Regional Collaboration Highlights Manufacturing Opportunities Through Bus Tour
In recognition of National Manufacturing Month, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm, the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation, recently partnered with regional organizations to host a unique manufacturing bus tour. The tour showcased the manufacturing industry, advocated for stronger career pathways in schools, and addressed workforce and talent challenges facing the sector.
The tour, which was held on Tuesday, October 7, provided education leaders, legislators, civic and community leaders, and economic development officials with an opportunity to learn more about – and the importance of – manufacturing in the region to promote careers in the industry. The MassHire North Central Workforce Board and Mount Wachusett Community College co-sponsored the bus tour.
Manufacturing is one of the largest employers in the region and a critical industry for our economy. Companies range from the world-class plastics industry cluster of more than 140 companies to pharmaceuticals, photonics, paper, and biomedical devices.
Participants visited four manufacturing companies where they obtained an insider’s look at how select manufacturers operate and learned about the growing job opportunities in manufacturing and the necessary skill sets for employment.
This year, the annual manufacturing bus tour included stops at Solvus Global in Leominster, a company focused on innovating, incubating, and scaling enterprise solutions for materials and manufacturing challenges; YMC America in Devens, a global leader in liquid chromatography columns, resins, and preparative systems serving the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries; Veranova in Devens, a global leader in process development and manufacturing of APIs with a focus on specialty and complex products including antibody-drug conjugates and high potent compounds; and Micron Solutions in Fitchburg, a contract manufacturing organization specializing in thermoplastic injection molding, precision machining and finishing, and silver-plated medical sensors for disposable electrodes.
The bus tour concluded with a tour of the new Montachusett Vocational Partnership (MVP) Academy in Fitchburg, followed by a networking lunch where participants connected with area manufacturers and community leaders to discuss industry pathways and workforce development opportunities.
“Manufacturing is vital to our regional economy, and these tours showcase the incredible opportunities this 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. This is about opening doors to rewarding careers for our young people while securing the future of manufacturing in North Central Massachusetts.”
“Manufacturing continues to be a priority industry in North Central Massachusetts, and partnering with the Chamber on events like this demonstrates the power of collaboration,” said Kelley French, deputy director, MassHire North Central Workforce Board. “When workforce development organizations, educational institutions, the Chamber, and employers work together, we create stronger pathways to careers that drive our regional economy.”
“The Chamber’s commitment to advancing manufacturing through events like this tour exemplifies the critical partnerships between industry, education, and workforce development that are essential for our region’s future,” said James L. Vander Hooven, Ed.D., president, Mount Wachusett Community College. “Mount Wachusett Community College remains dedicated to working alongside the Chamber and our manufacturing partners to provide the training and educational opportunities that meet the evolving needs of this vital industry.”
The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank and acknowledge the support and assistance of the following partners who helped make the event possible: MassHire North Central Workforce Board; Solvus Global; YMC America; Veranova; Micron Solutions; Montachusett Vocational Partnership (MVP) Academy; and Mount Wachusett Community College.
For more information on the manufacturing bus tour, please contact the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce at 978.353.7600.
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