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Glen Raven
Burlington
May 16, 2012 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Daimler Trucks
Mount Holly
June 26, 2012 1:30 - 4:30 pm

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"We enjoyed the affair and were surprised at the diversity of the manufacturers from across the state.Since the first meeting, we are now doing business with Flextronics' in Charlotte, NC. This is the start of a good thing."
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Flextronics Hosts First Manufacturing Makes It Real Network Event

Promoting a positive image of manufacturing across the state

List of Attending Companies

The On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 27, the rain fell, the wind blew and the Triangle found themselves under yet another tornado watch. But, it didn't stop the region from celebrating manufacturing at Flextronics in Morrisville with enthusiasm.

Industrial Extension Service at North Carolina State University coordinated the first Manufacturing Makes It Real Network event which drew 130 attendees from a diverse range of industries. There were representatives from traditional North Carolina manufacturers like Glen Raven and Piedmont Metalworks, but the event also drew supporters of the sector eager to learn what's made in their own backyard, including representatives from the Employment Security Commission, community colleges and economic development groups.

There were 15 different manufacturers who participated in the show and tell portion of the meeting and a total of 66 total manufacturers in attendance.

Network events also include a tour of the host facility, ample networking time and exposure to items collected by the Manufacturing Makes It Real tour. "As the host of the inaugural event, we were thrilled to have so many fellow manufactures come to the site and have the opportunity to see what Flextronics does here in North Carolina," said David Gilmore, general manager. "The opportunity to spend time with this group wouldn't be possible without the Network and we are thrilled to be a part of it and look forward to upcoming events."

Attendee and Network member, Bertram Barco of Square D by Schneider Electric, said of the Flextronics event, "We enjoyed the affair and were surprised at the diversity of the manufacturers from across the state. I thought it was particularly important to show the industries involved in their own communities," he said.

The Network grew out of the demand from manufacturers to tell their stories to an enthusiastic audience about the wide variety of products they make and the jobs they create as experienced during the statewide Manufacturing Makes It Real tour, hosted by IES during the week of September 27 - October 1, 2010.

The Network was designed to continue that trend by promoting a positive image of manufacturing, connecting manufacturers and those who support them and providing access to University resources to help build a stronger, more competitive base of industry in the state.

There will be 6 more events through December of this year. Network events are scheduled for June 7 at Fleet Readiness Center, in Cherry Point and Max Daetwyler on June 28 in Huntersville. Space is limited and RSVPs are strongly encouraged.

Barco went on to state, "We plan to attend the next event. This is the start of a good thing."

This event also included participation from the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) group that brought two teams of students and their robots. FIRST engages, celebrates and inspires students as they discover that they can be successful in science and technology and contribute meaningfully to the nation's technological enterprise. FIRST's goal is to get kids excited about science and technology, have them attend one of state's prestigious institutes of higher learning, and upon graduation, stay in North Carolina for their careers.

Flextronics' attendees appreciated the opportunity to interact with the high school students. "The (FIRST) display for the high school students served as a reminder of how we can make tangible contributions to the communities that we reside in," said Barco.

Network members include, Keihin Carolina System Technology, Inc., Air Components & Systems, Cormetech, Inc., Falcon Metal Corporation, Flextronics International, Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, Goulston Technologies, Inc., Max Daetwyler Corporation, Schneider Electric USA, TE Connectivity, Wayne Brothers, Inc. and Wilmington Box Co.

Go to our Facebook page to view pictures from the Flextronics event.