National Manufacturing Week

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Technology
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Week starting with the 1st Friday of October
Holiday emoji:: 🏭

National Manufacturing Week celebrates the vital contributions of the manufacturing sector every first Friday in October. This week-long observance, from October 2-9, 2026, highlights the industry’s economic impact and technological advancements. Explore the innovations shaping our future and consider a career in this dynamic field.

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Expected National Manufacturing Week Deals

While National Manufacturing Week isn’t typically a period for consumer deals, it’s a prime time for industry support and educational initiatives. Look for organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Manufacturing Institute to host virtual events, webinars, and career fairs. Companies like Siemens, Rockwell Automation, and General Electric often showcase their latest innovations and commit to workforce development programs. Educational institutions may offer special workshops or open houses to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as October approaches.

Platform Guide for National Manufacturing Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalManufacturingWeek. Share insights on industry trends and workforce development.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalManufacturingWeek. Engage in real-time discussions about manufacturing innovations and policy.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalManufacturingWeek. Share stories of local manufacturers and their community impact.

National Manufacturing Week Hero

Henry Ford

Henry Ford (1863–1947) was an American industrialist who founded the Ford Motor Company. His introduction of the assembly line in 1913 revolutionized mass production, making automobiles affordable for the average American. This innovation dramatically impacted manufacturing processes worldwide, setting new standards for efficiency and output.

History of National Manufacturing Week

National Manufacturing Week is a week-long celebration of the manufacturing sector that begins on the first Friday in October every year. This celebration is an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, an organization that works to develop technologies and individuals for the manufacturing industry.

The institute is the education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers and aims to support all American workers in the industry with training and career growth programs. The institute devised one week of celebrating the manufacturing industry in America to support and build up opportunities for American workers in the industry.

The institute uses this week, hosted by the U.S. Census Bureau, to release studies, fact sheets, statistics, papers, and other data that lay out the impact and work of the manufacturing sector in America and the world. All this data aims to get the attention of businesses and policymakers so they can be familiar with the importance of the manufacturing industry and continue supporting the industry’s work and workers throughout the country.

The week is also set aside as an opportunity to develop and advertise jobs for potential workers and help workers develop their careers in the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing is a vital sector in the country, but employment has declined, prompting the institute to study and work on methods to support workers to preserve the sector. From a long decline, employment was brought to a median level, where it has now stagnated.

National Manufacturing Week timeline

1800s

The Industrial Revolution Sweeps Nations

The Industrial Revolution sweeps across the U.S. and Europe, transforming and building the manufacturing industry.

1900s

The Output of Factories Increases

Mechanization increases the output of factories across the country, building up the profits of the manufacturing industry.

2000s

U.S. Exports Grow Exponentially

Exports from the U.S. increase by 340%.

2017

Employment is at an All-time Low

From 26% in the 1960s, the employment percentage in the industry declines to reach 8% in 2017.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Manufacturing Week

Local businesses can honor National Manufacturing Week by recognizing the skilled workforce in their communities. Restaurants could offer special discounts to manufacturing employees with valid ID. Retailers might feature ‘Made in America’ products or partner with local manufacturers for pop-up shops. Agencies can highlight their manufacturing clients’ successes through case studies and social media campaigns. Hosting open houses or factory tours, where feasible, can also educate the public on the importance of local production and innovation.

National Manufacturing Week FAQs

When is National Manufacturing Week?

In 2026, National Manufacturing Week runs from Friday, October 2 through Friday, October 9, celebrating the industry’s vital role in the economy.

How many people work in U.S. manufacturing?

Approximately 13 million Americans are employed in the manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic strength and innovation.

What is the economic impact of U.S. manufacturing?

U.S. manufacturing contributes over $2.9 trillion to the nation’s economy annually, making it a critical driver of growth and prosperity.

What is the purpose of National Manufacturing Week?

The week aims to celebrate the industry’s contributions, promote modern manufacturing, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in this dynamic field.

National Manufacturing Week Activities

Share information about the industry
The manufacturing industry is essential to the American economy and should be celebrated. Share information about the work carried out by manufacturing with your family and friends.
Get informed about opportunities
The manufacturing industry is an excellent and supportive place for steady employment. Look up the different opportunities in the industry and see what lines up with your interests.
Become educated in the field
Take courses and counseling offered by the Manufacturing Institute if you’re considering a career change or upskilling. Get educated in this field and develop a career.

5 Facts About Manufacturing That Will Surprise You

The three largest manufacturers
The largest manufacturers in the world are the European Union and China, followed by the U.S.
The jobs are always well-paying
Historically, the manufacturing industry has been a source of well-paying blue-collar jobs across the country.
U.S. companies spend on R&D
Manufacturers in the U.S. spend the most on research and development, but spending on this department has been rising in different countries across the world.
There’s been a “jobless” recovery
The manufacturing industry greatly recovered after the Great Depression but employment remained low.
The industry has been discussed in elections
Employment in the manufacturing industry has been an essential topic of discussion in elections in America.

Why We Love National Manufacturing Week

The industry is important
We value the contributions of the manufacturing industry. It’s important to recognize the value of the industry to the economy.
It raises employment percentages
The manufacturing industry can be an important employer for many Americans. The week raises awareness and improves the visibility of jobs in this industry.
It supports workers
This week is a great opportunity to support workers in the manufacturing industry. Let’s celebrate them and help them with resources to develop their career.