Nearly 2,100 students from multiple local high schools will this week board buses and visit more than 70 host sites taking part in Macomb County’s Manufacturing Day Week, which runs through Oct. 3. The annual event, which is coordinated by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development and the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), provides opportunities for students to tour area advanced manufacturing facilities and meet people who make things.
“Manufacturing is a core part of our economy, and our goal with this event has always been finding the talent that can become this sector’s future workforce,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Participating students get to experience modern facilities and learn about the variety of roles within the industry. And hopefully, it inspires them to consider professions in this field when they’re finished with school.”
Hackel joined 20 culinary students from Clintondale High School today at a tour of Ethel’s Baking Company. Images available here. Founded by Jill Bommarito, Ethel's is the 'Original Dessert Bar Company,' creating delicious gluten-free products since 2011. Beginning in a small space in St. Clair Shores, the organization has experienced incredible growth due to the popularity of its desserts. Ethel's products can now be found nationwide in stores like Target, with bars baked out of its Shelby Township facility.
“Manufacturing is deeply rooted in Michigan’s identity, and we’re proud to be part of that legacy through baking,” said Bommarito. “At Ethel’s, we believe in showing students that there are many fulfilling career paths—especially in the trades—that don’t require a traditional college route. Our hands-on approach helps people grow within our organization, and we’re excited to share our story and inspire the next generation.”
All students participating in Manufacturing Day Week receive a 90-120 minute guided tour and some combination of the following:
“Manufacturing is a core part of our economy, and our goal with this event has always been finding the talent that can become this sector’s future workforce,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Participating students get to experience modern facilities and learn about the variety of roles within the industry. And hopefully, it inspires them to consider professions in this field when they’re finished with school.”
Hackel joined 20 culinary students from Clintondale High School today at a tour of Ethel’s Baking Company. Images available here. Founded by Jill Bommarito, Ethel's is the 'Original Dessert Bar Company,' creating delicious gluten-free products since 2011. Beginning in a small space in St. Clair Shores, the organization has experienced incredible growth due to the popularity of its desserts. Ethel's products can now be found nationwide in stores like Target, with bars baked out of its Shelby Township facility.
“Manufacturing is deeply rooted in Michigan’s identity, and we’re proud to be part of that legacy through baking,” said Bommarito. “At Ethel’s, we believe in showing students that there are many fulfilling career paths—especially in the trades—that don’t require a traditional college route. Our hands-on approach helps people grow within our organization, and we’re excited to share our story and inspire the next generation.”
All students participating in Manufacturing Day Week receive a 90-120 minute guided tour and some combination of the following:
- Briefing by a company leader who provides an overview of the company, the type of manufacturing they do and the customers they serve as well as info about employment opportunities.
- Smaller sub-tours that highlight different work areas and careers
- Opportunities for students to talk with employees and see the product life cycle in action
- Opportunities for students to see and touch the machinery, tools and products that are a part of the industrial workplace
These experiences help the students better understand what a career in advanced manufacturing might look like. The tours also provide benefits for the host sites in that they get the chance to promote their companies and interact with the next generation of talent. Several participating companies have even hired previous Manufacturing Day attendees that were interested in the field.
“We know this event provides real results for our local companies and for our students too,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. “Given current workforce challenges, like talent shortages and other issues, our program is especially relevant. We’re helping create a pipeline that can supply workers and solve real problems facing our businesses.”
2025 marks the 12th anniversary of Macomb County's participation in the event, which has seen more than 22,000 students experience industry through the support of an active planning committee and the generosity of host sites and sponsors. For more information, visit Macomb County's Manufacturing Day/Week webpage.
“We know this event provides real results for our local companies and for our students too,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. “Given current workforce challenges, like talent shortages and other issues, our program is especially relevant. We’re helping create a pipeline that can supply workers and solve real problems facing our businesses.”
2025 marks the 12th anniversary of Macomb County's participation in the event, which has seen more than 22,000 students experience industry through the support of an active planning committee and the generosity of host sites and sponsors. For more information, visit Macomb County's Manufacturing Day/Week webpage.
Vicky Rowinski
vicky.rowinski@macombgov.org
586-469-5065
