On the first Friday of every October, manufacturers across the country open their doors to the public to celebrate National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). Last year, San Diego had 31 companies, more than any other region in California, participate in the day’s activities. With an expected 50 San Diego companies opening their doors this MFG Day, San Diegans will have the opportunity to discover what’s made in their backyard.
As we get closer to the October 2 MFG Day Breakfast Kickoff (panelists including Hunter Industries, Thermo Fisher, Plantronics, General Atomics, and BAE Ship Repair) and county-wide company tours, here’s what to expect from this year’s MFG Day in San Diego:
1. San Diego is the craft beer capitol of the world
It’s no secret that San Diego is home to some of the best weather and most pristine beaches in the world. But our region’s worst kept secret is our booming craft beer industry. With over 100 breweries in San Diego County and award-winning beer from Coronado to North County’s 78 ‘Hops Highway’, our region is known around the world for having some of the best beer.
Some of San Diego’s oldest and newest breweries are hosting tours on MFG Day. Come see (and taste!) what’s being brewed, bottled and shipped from our region.
2. East County is where music is made
Two of the world’s most renowned musical instrument companies call East County home. Taylor Guitars, which has won the affection of musical talents, including San Diego’s homegrown Jason Mraz, is located in El Cajon. This year marks the company’s 41 anniversary. On MFG Day, tour goers will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the company that employs more than 400 people in the region.
The largest banjo manufacturer in the U.S. is headquartered in Spring Valley. Deering – The Great American Banjo Company is another company San Diegans are invited to tour on MFG Day.
3. San Diego shipyards: best in the west
With the ability to design, build, and repair commercial and military ships, GD NASSCO is the only full-service shipyard on the west coast. With more than 4,000 employees in San Diego, NASSCO is one of the region’s largest manufacturers.
San Diego has the highest concentration of Navy in the world and BAE Ship Repair, Inc. provides much of the key maintenance work to maintain the fleet.
And with the fastest year-to-year employment growth of any industry in the region, ship repair is a major target for San Diegans looking to work in manufacturing. You can learn more about these shipbuilders at the breakfast panel.
4. Manufacturers are hiring…and they pay well [1]
Manufacturing provides strong middle-class jobs to many San Diegans. With more than 3,000 companies in the manufacturing ranks, the industry represents about 8.7 percent of all jobs in San Diego, yet it accounts for 12.2 percent of all wages.
Many companies in San Diego are currently hiring for positions in manufacturing. Community colleges, apprenticeships and other job training programs are vital assets as San Diego companies look to fill these vacant positions.
Follow #MadeinSD to learn more about all of the innovative products made right in our backyard. Register for the kick-off breakfast here.
For more information on how to participate or if you’d like to host an event at your company, please contact Shea Benton at spb@sandiegobusiness.org or visit sdmfgday.org/.
[1] Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). State of California Employment Development Department. http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/qcew/CEW-Select.asp.