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Meritor's Fletcher Facility to Showcase High-Tech Careers During NAM Manufacturing Day


meritor

FLETCHER, NC--Oct. 4, 2013: Nearly 70 students from Rugby Middle School and the Balfour Education Center, along with education, government and community leaders, will experience a modern manufacturing plant and learn more about career opportunities in this growing sector of the economy when they visit Meritor's Fletcher plant on Oct. 4 during Manufacturing Day.

The event coincides with the second annual, nationally celebrated Manufacturing Day. Spearheaded by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Manufacturing Day draws public attention to career opportunities in manufacturing and the nationwide shortage of skilled labor.

"By opening our doors to young people, we hope to attract the next generation of talent to work in technical careers at our facilities in Fletcher, Maxton and Forest City," said Brian Cavagnini, director of Operations, Carolina Enterprise. "It's important that young people interested in manufacturing prepare in advance with the basic skill sets needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven industry where the use of state-of-the-art equipment is the norm."

Plant management and employees will discuss manufacturing careers and Meritor's role as a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets. In North Carolina, Meritor builds a variety of axles, transfer cases, drivelines and independent suspensions for commercial and military vehicles at its Fletcher, Maxton and Forest City plants.

Fletcher plant specialists in the areas of engineering, procurement, logistics, finance, production, technical operations and human resources will offer advice on preparing for a career in manufacturing and answer students' questions before taking them on a tour of the facility. Dr. Molly Parkhill, president, Blue Ridge Community College, will discuss the importance of education, curriculum and technical training.

According to NAM, more than 17 million Americans work in manufacturing jobs, and more than 600,000 jobs are unfilled because applicants are not adequately trained for technical jobs that often involve automation, robotics and screen technology.

"It's critical that we develop new generations of skilled workers who can keep pace with leading-edge technologies that will keep us competitive in North Carolina and across the country," Cavagnini said.