, Atlas Copco — New Hudson, Barron Industries, Brose North America, Complete Automation, Cosma Body Assembly Michigan, Dauch Corporation, Douglas Dynamics, Flex N Gate Troy, Gonzalez Production Systems, Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering, Inc., HIROTEC AMERICA, MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, Mayville Engineering Company, Moeller Aerospace, Mopec Group, Oakland Community College, Panther Metalflow, Piston Automotive — Auburn Hills Facility, Pratt Miller, Signarama Troy — Metro Detroit, Star Cutter, Three M Tool & Machine, Triple Inc., TSM Corporation, Visioneering, Williams International and Witzenmann USA.
Since 2015, more than 12,000 students have participated in Oakland County Manufacturing Day. The event has featured more than 180 employers across the County, many of them returning as tour hosts each year.
Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn said she hopes the program introduces students to career paths they may not have previously considered.
“I hope they are inspired and can see there are viable careers in manufacturing across the board,” she said. “I want them to see all of the options that they have available to them.”
News
Manufacturing Day Video
2026 Tour Hosts
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Thank You 2026 Sponsors
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Students
See what modern manufacturing really looks like and explore your career options by touring a facility with the latest equipment.
Experience firsthand the exciting technologies and speak with people that love what they do.
Get answers to your questions, among them:
- How do I get started working at a place like this?
- What classes should I study?
- What do you like about your job here?
- And many more!
Manufacturers
- Inspire students to pursue careers in manufacturing and skilled trades
- Inform students, parents, teachers and counselors of the great jobs available in manufacturing
- Improve the public image of manufacturing
- Debunk common misconceptions about manufacturing
Questions?
Contact Brooklyn Frontiera at frontierab@oaklandcountymi.gov
Additional Information
Looking for more information on in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades?
