Governor Reynolds Declares October Manufacturing Month in Iowa
October 3, 2022 | Download PDF
DES MOINES, Iowa —Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation recognizing October as Manufacturing Month. Manufacturing is key to the continued growth of Iowa’s economy.
Throughout the month, Iowans are encouraged to explore the products made in Iowa, attend events and visit manufacturers in your community.
“Iowa manufacturers are innovative and are located in hundreds of communities throughout the state,” said Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. “As I visit members throughout the state, it is exciting to see the leadership of manufacturers that continue to reinvest in their local communities.”
Iowa has more than 4,100 manufacturing companies and the industry employs more than 218,000 Iowans. In 2021, the Legislature passed and Governor Reynolds signed legislation to help increase technology investment through a Manufacturing 4.0 grant program for small manufacturers. Awards were made to 121 companies for projects totaling $24,788,503 ($18,499,664 in private investment leveraged).
Manufacturers pay some of the best wages and benefits in the state, and the industry accounts for more than $33 billion in Iowa’s GDP. Manufacturing Month is a great time to see what opportunities exist in Iowa manufacturing and to thank Iowa’s leading industry.
The following are examples of events going on around the state. Visit MFGDAY.com to see all events hosted throughout the month:
Legends in Manufacturing Dinner: October 4 – Ankeny
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry and it’s Elevate program will recognized Legends in Iowa’s manufacturing industry.
ABI Manufacturing Conference: October 5 - Ankeny
Manufacturing leaders from Kent Corporation, Dee Zee, Accu-Mold and Red Boot Distillery are highlights of this one day event. Registration for both the Manufacturing Conference and the Legends in Manufacturing Awards Dinner is available here: www.iowaabi.org/abimfg
Seneca Foundry: October 7 – Webster City
Join Seneca Foundry, Inc. for an interactive tour of the Foundry to learn how they make iron castings that support manufacturers around the world. The tour will include information about each department and will provide attendees with hands-on examples. They will have their "Foundry in a Box" demo set up for anyone that would like to go through the entire process from making a mold to melting tin and finally pouring their own casting! If you work up an appetite, they have got you covered - pork loin lunch will be served.
Sukup Mfg. Co: October 7 – Sheffield
Manufacturing Day event. The day will include a tour of their manufacturing facility, office, speakers and hands-on activities.
Highline Warren: October 27 – Council Bluffs
They are proud of what they do at Highline Warren and would like to invite you to join them for Manufacturing Day -- an annual celebration during which thousands of manufacturers in North America open their doors to educate millions about modern manufacturing. This is their opportunity to open their doors to the public and invite them in for an in depth tour of their facility. Please join them! **Please note: Students under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult or participate with a school group.