October 5th, 2012 is National Manufacturing Day!  Manufacturing facilities across the country will be opening their doors to highlight the importance to manufacturing to the nation’s economy and draw attention to the many rewarding high-skill jobs available in the manufacturing fields. Studies by the nonprofit Manufacturing Institute and others show that almost 80% of Americans believe manufacturing is important to our economic prosperity, standard of living and social security. Yet only 30% would encourage their children to go into manufacturing as a career. With the gap growing each year between the skills students learn in school and those they will need on the job, it is increasingly difficult for manufacturers to find and hire qualified employees. Goals of Manufacturing Day are to educate young people about the growing career opportunities and to remove any negative myths surrounding manufacturing. Waukesha Metal Products will be hosting two open houses on Friday October 5th, 2012 at the Stamping/Tooling Facility in Sussex, WI and at the Fabrication Facility in Grafton, WI. Doors will be open from 12:00pm-5:00pm and include presentations and plant tours.