Lansing, MI — The Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC) is proud to announce National Manufacturing Day 2025 will kickoff with a press conference at Lansing Community College West Campus on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM. This event marks the start of a month-long celebration designed to change the narrative of manufacturing, showcase diverse career pathways, and inspire students across Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, and Livingston counties.
“Manufacturers are deeply committed to nurturing the talent pipeline,” said CAMC Executive Director Cindy Kangas. “You can’t be what you can’t see, and MFG Day brings vision to life. Students will take field trips to local manufacturing plants to walk the shop floor, watch robots in action, see products being made in real time, and try hands-on activities. They’ll meet engineers, welders, quality control experts, and other professionals who can answer their questions and share what a day on the job looks like. These experiences help students discover pathways they may never have considered.”
For many, manufacturing carries the outdated stereotype of being dirty, dark, dingy, and dangerous—but today’s reality is entirely different. Modern manufacturing is driven by robotics, automation, engineering, and cutting-edge technology, and it offers career pathways in fields like marketing, packaging, supply chain management, quality control, human resources, accounting, statistics, engineering, agriculture, and biology. “We drive past facilities daily, often unaware they house million-dollar industries powering our economy,” Cindy Kangas continues. “Michigan manufacturers are creators, problem-solvers, and innovators—and we should be proud of the incredible work happening here.”
“Manufacturing Week is an opportunity to showcase the strength and creativity of Michigan’s workforce,” said Shon’ta Dwyer, Dean of Technical Careers at Lansing Community College. “By hosting this event at LCC West Campus, we’re opening doors for students, educators, and community members to see firsthand the career pathways and innovations that will define the future of manufacturing in our state.”
Students in LCC’s robotics and automation programs are equally excited to share their stories:
Ethan Breckenridge, LCC Student: “Robotics and automation is like solving a puzzle—figuring out where everything fits. It’s challenging and rewarding.”
Evan Leatherman, LCC Student: “I’ve always been the tech kid who fixed the classroom projector. Now I get to apply those skills in a way that benefits me and the companies I’ll work for in the future. This program has been life-changing.”
Nationwide, 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled over the next decade. The Lansing region alone is home to hundreds of manufacturers, from family-owned machine shops to global corporations, employing thousands of skilled workers.
Following the press conference, attendees will tour LCC West Campus and participate in technology demonstrations and interactive activities designed to spark interest and excitement. Members of the press, local leaders, educators, and community supporters are encouraged to attend.
