On Friday, Oct. 3, the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program hosted its premier event, “MADE in New Jersey” Manufacturing Day, a statewide celebration of manufacturing’s critical role in driving economic growth.
The day featured networking opportunities, an awards ceremony, a keynote address from broadcaster Steve Adubato, breakout sessions, remarks from gubernatorial candidates, a robotics showcase and 85 exhibitors.
“Manufacturing is alive and thriving in New Jersey,” said Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP. “There are many organizations — whether it’s NJBIA, EDA or ourselves — that help small and medium manufacturers as they come into the state. We want to bring in more manufacturers, but also keep the manufacturers that are here.”+
The event spotlighted progress, partnerships and people, underscoring the focus on collaboration and workforce development.
“The best part of it is, we bring people together,” Connolly said. “There are about 700 individual manufacturing companies here and 85 exhibits. We’ve had one company tell us they get more business out of this than they do in a regular trade show.”
Beyond networking, the event sought to challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing, inspire the next generation of makers and strengthen connections across the state’s manufacturing community.
