October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, a time to shine a light on one of the state’s most essential and innovative industries. For the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), this year’s celebration carries extra meaning as we mark 40 years of helping people connect with education, employment, and opportunity. Our story, much like the story of manufacturing itself, is one of growth, innovation, and community partnership, all working together to build a stronger future for Southwest Minnesota.
At the heart of this year’s celebration was our Tour of Manufacturing. This event truly captures what Manufacturing Month is all about: inspiring curiosity, showcasing opportunity, and connecting the next generation of workers with the industries that power our region.
In partnership with the Minnesota River Valley Career and Technical Education Collaborative (MRV CTEC), we hosted tours for students from Yellow Medicine East, Montevideo, Renville County West, and Lakeview Schools. More than 40 students took part, stepping inside the facilities of some of our area’s most innovative manufacturers including Ice Castle, Warner Manufacturing, Sparky’s Welding, Chandler Industries, SpecSys, Granite Fluid Power, and Prinsco Inc.
For many of these students, it was their first time seeing how products are made and how many of those products are created right here in their own communities. They met welders, machinists, designers, and engineers who shared not just their skills but their passion for the work they do every day. The experience opened eyes to the technology, teamwork, and creativity that define modern manufacturing.
Students were quick to share their excitement:
“I didn’t know Minnesota had this stuff, and it’s cool!”
“You can see jobs around your area that are just as important as ones in the city.”
“It’s good for people to know the hard work and dedication put into the things around us.”
This kind of hands-on exposure is precisely what helps young people see the value of building their futures in Southwest Minnesota. The Tour of Manufacturing doesn’t just show what’s possible; it helps students imagine themselves in these careers, creating the products that keep our state and our world moving forward.
The excitement we witnessed on these tours mirrors the optimism shared statewide during Manufacturing Month. Governor Tim Walz’s 2025 Manufacturing Month Proclamation recognizes manufacturing as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s economy, employing more than 300,000 Minnesotans across 8,000 businesses. The proclamation calls on communities to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and dedication of those who make Minnesota-made products known around the world.
That pride and innovation are alive and well here in Southwest Minnesota. According to a recent DEED Local Look article, the manufacturing sector in our region employs nearly 30,000 workers across 610 firms, generating almost $2 billion in total payroll with an average annual wage of $66,664, significantly higher than the regional average. And while some areas of manufacturing have faced challenges in recent years, new projections through 2032 show a promising rebound, with more than 1,300 new jobs expected and strong growth in machinery, wood product, and chemical manufacturing.
Manufacturing also continues to evolve with technology and innovation, creating opportunities for workers of all ages and backgrounds. CareerForce Minnesota outlines Five Great Reasons to Choose a Career in Manufacturing: competitive pay, in-demand skills, clear advancement pathways, cutting-edge technology, and the chance to make a real difference. Whether you’re a student just starting your career journey or an adult ready for a new challenge, manufacturing offers a pathway to success right here in our region.
As the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council celebrates 40 years of workforce development, events like the Tour of Manufacturing remind us why we do this work. By connecting schools, businesses, and communities, we help ensure that students see a future for themselves in local industries and that employers have access to the next generation of skilled talent. Together, we are continuing the legacy of innovation and opportunity that has defined our organization and our region for four decades.
Manufacturing Month is a time to celebrate what’s made in Minnesota, but more importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the people who make it possible. From our partners at MRV CTEC and the businesses that opened their doors, to the students who stepped in ready to learn, this year’s Tour of Manufacturing showcased what’s best about Southwest Minnesota: a community committed to building, creating, and growing together.
To learn more about manufacturing careers and upcoming opportunities, visit CareerForce.MN.gov/Manufacturing.