(Bethpage, NY) The Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT, www.lift.org), the designated NYSTAR Long Island Regional Technology Development Center and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) for the U.S. Department of Commerce, working on behalf of the region’s 3,200 small and mid-sized manufacturers, wants Long Island to know that there are many thriving manufacturers across diverse industries right here on Long Island. The organization is joining MEPs across the nation and other organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International on October 4th, 2013 for the official Manufacturing Day. This event was designed to raise awareness and improve the perception of manufacturing and its significant value to the North American economy. Additionally, the day is intended to help manufacturers learn about business improvement resources and services provided by their local MEPs such as LIFT on Long Island.
According to LIFT Executive Director Bill Wahlig, “Manufacturing Day is when students, parents, educators, customers, suppliers and the broader public will have the opportunity to observe manufacturing in action across America. Here on Long Island, LIFT is encouraging local manufacturers to celebrate their contributions to the region’s economy by holding plant tours and open houses. Manufacturing is a vital engine for driving Long Island’s growth and economic development.”
Among the local manufacturers that have already scheduled an open house from 9 AM to 4 PM at its facility is Festo (Hauppauge, NY, www.festo.com), a leading worldwide supplier of automation technology and the performance leader in industrial training and education programs. The company’s mission is to maximize productivity and competitiveness for its customers. Festo is located at 395 Moreland Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788. To register for the Festo Manufacturing Day event, visit: http://bit.ly/15Famqo.
A member of the LIFT Family of Companies, the Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security (Bethpage, NY, www.asfhs.org) is also hosting an open house at its research facility located at 510 Grumman Road West, Bethpage, NY 11714. The open house will be from 8 AM to 4 PM. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that focuses on accelerating the transfer of technology into end-user driven products and systems in support of first responders and other homeland security personnel. It achieves its mission through its “living lab” environment in its Morrelly Homeland Security Center, a one-of-a-kind, privately-owned homeland security C4I facility that facilitates unprecedented collaboration between the public and private sectors. Through its operations, the Foundation is effectively advancing the development and commercialization of products and services that homeland security end-users need and can afford. To register for the Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security Manufacturing Day event, visit: http://bit.ly/19wZKPJ.
Wahlig commented that 2012 was the first year that Manufacturing Day was held. It was celebrated with over 240 events across the country including three on Long Island at Atlantic Industrial Technology (Shirley, NY), Accessory Technology (Farmingdale, NY) and B&R Industries (Medford, NY).
“This year, our goal is to double the number of Long Island Manufacturing Day events,” said Wahlig. He added, “There is still plenty of time for Long Island manufacturers and colleges with curriculum in manufacturing to plan and host an event to help raise awareness of manufacturing and the great career opportunities it offers. Manufacturers that would like more information can contact us at LIFT or visit the Manufacturing Day website: www.mfgday.com.”
About LIFT
The Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT) is a non-profit economic development organization working with the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). LIFT is NYSTAR’s designated Regional Technology Development Center for Long Island and the region’s official MEP. Its role is far reaching, including helping members win government contracts and grants to grow their businesses; aligning companies with synergistic lines and missions; giving members access to critical business improvement and quality management systems across core areas; providing lean product design and development services, innovation engineering, feasibility studies, material analysis services and rapid prototyping; and offering industry-specific education forums. The LIFT Family of Companies reflects several major technology and related initiatives, including: the Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security, the Rail Alliance, The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Innovation Center (AMMTIC), DHS Mantech, Information Technology, Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition and Workforce Development. LIFT’s primary mission is to commercialize Long Island’s technology.
For more information, visit: www.lift.org
