Manufacturing Press Conference Kicks off Expo

All are welcome to join Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and partners at GatesAir, the world’s largest broadcast manufacturing facilities, to kick off Adams County Manufacturing month. Press Conference to be held Friday, October 14, at 8:15a in GatesAir at 3200 Wismann Lane in Quincy, IL, followed by a tour.

According to the official MFG Day website, “Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.” With thousands of events around the nation, Manufacturing Day gives people an opportunity to connect with their local manufacturers and learn more about various industries. Manufactures open their doors to showcase their business and talk about common misconceptions.

GREDF president Marcel Wagner will give introductions, followed by Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center director Mark Pfleiger and John Wood Community College president Mike Elbe regarding school investment in manufacturing education. Workforce Innovation Board director, Blanche Shoup along with VP of global operations at GtesAir, Bryant Burke will address guests regarding grants that have been provided for customized training in manufacturing. The press conference will close with Mayor Kyle Moore and Deb Waldrop of the State Workforce Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to address both the City and State Proclamations for Manufacturing Day.

“The manufacturing sector provides quality job opportunities, requiring technical skills and a good work ethic,” states Blanche Shoup, director of Workforce Investment Board. “Through the efforts of the Adams County Workforce Teams these skill gaps are being addressed in Adams County and The Workforce Innovation Board of Western Illinois is excited to be a partner in celebrating Manufacturing Month.”

A Manufacturing Expo will also be held on Friday, October 14 in John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center at 4220 Kochs Lane from 12p-2p. The expo is free and open to the pubic with the following vendors:

Moss Enterprise – 3D Equipment

Advance Technology – Industrial Maintenance equipment

DEPCO Enterprises – ABB Robotics equipment

Fastenal – Industrial Supplies

MSC – Industrial Supplies

GatesAir – Products & Careers

Doyle Manufacturing – Product and Careers

Knapheide Manufacturing – Product and Careers

ADM – Products and careers

Tool Keepers – Custom Tool Kitting and Inserts

Spartan Light Metal Products – Products and careers

Juniors and seniors from thirteen (13) area schools will also take part in celebrating with tours of various manufacturing businesses, working to engage students early on with the manufacturing field.

The following businesses are participating by providing tours for our students to ask questions about the industry: Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois, Hollister Whitney Elevator Corp., GatesAir, Craig Industries, Timewell Drainage Products and Midwest Patterns.

There are over 100 manufacturers in Quincy & Adams County, with 26% of the region’s workforce in manufacturing, giving us all the more reason to join in celebrating Manufacturing Day in our community.