AlphaUSA Opens its doors for Manufacturing Day

Held annually on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern-day manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community Leaders.

AlphaUSA is one such company.

On October 4, students from Emerson Middle School in Livonia started their morning out at the AlphaUSA East Facility making rounds to get a glimpse of manufacturing today.

“It’s a marvelous opportunity,” said Ann Owen principal of Emerson. “As I told a dad who is chaperoning today, you drive by these buildings and you have no idea what goes on here and now they can get a first-hand look.”

This is Emerson’s 5^th year participating.

“These kids have no idea what manufacturing looks like until they come in and they are shocked. They have this vision of dark and dim places that they got from their grandparents. It is not that way. They are bright and a pleasant atmosphere that can be intellectually challenging,” said Owen.

Some kids may not be on a four-year college track, so this manufacturing day exposes them to other opportunities.  “They may not be on a traditional college track but they can be college bound at a trade school where they can earn a certificate or community college where they earn a two-year degree that would broaden their horizons tremendously.”

The Manufacturing Day Program in Western Wayne included 700 students form 10 middle schools around Western Wayne, Michigan, including Livonia.

“It’s very interesting,” said Judy Merrill, mom of an 8^th grade son who was chaperoning on Manufacturing Day. “There is a lot going on. My son likes field trips. He was excited to come here. I am surprised how this looks. I expected the building to be more congested and with more men. I was surprised to see women working here. It is so clean and safe in here.”