On Friday, October 2, the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) will join the Manufacturing Institute – the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers – to mark Manufacturing Day 2026, known nationwide as MFG Day. Every year, manufacturers celebrate by inviting students, parents, educators, and civic leaders to encounter manufacturing first-hand.
MFG Day is celebrated nationally on the first Friday of October each year, with events continuing throughout the month, and often beyond. Led by the Manufacturing Institute, MFG Day unites manufacturers of all sizes and specializations to expose students and other potential talent pools to diverse manufacturing careers and demonstrate how innovation, creativity and problem-solving power successful manufacturing careers.
More than just a single day, MFG Day fuels year-round efforts to engage students in an industry that employs nearly 13 million people and according to a joint study by the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte, could face 1.9 million unfilled jobs by 2033 without strong workforce development. Right now, there are nearly half a million open manufacturing jobs nationwide. By connecting communities—especially young people—with career pathways and training options, manufacturers can help close the gap.
Through open houses, facility tours, classroom presentations and community events, manufacturers nationwide can spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of the manufacturing workforce.
“One of the most exciting things we get to see at the Manufacturing Institute is that special moment for students, when they come to understand not only how unique the manufacturing industry is, but also when they realize that they have found their career path,” said Manufacturing Institute President Carolyn Lee. “During MFG Day, we see that happen at scale. When manufacturers open their doors and invite students inside their facilities, it embeds our industry in their communities and showcases the diverse and fulfilling careers that manufacturing has to offer.
Caitlin Salaverria, President of ICPF, echoed the importance of this initiative, stating, “There’s no substitute for giving students the chance to step inside a manufacturing facility and see the industry for themselves. Corrugated packaging offers exciting career opportunities across technology, engineering, design, sustainability, skilled trades and so much more. MFG Day gives our industry an opportunity to bring those careers to life, connect with students in our communities and inspire the next generation of our workforce. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Manufacturing Institute and encourage corrugated manufacturers across the country to get involved.”
As an official sponsor of MFG Day 2026, ICPF, together with the Manufacturing Institute, will help communities across the country see how manufacturing offers challenging, rewarding and high-tech careers that make modern life possible.
