The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, and AB&I Foundry, a leading producer of cast iron soil pipe and fittings used for commercial plumbing systems, celebrated Manufacturing Day on Nov. 14 at the foundry in Oakland, California. The company hosted both middle school and high school students.

The students were taken on a tour of the foundry and shown several critical processes used to make cast iron soil pipe and fittings. They were also able to engage with manufacturing leadership and participate with hands-on projects including learning how the manufacturing process functions, as well as participate with the quality control function of measuring the actual metal castings. By demonstrating these aspects of manufacturing, the students were able to see how much science and precision is needed in manufacturing.

“Manufacturers across the nation are seeing the best and brightest young talent entering manufacturing,” said Richard Watson, VP of operations at AB&I Foundry. “These students are the future leaders and providing them the opportunity to explore opportunities with Manufacturing Day is important as they shape their future."

“Advanced Manufacturing is applied math and science and essential for our society and our infrastructure," said Emiliano Sanchez, coordinator of career technical educational trades and apprenticeships. "We in the Oakland Unified School District value our partnership with AB&I Foundry who has opened their doors and hearts to our scholars. We need more partners like AB&I who are willing to provide valuable career awareness and exploration opportunities in the world of manufacturing.”

Manufacturing Day is led by The Manufacturing Institute. First held in 2012 and organized by its founder—the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International—Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations, update the public perception of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.