Freeport hosts first annual MFG Day event

April 30th marked the first annual MFG Day event for the Freeport area manufacturing community and local schools. Eleven area businesses opened their doors for manufacturing-focused tours including Berner Foods, Hunter Haven, TR Machine, Honeywell, Adkins Energy, Anpec Industries, TriStar Metals, Titan Tire, Danfoss, Modern Plating, and Protocutter.

"Freeport’s MFG Day was a great success! It was exciting to see area manufacturers, students, and resource providers interacting and discussing career opportunities that exist in our backyards," said Chris Blumhoff, IMEC Regional Manager.

Following the morning tours, students participated in a lunch and manufacturing expo at Highland Community College. The event was attended by more than 100 students from seven area schools - a huge impact for the region's first event!

"The high school students were interested in the tours, and they were also engaged at the expo. It was great to see area high schools and area businesses work together to show students the wide array of job opportunities available in manufacturing," said Scott Czysz - IMEC Technical Specialist for northwestern Illinois.

The regional team is already comparing notes and gathering feedback in anticipation of the next event.

To see more photos from the event, visit the IMEC Facebook page online at www.facebook.com/IMECillinois