Held annually during the month of October, Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging companies and educational institutions to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Working with Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) and other partners, MFG Day lets students explore manufacturing outside of a classroom setting and see firsthand how their interests align with this industry. MFG Day 2019 highlights included 68 students touring multiple manufacturing facilities, special presentations by company representatives, and a celebration of a major milestone for local manufacturer, ITM.
ITM – October 4
This year’s first MFG Day event took place October 4, a date which corresponds with one of Schertz’ first manufacturers – Innovation, Technology Machinery (ITM) – celebrating its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1929, ITM is a perfect example of how manufacturing has expanded from machine shops to include factory automation & robotics. ITM highlighted this balance of traditional manufacturing practices with modern technology to the day’s guests which included 23 students from John Paul II Catholic High School and Memorial Early College High School, as well as San Antonio Manufacturing Association members and other special guests.
Touring the facility, students learned about ITM’s diverse portfolio of work, ranging from the creation of specialized components for the New Horizons spacecraft which is exploring the edge of the solar system to their contribution on a rescue submarine part in partnership with Southwest Research Institute. Specializing in robotics, ITM has developed systems for a wide range of industries from medical & agriculture to petroleum exploration & automotive assembly. ITM’s ability to provide their clients with manufacturing capabilities as well as engineering, installation training, and support services contributes to their ongoing success.
Caterpillar – October 8
Caterpillar, a manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engines, regularly participates in MFG Day and has been an important partner in introducing girls to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) -related career opportunities. Not only does introducing girls to STEM and manufacturing make a positive impact on attendees, but this focus also provides parents and teachers a better understanding of the opportunities and educational requirements needed for an advanced manufacturing career.
During this second MFG Day event on October 8, 45 eighth-grade girls and staff from J. Frank Dobie and Ray D. Corbett Junior High Schools toured Caterpillar facilities in Schertz and San Antonio. Students received a commemorative MFG Day t-shirt sporting the ‘Creators Wanted’ theme, which encourages students to realize their creative potential. Students heard presentations from female leaders in the organization, including Section, Operations, Talent Acquisition, and Quality Managers, who shared their personal development stories and how manufacturing shaped their careers.
Thank You Community Participants
Manufacturing Day continues to be a great way to introduce students to manufacturing opportunities in our local community. Thank you to ITM and Caterpillar for opening your doors and educating the next generation on the manufacturing industry. For more information about the City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation, please visit the SEDC website at SchertzEDC.com or call (210) 619-1072.