General Motors’ Flint Engine Operations was the host for Flint high school students Oct. 3 as part of the nationwide Manufacturing Day celebration.
Manufacturing Day, http://www.mfgday.com/, was created in 2012 by a number of manufacturing-related organizations to educate the public about the role of manufacturing and career opportunities in the sector. This year more than 1,500 manufacturing locations in North America are holding events.
“Whether it’s building something with your hands or programming a 3D printer to make a part, the manufacturing field is exciting and dynamic,” said Terri Burden, plant manager of Flint Engine Operations.
Flint Engine held the event with the city of Flint and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (FGCC).
“Advanced manufacturing is a growing global industry and Flint, Genesee County and the I-69 International Corridor are well positioned to benefit,” said Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. “With Manufacturing Day our goal is to expose our students, the next generation of workers and executives, to the innovation and opportunity in today’s manufacturing.”
In addition to a plant tour, the Flint students, who are participants in the chamber’s TeenQuest program and GM’s Student Corps program, met GM employees and manufacturing representatives to learn about manufacturing career opportunities.The students were from Flint Northwestern High School and Flint Southwestern Classical Academy.
“While Genesee County has become much more diversified, manufacturing is an important contributor to the growth of our local economy,” said Tim Herman, FGCC CEO. “According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, there are 308 manufacturing firms in Flint and Genesee County. These companies combined employ 17,400 people. So you can see the economic impact of manufacturing is significant.”
GM employs about 7,500 employees at seven facilities in Genesee County. The company’s payroll tops $671 million a year. In addition, the company has invested more than $1.6 billion in its local operations, including $215 million for new engines at Flint Engine Operations.