Manufacturing Is Cool Is the Message

The big Westec ’99 manufacturing expo is in town this week. And while all those high-tech lathes and machine tools are cutting edge, the industry is worried that the next generation of youngsters won’t find the factory floor an appealing place to work.

So the Society of Manufacturing Engineers has just unveiled its “Manufacturing Is Cool” Web site https://www.manufacturingiscool.com to show kids that making stuff can be a pretty good way to make a living. Virtual tours include visits to plants where M&Ms; and Jelly Belly candies are made, as well as information on colleges and scholarships for manufacturing technology.