“Manufacturers make a lot of stuff in the U.S.,” says Michael Araten, president and CEO of K’Nex Brands and The Rodon Group, based in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. “With Manufacturing Day, [companies] will be able to showcase nationwide what we do so that people get the scale of what we are manufacturing here in the U.S. It is an opportunity for companies to open their facilities to the public and showcase 21st-century manufacturing, and whet their interests in choosing manufacturing for a career.”

Manufacturing Day—a grassroots effort designed to improve the public perception of manufacturing in America and help manufacturers attract the skilled workers they need for tomorrow—is expected to have well more than 1200 companies participating—up from 800 last year and 200 in the 2011, according to Manufacturing Day 2014, a group of industry sponsors and co-sponsors.

“Everybody needs to support Manufacturing Day, and open their doors to show people the ingenuity and innovation in the plastics industry,” SPI President and CEO Bill Carteaux says. “We need to connect with future generations and talk about the great careers that are available, whether you go to college or not.”

Araten agrees. “To have a successful image and attract new workers, we have to make people aware of what we make. We have to inspire the youth of today and convince them these are the jobs of tomorrow. This is an excellent way for manufacturers to tell them their story.”

Now in its third year, Manufacturing Day will have a new twist for 2014, with the documentary film American Made Movie, focusing on products made in the USA. The goal of the film: educate people coast to coast on how businesses in their own backyards support not only their local communities but also the nation’s economy with items made here that are globally competitive.

In addition, Manufacturing Day gives companies “the opportunity to address common misperceptions about manufacturing,” says Charles A. Sholtis, CEO of Plastic Molding Technology Inc.

“By opening up shop floors around the country, we are able to show modern manufacturing for what it is—a sleek, safe, technology-driven industry that offers secure, good-paying jobs with benefits,” adds Sholtis. “Opening up our plants for tours on Manufacturing Day draws greater attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide.”

Rodon, for example, makes sure its tours show people “things in their everyday life that we make here and all the things that are done behind-the-scenes to get it made,” says Araten. “People are impressed with cleanliness of our plant, how well lit it is, the scale at which we do things, all the high technology, and seeing robots work in practical application.”

Araten also says companies need to participate to help keep America strong. “To have a truly independent country, you have to be able to make things,” he says. “If you do that, you control your own destiny. And manufacturing is getting more attention as one of things in the U.S. economy that is working.”

“Manufacturing Day helps the manufacturing community [showcase] the innovative industry it has come to be” and its importance to the economy, adds Sholtis. “Plastics plays a major role in the manufacturing sector in the U.S., employing approximately 900,000 workers and producing more than $300 billion in shipments annually.”

In 2012, the manufacturing sector contributed $1.87 trillion to the economy, or 11.9% of the gross domestic product. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, every dollar spend in manufacturing adds another $1.48 to the economy. Overall, manufacturing supports 17.4 million jobs in the USA, with an average annual salary of more than $77,000, compared to the average salary of $60,168 for all industries.

This year, as in years past, SPI is a sponsor of Manufacturing Day. For more information, visit the site www.mfgday.com or call 888-394-4362.