ITA Official Celebrates Innovative Technology in PA as Part of Manufacturing Day 2016
October 7, 2016Laura Taylor-Kale Is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing at the International Trade Administration
Today, the International Trade Administration celebrates Manufacturing Day 2016. The day provides an opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to open their doors to demonstrate the innovation and creativity of 21st century manufacturing. ITA provides critical programs and services to businesses across the country to expand export growth opportunities.
The first stop on my journey to celebrate Manufacturing Day 2016 was to DMI Companies in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1978, DMI is a leading manufacturer of HVAC accessories. DMI supplies commercial, industrial, and residential HVAC markets through a network of domestic and international distributors. The President and CEO of DMI Companies, Ray Yeager, serves on Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker’s Manufacturing Council. Council members advise the Secretary on policies and programs that effect manufacturing, and recommend ways to ensure that the United States remains the preeminent destination for investment in manufacturing across the globe.
Ray and the DMI team were enthusiastic about Manufacturing Day 2016. They believe it is critical to invest in our youth and emphasized that any day can be Manufacturing Day! DMI Companies gave presentations to local students on the life cycle of its products, from R&D through distribution to the patent process. DMI’s Engineers also demonstrated the design and cut processes of sub-components using state-of-the-art software and laser cutter.
I spoke to the students and community leaders on the important role that manufacturing plays in our economy, the future of manufacturing, and the profitable careers it offers. It’s these very students that could end up becoming the future explorers, investigators, makers, integrators, designers, producers, solvers, and advisors of DMI Companies and other innovative manufacturing businesses. Thus it is important that we continue to inspire the next generation of workers, and show them what modern manufacturing really looks like.
The next stop on my journey to celebrate Manufacturing Day is Raleigh, NC. Stay tuned!
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