Allegion, a leading global provider of security products and solutions, recently hosted education and state leaders at its first-ever Manufacturing Day event in Indianapolis – an effort to start a collaborative conversation locally about manufacturing careers and the skills gap in the industry.
At a national level, Manufacturing Day is an annual event supported by organizations like the National Association of Manufacturing, during which North American manufacturers open their doors to help educate people about manufacturing. Allegion manufactures Von Duprin and Falcon exit devices, as well as Glynn-Johnson and Ives door hardware and accessories, at its Indianapolis Operations on Tobey Drive. Manufacturing Day participants were given the opportunity to tour that facility and see, first-hand, how those products are made.
“Recent studies show that 80 percent of manufacturers can’t find the skilled workers they need,” said Allegion Vice President of Operations, Cindy Farrer.
“That’s a trend that should greatly concern anyone in our industry – especially considering studies also show that, for every $1 spent in manufacturing, $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector. It’s also why we hope to work with local schools and state leaders to inspire the next generation of manufacturers in the Indianapolis area.”
At the premier event, a panel of Allegion employees shared their manufacturing career experiences with education foundation directors, school board members, an Indiana Chamber of Commerce representative and Congressional staff members.
“I started my manufacturing career at Allegion as an assembler, after leaving the armed forces,” said Allegion employee Derek Brooks. “Today, I’ve worked my way up to a team lead role, and I’m using Allegion’s tuition reimbursement program to advance my career further. It’s my goal to be able to mentor and support team leaders and up-and-coming leaders, while continuing to grow our business and expand our markets. In the future, I aspire to be a plant manager.”
State Rep. Robin Shackleford – who was invited as a guest speaker and represents citizens in House District 98, where Allegion’s Indianapolis Operations are located – noted the importance of manufacturing to Indiana as a whole.
“I am proud of the economic impact Allegion has made in our community and the state. In Indiana, the manufacturing sector employs over 500,000 Hoosiers. If we want to continue to move this state forward, we must support industries that support us,” said Shackleford.
Allegion’s Indianapolis Operations employs nearly 500 people and contributes more than $40 million annually to the local economy in payroll and purchases with local suppliers. Its brands have been manufactured in Indianapolis for more than 100 years.