Manufacturing Bus Tour Spotlights Regional Industry and Career Pathways

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FITCHBURG, Mass., Oct. 29, 2026—In recognition of National Manufacturing Month, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation hosted the annual “Where Manufacturing Matters” Bus Tour on Oct. 21.

The day-long event brought local school superintendents, legislators, and business leaders inside four of the region’s manufacturers, providing a firsthand look at the local industry and the diverse career opportunities it offers.

Participants toured four manufacturers for an insider’s look at their operations and to learn about job opportunities and the skills employers need. 

 

This year’s stops included:

 

  • Steel-Fab, Inc. (Fitchburg, Mass.) offers design and fabrication expertise in the manufacture of water control gates, gate operating systems and fixed cone valves for dams, hydroelectric stations and municipal water systems, along with custom fabrications for power generation and U.S. Navy marine propulsion programs.

 

  • SMC, Ltd. (Devens, Mass.) is a contract manufacturer with more than 35 years of experience serving the medical device, diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries. SMC provides design, injection molding, assembly and packaging for single-use medical devices and drug delivery systems, including autoinjectors, in FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facilities.

 

  • VulcanForms (Devens, Mass.) is a digital manufacturer of high-performance metal parts. It combines industrial-scale additive manufacturing, precision machining and AI-powered software to supply medical, commercial, industrial and mission systems customers.

 

  • GSC Technology (Leominster, Mass.) is a leading manufacturer of innovative plastic storage and organization solutions, shelving, and folding furniture, with a major manufacturing facility in Leominster, Massachusetts. GSC combines advanced manufacturing capabilities, product innovation, and operational expertise to serve leading national retailers across North America. Its portfolio includes Ramtuff, Organize-it, and Enduro branded products, along with private-label solutions.

 

  • Center for Technical Education Innovation (CTEi) (Leominster, Mass.)—The final stop of the tour invited guests for a networking lunch at Appleseeds Restaurant, the student-run culinary program at the CTEi. In addition to enjoying a delicicous meal, Paul Brown, president and CEO of Leadership Dynamics, spoke about leadership and career development. Brown is the author of Seven Steps to a Life of Significance, and previously founded and led Air Power of New England, a fabricator and distributor of industrial compressed air systems.

 

“Manufacturing is vital to our regional economy, and these tours show the opportunities the industry offers,” said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO, North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Today’s manufacturing careers combine advanced technology, competitive salaries and real growth potential. By bringing educators, legislators and community leaders directly into local manufacturing facilities, we’re bridging the gap between industry and education to build the talent pipeline our region needs.”

“Manufacturing is a priority industry for North Central Massachusetts, and this tour shows educators and policymakers the careers it offers,” said LeeAnn Johnson, executive director, MassHire North Central Workforce Board. “We’re proud to partner with the Chamber to connect employers, schools and job seekers.”

“Partnerships between industry and education are essential to our region’s future,” said James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D., president, Mount Wachusett Community College. “Mount Wachusett Community College is proud to work with the Chamber and our manufacturing partners to provide the training that meets the evolving needs of this vital industry.”

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank and acknowledge the partners who helped make the event possible including: MassHire North Central Workforce Board, Mount Wachusett Community College, Steel-Fab, Inc., SMC, Ltd., VulcanForms, GSC Technology, CTEi and its Appleseeds Restaurant students, and Leadership Dynamics, as well as to our Transportation Sponsor Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART).

The Chamber is already planning the 2027 Manufacturing Bus Tour. For manufacturers interested in hosting, or for businesses interested in sponsoring and attending the 2027 tour, contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600 or email .