Columbus, Indiana-area Manufacturing Day celebration sparks student interest in manufacturing

Cummins Inc. and our manufacturing peers in the greater Columbus, Indiana (U.S.) area teamed up earlier this month to celebrate Manufacturing Month. Partners, including Toyota Material Handling, ENKEI, FORVIA, LINDAL Group and Service My Restaurants, Purdue University Indianapolis, Ivy Tech and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce joined forces to educate students and the community on the exciting career opportunities in the field of modern manufacturing.

Approximately 400 high school students (double the 2023 event attendance), many from technical/skilled trade programs, participated in factory tours and related events. Our employees at the Columbus Midrange Engine Plant (CMEP) and Columbus South manufacturing facilities welcomed students to see our operations, assembly lines and manufacturing processes firsthand. Students experienced how Cummins uses technology to build our products—including the chance to interact with autonomous and remote-controlled robots. In addition, there were hands-on activities such as welding, 3D printing and a Lego building competition which enabled students to have fun while directly engaging with our technologies and processes.

Cummins and our peer manufacturers worked to spark interest in and awareness of exciting career paths within the manufacturing sector. The event highlighted a range of potential jobs and industries including engineering, management and skilled, technical roles.

Student feedback was positive, and we expect to grow the event with more high schools participating in 2025 and beyond. In addition, some of our event partners have hired students as an outcome of these events.