Behind Closed Doors: Discover the Hidden World of Manufacturing

Admit it—most of us go through life without noticing the things around us. The tech, the tools, even the simple objects we use daily… it’s easy to overlook their origins. I’m guilty of it too. But if you take a moment to consider the complexity of the physical world we live in, it becomes clear: we’re surrounded by the results of extraordinary human ingenuity. From the cars we drive to the can openers in our kitchens, every object around us was made by someone—a team of people, working behind closed doors, to shape our world.

That’s the magic of manufacturing, and it’s happening all around us. Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is the perfect opportunity to pull back the curtain and show students, educators, and everyone else what’s happening in this field. Every day, you pass by ordinary-looking buildings with logos on the outside. Many of these are modern manufacturing facilities where teams are creating tools, technology, and even life-saving devices that make a real difference. Behind these closed doors, the future is being built—and the exciting part? The doors are open for you to join.

Saving Lives, One Innovation at a Time

Manufacturers do more than just build things—they solve real-world problems. One of our Edge Factor Show episodes, Pulse featured the story of a man named Gust. After experiencing a profound personal loss, Gust found purpose in creating a circuit board that keeps hearts beating. His invention is now saving lives. This is the power of manufacturing—where creativity, technology, and purpose come together to change lives.

And Gust’s story isn’t so unique. Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in healthcare, creating the medical devices and technologies that save lives every day. From developing prosthetics to crafting life-saving surgical tools, manufacturers are on the frontlines of innovation that directly impacts people’s health and well-being. 

Art Meets Manufacturing

It’s not just lives that are being changed by manufacturing—creativity and technology come together in ways you might not expect. I think back to when we filmed We Are Electric which tells the story of the innovative electrical manufacturing that goes into the Cirque du Soleil show Ka. Sure, the acrobatics were mind-blowing, but what really impressed me was the technology that made the show possible. The stage itself was like a character in the performance, tilting, moving, and transforming in ways that seemed impossible. Behind the scenes, engineers and manufacturers worked to create the programmable technology that brought the artistic vision to life. This is another example of how manufacturing goes beyond just making products—it's about turning imagination into reality.

Manufacturers Are Shaping a Sustainable Future

Manufacturing isn’t just about tools and technology; it’s also about addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges, like environmental sustainability. Take Chloe, an entrepreneur I’ve had the pleasure of working with when we filmed an episode for the Elements series, Healthy Oceans Clean Up & Processing. She uses her manufacturing skills to turn trash into treasure, repurposing ocean waste into new, valuable products. By taking on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, Chloe is showing that manufacturers have the power not only to create but to make a positive impact on the planet.

“ In our goal to end plastic pollution, we realized there were a lot of places that need clean up, and we started talking about how we could do this differently, How we could take these materials and do something constructive or productive with them. We started to think about how we could streamline these materials back into other processes. what products could we start producing, and what pieces of equipment did we need to break these materials down and get them into new manufacturing processes, to meet the need of managing and processing plastics?” - Chloe Dubois, Executive Director, Ocean Legacy Foundation

This is why manufacturing careers are so diverse. Whether your passion lies in creating sustainable products, engineering technology, or designing solutions for the future, there’s a place for you in manufacturing.

Your Future Starts Here

MFG Day is about more than just opening doors—it’s about inviting students, educators, and families to step inside and explore the endless possibilities that manufacturing offers. The industry is evolving every day, offering opportunities that cater to a wide range of skills and interests. Whether you want to build, design, program, or lead, there’s a career path for you. And now is the perfect time to start your journey.

If you’re ready to learn more and inspire the next generation to take their first steps into the world of manufacturing, we’ve got something for you. Download the Rock MFG Day Toolkit to access a keynote presentation, event host planning guide, share career media, and provide students with an opportunity to earn a digital badge and be entered to win a high-value prize! 

Whether you’re an educator looking to inspire your students or a company wanting to showcase the impact of manufacturing, this toolkit is designed to help you make Manufacturing Day a success. Get started today!