Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), celebrated on the first Friday in October, is a nationwide initiative held every year to highlight modern manufacturing careers and motivate the next generation of innovators. Organized by The Manufacturing Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers across the U.S. open their doors for activities like plant tours and educational programs, showcasing the reality of high-skill, high-tech careers in the industry and connecting students with potential job opportunities.
As this initiative has gained momentum, some states have expanded the observance to recognize the entire month of October as Manufacturing Month.
The federal government offers various ways for manufacturers to get involved by hosting, attending, or sponsoring events.
Federal Resources for MFG Day/Month
Census Bureau
Manufacturing Week 2025
September 29 - October 3, 2025
The Census Bureau's celebration of Manufacturing Week 2025 will kick off early this year with a live webinar titled "Made in America: A Data-Driven Look at U.S. Manufacturing Using Census Data" on September 17, 2025 which will also be recorded and available for on-demand viewing. The celebration will continue on the morning of September 29 with the publication of an America Counts Story titled "Some Less Populous States Have High Manufacturing Revenue Per Capita." The Census Bureau's Public Information Office (PIO) will release a tip sheet on October 1, along with a variety of infographics highlighting the manufacturing sector. Learn more
U.S. Commercial Service
Manufacturing Month Kick-Off: Navigating Export Resources for U.S. Manufacturers
October 1, 2025, Online
Discover how U.S. manufacturers can tap into federal export resources, trade counseling, market intelligence, and global connections to expand internationally. Hear from I&A, EXIM, SBA, Advocacy, NIST/MEP, USCS, SelectUSA, and the Supply Chain Center. Learn more
Trade Talk Tuesdays – Powering U.S. Manufacturing for Global Growth: Building Local, Selling Global: Foreign Direct Investment and Supplier Support to Boost U.S. Exports
October 7, 2025, Online
Discover how SBA’s Onshoring Portal and SelectUSA’s investment facilitation programs are connecting U.S. manufacturers to new domestic and international opportunities, strengthening supply chains and driving exports. Learn more
Trade Talk Tuesdays – Powering U.S. Manufacturing for Global Growth: Exporting Innovation: U.S. Composites in Advanced Manufacturing, Defense & Automotive
October 14, 2025, Online
Explore global demand for U.S.-made composite materials and components and learn how manufacturers can capitalize on export opportunities across advanced manufacturing, defense, and automotive end-use markets. Learn more
Trade Talk Tuesdays – Powering U.S. Manufacturing for Global Growth: Automation at the Frontier of the Manufacturing Industry
October 21, 2025, Online
Demand for greater efficiency, responding to supply chain shocks, and filling the gaps left by a lack of skilled labor, automation and robotics are increasingly tasked with addressing these and other complex challenges facing the manufacturing sector today. Join us to learn more about how automation and robotics - with the help of AI - can help manufacturers pioneer the industrial base of tomorrow. Learn more
Trade Talk Tuesdays – Powering U.S. Manufacturing for Global Growth: Critical Mineral and Mining Projects in Peru: Opportunities for U.S. Businesses
October 28, 2025, Online
Are you a mining equipment manufacturer, service supplier, or project finance professional interested to learn more about mining opportunities in Peru? Hear from U.S. Embassy officials in Lima and the EXIM Bank on exciting mining projects in Peru and EXIM financing tools available to grow your business and secure strategic supply chains. Learn more
Advanced Manufacturing Coffee Chat - Advanced Manufacturing in Asia - 3D Printing, Industry 4.0 and Industrial Robotics
October 1, 2025, Online
This event offers a valuable platform for U.S. companies to gain insights from industry experts from Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore within the 3D Printing, Industrial Robotics, and Industry 4.0 sectors. Our Commercial Specialist will also be providing market briefings and key insights on developing your market entry strategy in the region. Learn more
Advanced Manufacturing in Australia: The Maritime and Defense Sector Opportunity for U.S. Companies
October 8, 2025, Online
This webinar has been designed for American suppliers of advanced manufactured finished products and advanced manufacturing solutions. We will present practical steps for U.S. firms seeking to do business in Australia by partnering with Australian companies seeking to build innovation and resilience in critical industries. Learn more
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
MEP National Network
Since its inception, the MEP National NetworkTM has participated in MFG Day by hosting, coordinating, and promoting events. You can celebrate MFG Day 2025 with the MEP National Network by attending events across the country. Learn more
International Trade Administration
Celebrating Manufacturing Month
October 2025
In October, the International Trade Administration joins with U.S. government and industry partners to celebrate Manufacturing Month and the importance of U.S. manufacturing innovation and ingenuity to our standard of living. U.S. manufacturing is an enduring and ever-evolving sector that contributes $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy, employs nearly 12.9 million American workers, and accounts for 11 percent of the nation’s GDP. Learn more about this industry and ITA’s work to help U.S. manufacturers compete and win around the globe.
Manufacturing Month Kick-Off: Navigating Export Resources for U.S. Manufacturers
October 1, 2025, Online
Discover how U.S. manufacturers can tap into federal export resources, trade counseling, market intelligence, and global connections to expand internationally. Hear from I&A, EXIM, SBA, Advocacy, NIST/MEP, USCS, SelectUSA, and the Supply Chain Center. Learn more
Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM)
Manufacturing USA
The Manufacturing USA network works with industry, academic organizations, and public entities to raise awareness about advanced manufacturing careers and prepare the current and next generation workforce for the skills and jobs of the future.
Together with the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute, MEP Centers, and federal agency partners, the Manufacturing USA network celebrates the manufacturers who make the products that keep us safe, enrich our lives, strengthen our economic and national security, and provide countless opportunities for our communities and workforce. Learn more