Do you know what STEM stands for?

DeWys Manufacturing participated in our fifth year of Manufacturing Day events. For those of you that may not be aware of what MFG day is, it is a national event in which manufacturers open their doors to educators for tours and various activities. This is in hopes of changing the perception of manufacturing and present career opportunities to the next generation.

During MFG week 2017, students from Kellogsville Middle School and Duncan Lake Middle School were able to witness a variety of machines and careers presented throughout the shop floor. After the tour they were split into groups to build the tallest spaghetti noodle tower using only marshmallows and masking tape. This provided an opportunity for team building between students along with quick thinking skills and fun competitiveness. To end their time at DeWys, our workforce development manager quizzed the middle schoolers on terminology, machines, and career opportunities they heard about during the event including the definition of STEM.

For the first time ever, DeWys Manufacturing partnered with Plasan Carbon Composites, Custom Profile, Artiflex, Walker Tool & Die and Grand Rapids Community College for a Manufacturing Day block party. During this celebration students toured the GRCC MCAM trailer and learned about mills, lathes, 3D printers, and even got to be a welder (on a virtual reality welding system that is).

“Seeing the students spark a connection between a career that they never knew existed makes you realize that being a part of manufacturing day is more important now than ever before.” – Laura Elsner, Workforce Development Manager

DeWys Mfg. is continuously growing, adding new technology, and innovative processes. We look forward to expanding with the future generation that enjoy STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and want work in a hands-on environment.

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