“Manufacturing leaders are truly pulling together to change the mindsets of today’s young talent – the next generation of manufacturers. We are looking for ways to share the excitement that careers in manufacturing can bring to prospective employees, as well as enticing them to see the challenge and value of careers in manufacturing,” Allegion Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Integrated Supply Chain Chris Muhlenkamp said. “At the same time, we’re investing in and engaging our current team members, letting them know that we want their hearts and minds just as much as their hands and time.”
Allegion’s plants opened their doors and team members rallied to help educate students and teachers, as well as government officials, about the positive reality of manufacturing today. Those who attended were given the opportunity to tour Allegion facilities and see, first-hand, how security products and solutions are made.
Below is a recap from each event, including local media coverage.
Oct. 3, McKenzie, Tenn.
Notably, Allegion’s Republic Doors & Frame team hosted nearly 80 students at its first Manufacturing Day in McKenzie – where the brand has produced hollow metal doors and frames for more than 40 years. Students there had the opportunity to hear from State Sen. John Stevens on the importance of manufacturing to Tennessee’s economy, as well as McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland. For more:
- Manufacturing Day gives students close-up look at possible careers (WBBJ TV, Oct. 3)
- Manufacturing – A vibrant industry working to change mindsets, expand skillsets (Carroll County News Leader, Oct. 3)
- Allegion holds first Manufacturing Day in McKenzie (Carroll County News Leader, Oct. 10)
- Allegion/Republic Builders Hosts Manufacturing Day (The McKenzie Banner, Oct. 10)
Oct. 3, Indianapolis, Ind.
Allegion’s Von Duprin Operations in Indianapolis hosted the plant’s fourth event – and a panel of employees shared their manufacturing careers and experiences with a group of 50 students. Brock Hesler of the Indiana Chamber and a staff member from U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly’s office offered brief remarks. In addition, Muhlenkamp let the students know that Allegion and many of its peers invest in and value manufacturing employees. “Manufacturing workforces have creativity, expertise and knowledge that can phenomenally impact business – and that’s why we aim to provide people at all levels with opportunities to voice their opinions,” Muhlenkamp said. For more:
- NAM, Allegion, Indiana Manufacturers Association to Open Doors, Open Minds on Manufacturing Day (Manufacturing Institute, Oct. 2)
- Allegion Indianapolis Hosts Area Students at Fourth-Annual Manufacturing Day (Indiana Chamber, Oct. 3)
Oct. 4, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Muhlenkamp also had the opportunity to call on more than 125 local students to consider manufacturing careers in Colorado Springs, where Allegion hosted its single largest event this year. State Rep. Lois Landgraf shared her experiences in manufacturing with students, who also had an exciting opportunity to see the backend of some Allegion products through interactive conversations with engineers on the facility’s tour. For More:
- NAM, Allegion, Colorado Chamber of Commerce to Open Doors, Open Minds on Manufacturing Day (Manufacturing Institute, Oct. 4)
- Manufacturing industry working to change minds (Colorado Springs Business Journal, Oct. 5)
Oct. 17-18, Baja, Mex.
At Allegion’s Baja facilities, what’s become known as “Open Doors University” events were hosted across Ensenada, Tecate and Tijuana. Across the three facilities, Allegion hosted nearly 230 students and teachers, who all participated in presentations and plant tours. One of the unique aspects of these events are the Q&A sessions set up after the tours, which allow students to “deep dive” with employees to learn more about specific manufacturing topics of interest at Allegion. These same facilities also host students in the springtime every year, doubling their efforts and reach to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. Incredibly, since Baja started these semi-annual events in 2016, they’ve hosted more than 1,200 students and teachers.
Oct. 23, Olathe, Kan.
In Olathe, Manufacturing Day focused on talking to education and government officials about the importance of both manufacturing and distribution jobs – as well as who Allegion is as a local employer. Notably, U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder and several of his staff members attended. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also sent a district representative, and the Olathe City Council, Olathe Chamber of Commerce and Johnson County Community College all participated as well. The agenda included a tour and presentation, but also a special employee roundtable discussion. During this time, six talented team members shared their Allegion career experiences, educating visitors about Allegion’s culture, products and industry. For more:
- Manufacturing: a viable career path (The Kansas City Star, Oct. 13)
Oct. 23, Princeton, Ill.
Princeton – now in its fifth year of celebrating both Manufacturing Day and the North Central Illinois Discover Manufacturing Career Expo – hosted 30 students from two local high schools that have never before toured Allegion. Unique to this event, workshops gave those students memorable hands-on experiences and real-world training, including lab time to learn about robotics. After the event, State Representative Dan Swanson, who was in attendance among other state and local government officials, praised the team: “With the importance of manufacturing to our state and nation, I am so proud to have Allegion in the Princeton area. Not only have they been a great employer, but I am impressed with their focus on community involvement and growth.” For more:
- Allegion participates in Manufacturing Day (Bureau County Republican, Oct. 23)
- Manufacturers welcome students (The La Salle News-Tribune, Oct. 24)
In all, October 2018 proved to be full of opportunities to educate others about why manufacturing matters – and Allegion hopes to expand the reach of this message to more global audiences in the future.
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