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Manufacturing Day puts high school students inside factories

Students pose at Elkamet, which makes a variety of industrial polymer products, such as fuel tanks and hydraulic systems used in utility vehicles and motorcycles. [CONTRIBUTED]

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 18, 2025

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Henderson County public schools and four existing industries in Henderson County  Cummins, Elkamet, Jabil and UPM Raflatac — hosted facility tours for approximately 125 high school students last week in honor of National Manufacturing Day.

This event was sponsored by the Economic Investment Fund, a non-profit managed by HCPED.

Since 2012, HCPED has facilitated industry tours through its workforce development program, Made in Henderson County. Working closely with HCPS, tours have been customized to students who have shown an interest in the field. Visiting these facilities allows students to see first-hand what manufacturing jobs looks like today and how crucial manufacturing is to our local economy. More than 130 manufacturers call Henderson County home, employing nearly 6,000 people. The average manufacturing salary of $67,239 is $14,000 higher than the county average.

“HCPS is actively encouraging our students — beginning in middle school -—to make a plan for life after high school,” said Scott Moore, the school system’s director of career tech. “One option is employment, and our county offers a plethora of opportunities in advanced manufacturing facilities that are safe, exciting and lucrative. Manufacturing Day can shine a light on these avenues for careers in WNC.”

Participating students were able to witness the latest innovations, as well as how safe and exciting the work environment can be. Each high school group was paired up to visit one of the four facilities:

• Cummins, where students saw the production of heavy duty truck axels utilized in commercial and industrial vehicles
• UMP Raflatac, which manufactures adhesive materials, including RFID stickers
• Elkamet, which makes a variety of industrial polymer products, such as fuel tanks and hydraulic systems used in utility vehicles and motorcycles
• Jabil, where students toured a high-speed automated assembly site that specializes in injection molding and assembling precision pharmaceutical components.

All groups ended their visits by eating lunch with the employees, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and get a more personal look at life in the manufacturing world.

“We want students to know that manufacturing is a viable career option in Henderson County,” said Mark Russell, chair of the EIF. “These are jobs that offer good pay, benefits, work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities. Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity for us to continue educating the public on what manufacturing offers its employees and the impact it has on our community.”