Balluff hosted its second annual Manufacturing Day event on October 7, 2016 in Florence, Kentucky. More than 200 students and community members attended the event to learn about modern manufacturing and automation. The day has become a national effort for manufacturers, employers and educators to open their doors and demonstrate modern manufacturing technology. The event is also a method for manufacturers to define the opportunities that exist in manufacturing environments and why more individuals should consider a career in the industry.
"As a part of the manufacturing industry we struggle and we see our customers struggle with a growing skills gap," said Will Healy III, strategic marketing manager for Balluff. "By 2025 Deloitte & the Manufacturing Institute predict there will be a two million job skills gap in the manufacturing workforce due to multiple factors including baby boomer retirements, strength of the economy, attractiveness of industry and increase in skilled positions."
The event featured hands-on activities and games that provided first-hand experience for kids and adults to learn how sensors and automation work. Visitors experienced automation firsthand in a Balluff van that was equipped with the latest automation solutions and toured Balluff's semi-automated warehouse and electronic assembly facility.
"Our purpose in hosting this visit is to help share the wonders of advanced manufacturing technologies and educate students on the possible career opportunities available in the manufacturing market," said Tony Canonaco, president and CEO of Balluff.
"We feel there is a need to participate in building excitement for manufacturing and the opportunities it can provide for future generations," Healy said. "We regularly encourage and support STEM initiatives locally and regionally with a focus on manufacturing opportunities."
Balluff supports several other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives for students in the local community and participates in TECHFIT (Teaching Engineering Concepts to Harness Future Innovators and Technologists) programs at Purdue University and The College of Charleston.
