Allegion Americas, a leading provider of security products and solutions, today hosted U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and more than 120 students at its third-annual Manufacturing Day event in Indianapolis.
“Allegion holds Manufacturing Day events across the U.S. in an effort to start a collaborative conversation about manufacturing careers and the skills gap in the industry,” said Allegion Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Integrated Supply Chain Chris Muhlenkamp. “I’d say most manufacturing jobs today are centered on employee empowerment, engagement and innovation. Unfortunately, our industry has not effectively communicated this – and Allegion is trying to help change that.”
Manufacturing Day is an annual nationwide event supported by the National Association of Manufacturing, during which American manufacturers open their doors to help educate people about the industry. Allegion manufactures Von Duprin® and Falcon® exit devices, as well as Glynn-Johnson®, Ives® and Zero International® door hardware and accessories at its Indianapolis facility on Tobey Drive, where it’s operated for more than 30 years.
Approximately 120 high school, college and technical students who attended Allegion’s 2017 Manufacturing Day were given the opportunity to tour that facility and see, first-hand, how those security products are made. They also heard from Sen. Donnelly and Mayor Hogsett on the importance of manufacturing.
“It was an honor to visit Allegion on Manufacturing Day, as we celebrate the companies and workers in our state who build the most advanced, highest-quality products in the world,” Sen. Donnelly said. “Manufacturing is a critical component of Indiana’s economy, providing workers with opportunities to earn a living and provide for their families. As we look to the future, we want to ensure that workforce training programs provide Hoosier students and workers the skills needed to fill the in-demand jobs available across our state today and in coming years.”
“I was thrilled to join Allegion and high school students from around the state on National Manufacturing Day — a day that celebrates an industry vital to Central Indiana’s economy,” Mayor Hogsett said. “I applaud Allegion for their efforts to strengthen our local pipeline of manufacturing talent. If we want our communities to thrive as they have, it is critical to expose our future workforce to this industry that will need them most.”
Allegion employs more than 1,200 people in Indiana, with more than 600 employed at its two manufacturing operations. The manufacturer has participated in Manufacturing Day since 2015, using the event to cultivate relationships with Indiana schools and to develop innovative ways to teach students about manufacturing careers. To actively address the skills gap, Allegion is also developing skilled trade apprenticeship programs and offering tuition reimbursement opportunities, as well as transitioning some part-time and temporary employees to full-time positions.
“Informing and inspiring the next generation of manufacturers will require a good deal of work within our communities – but it’s a worthy cause,” Muhlenkamp said. “Allegion is committed to combating the skills gap. We will continue investing in our manufacturing processes and equipment, our people and the communities in which we work to further advance the manufacturing competency.”
For more information on national Manufacturing Day efforts, visit www.mfgday.com.
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About Allegion™
Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) is a global pioneer in safety and security, with leading brands like CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage®, SimonsVoss® and Von Duprin®. Focusing on security around the door and adjacent areas, Allegion produces a range of solutions for homes, businesses, schools and other institutions. Allegion is a $2.2 billion company, with products sold in almost 130 countries.
For more, visit www.allegion.com.
