Workforce WindsorEssex / Media Release
Windsor-Essex, ON (October 2, 2026) – Workforce WindsorEssex, Invest WindsorEssex, the Canadian Association of Mold Makers, and Automate Canada are coordinating with local manufacturers and area school boards to organize the region’s 12th annual MFG Day – a North American-wide initiative aimed at sharing technology and career opportunities in modern manufacturing with high school students and jobseekers.
Over 1,000 students and jobseekers will tour at least one of the 21 participating manufacturers as part of the daylong initiative designed to address local labour gaps within the manufacturing industry. Employers will have the opportunity to connect with the future workforce, highlight unique work opportunities, and help ensure the ongoing prosperity of the region’s largest industry.
According to Statistics Canada’s August 2026 Labour Force Survey, it is estimated that the region has 54,200 people employed in manufacturing, or approximately 22.2% of the region’s 244,100 employed workforce.
Students and jobseekers will tour prominent local companies to experience a day in the life, ask questions, interact with professionals in different industries, and engage in hands-on activities. Contributing sponsors include EnerQuest Technology Solutions Inc., Absolute Tool Technologies, and Plasman.
Quotes
“Workforce WindsorEssex is incredibly proud to be part of an event that spotlights the region’s largest and most integral industry, allowing students and jobseekers to experience the potential of the trades, for the twelfth successful year.”
– Mikal Fakhreddin, Project Coordinator and Research Analyst, Workforce WindsorEssex
“Manufacturing Day gives students a firsthand look at the innovation, technology and diverse career opportunities that make Windsor-Essex a leader in advanced manufacturing. By bringing students, educators, and industry together, we are helping build awareness of the skills and careers that will drive our economy forward. Invest WindsorEssex is proud to partner with Workforce WindsorEssex to support this important initiative and help strengthen the talent pipeline our regional companies need to compete and grow.”
– Gordon Orr, CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
“Manufacturing Day is about more than showing young people what we make. It is about showing them what is possible. When students walk through the doors of a manufacturing facility, they see the technology, innovation and skilled people behind our industry, and they begin to see themselves as part of its future.”
– Nicole Vlanich, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Moldmakers and Automate Canada
“Manufacturing Day gives us the opportunity to introduce younger generations to the skill, technology, and opportunities that make our industry so rewarding. Inspiring young people to pursue careers in manufacturing is essential to keeping the knowledge and craftsmanship of the skilled trades strong for years to come. At Absolute Tool Technologies, investing in people and developing the next generation is how we continue to grow and achieve Great Results Through Great People.”
– Denis Comartin, President/Co-Owner, Absolute Tool Technologies Inc.
“Manufacturing is more than an industry in Windsor-Essex. It is part of the foundation of this region and at Integra it is an important link in a North American supply chain that depends on skilled people, innovation, and strong local capabilities. MFG Day is an opportunity to celebrate the skill and commitment behind our industry while helping the next generation see the possibilities of a career in modern manufacturing”
– Thomas Neuman, CEO, EnerQuest Technology Solutions Inc.
Quick Links:
- Windsor-Essex was the first community in Canada to participate in MFG Day in 2013 with six companies hosting 150 students. Explore past MFG Days in Windsor-Essex.
- In the last 12 months, there have been 429 manufacturers hiring for 3,974 positions.
- Workforce WindsorEssex collects local job postings and apprenticeship postings from 55 job boards and employer websites to better understand employer demand for talent and to simplify job search via our innovative job finding tools: Job Board, Job Map, and Career Explorer.
- Invest WindsorEssex is a not-for-profit organization supported by the City of Windsor and County of Essex, responsible for advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in the region.
- The Canadian Association of Moldmakers (CAMM) is Canada’s leading national association representing moldmakers, service providers, and suppliers to the global mold making Industry.
- Automate Canada leads and advocates for the Canadian automation industry, assisting and promoting their members. Engagement in activities supporting the business success and innovation expertise of the member companies in their association is their mission.