By Kathie Mahoney, MassMEP President
October is Manufacturing Month. It is a time to recognize the people, companies, innovation, and communities that make manufacturing such an important part of the Massachusetts economy.
Manufacturing in Massachusetts is much more than what happens on a production floor. It is the connection between innovation and commercialization, research and real-world products, technology and skilled workers, and small manufacturers and some of the world’s most advanced industries.
From medical devices and robotics to defense, aerospace, clean energy, life sciences and advanced materials, Massachusetts manufacturers are building the products and technologies that move our economy forward.
And the opportunity is significant.
The Commonwealth continues to see investment in advanced manufacturing. Recent state investments include funding for companies expanding production, creating jobs and strengthening critical innovation sectors. In 2026, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) surpassed $121 million in awards since its launch, supporting more than 1,300 jobs and training thousands of students and workers.
Manufacturing needs people and people need to see manufacturing differently.
One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers is the workforce.
Manufacturers need machinists, welders, technicians, engineers, operators, programmers, quality professionals, maintenance specialists, supervisors and leaders. They also increasingly need people who understand automation, robotics, data, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
This is why Manufacturing Month matters.
We need to show students, parents, educators and career changers what modern manufacturing really looks like. Today’s manufacturing careers are technology-driven, innovative and essential to the products and industries people interact with every day.
Also, manufacturers have an important role to play in telling that story.
Open your doors. Invite a school. Host a plant tour. Talk about your careers. Share what your employees do. Show the technology on your production floor.
A student who walks into a modern manufacturing facility and sees robotics, automation, advanced machining or additive manufacturing may see a career they never knew existed.
Manufacturing Month is a team effort
MassMEP is encouraging manufacturers and our manufacturing partners across the Commonwealth to participate throughout October.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Host a Manufacturing Day event or facility tour for students, educators, legislators, or community members.
- Highlight your employees and tell their stories on social media.
- Share photos and videos of your people, products, technology, and production processes.
- Post open positions and career opportunities and explain what skills are needed.
- Invite a local school or workforce organization to learn more about your company.
- Recognize an employee who represents the future of manufacturing.
- Attend manufacturing events and connect with other companies, technology providers and workforce partners.
- Use your voice to explain why a strong manufacturing sector matters to your community and to Massachusetts.
MassMEP will continue to highlight Manufacturing Month activities across the Commonwealth and connect manufacturers with opportunities to learn, collaborate and grow.
Don’t miss the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up
One of the major events of the month is the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, taking place October 27 at Gillette Stadium.
Hosted by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, the Mash-Up brings together manufacturers, technology providers, educators, workforce organizations and other members of the manufacturing ecosystem.
This year’s event will feature emerging technologies, workforce strategies, an AI in Manufacturing Pitch Contest, exhibitors, industry connections, and the 11th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony. It is an opportunity to see what is happening across the Commonwealth—and to be part of the conversation about where manufacturing is going next. Learn more and register for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up.
Connect with MassMEP this October
MassMEP also has several opportunities for manufacturers to connect, learn, and build relationships this fall, including:
- Supply Chain 101 Certificate Program October 15, 16, 28 & 29 | 9:00–10:30 a.m. | Virtual
- Build a stronger foundation in supply chain management, including sourcing, inventory planning, supplier management and performance. Learn more here.
- Innovation & Libations – Northeast Massachusetts October 22 | 3:00–6:00 p.m.
- A chance for manufacturers and partners to connect, share ideas, and talk about the future of manufacturing. Learn more here.
- Practical Guide to Additive Manufacturing – Session 5 October 21 | 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.| Virtual
- An opportunity to learn more about additive manufacturing and how the technology can be applied in today’s manufacturing environment. Learn more here.
Let’s make manufacturing visible
Manufacturing Month is not just about celebrating manufacturing for one month. It is about changing the conversation and helping a young person see a future in manufacturing. Helping an employer find its next employee. Helping a small manufacturer discover a new market or technology. Helping policymakers understand the importance of a strong manufacturing base. And helping Massachusetts manufacturers recognize that they are part of something much bigger than their individual companies.
Manufacturing is where innovation becomes reality.
This October, let’s open the doors, tell the stories, and show Massachusetts what its manufacturers make possible.
Join MassMEP in celebrating Manufacturing Month and help us make manufacturing more visible across the Commonwealth. See the full MassMEP events calendar.