October was a busy month at AIS as the company celebrated not only National Manufacturing Month, but their 30th Anniversary as well. Each year AIS celebrates the importance of manufacturing and honors manufacturing month with events that honor leaders, educate students about careers in manufacturing and build awareness on the positive impact manufacturing has on both the local and national economies.

AIS kicked off Manufacturing Month on October 4 when the company hosted students from Forest Grove Middle School, Worcester East Middle School and Worcester Technical High School. More than 100 students and teachers enjoyed showroom and factory tours and participated in a panel discussion with AIS employees.

Visitors learned how AIS has earned acclaim for product design, just-in-time manufacturing and sustainability across the industry. The company is a recipient of the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing.

The following week on October 8, students from Nashoba Regional High School visited AIS for “A Day in the Life” mentor program. This program provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about careers in business and manufacturing, particularly those that companies like AIS offer.

On October 9, Governor Charlie Baker visited AIS as part of National Manufacturing Month celebrations. During his visit, Governor Baker toured the manufacturing floor, met employees and presented AIS President and CEO Bruce Platzman a proclamation declaring October to be Manufacturing Month in Massachusetts.

AIS celebrated its employees with an appreciation day on October 14. During the event, Franchesca Jimenez Vega received the Barney Platzman Award. Each year, this award – named for the CEO’s father – is given to one of AIS’s factory team members for their hard work and dedication.

Oct. 17 brought more visits from business and political leaders, and students. AIS was the first stop in a tour of Central Massachusetts sponsored by the Mass Office of Business Development and the Mass Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI). Nearly 30 international delegates visited the AIS factory and showroom. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Platzman welcomed the crowd and shared their love of the region.

Later that day, AIS hosted the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster for factory and showroom tours. The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation partnered with AIS to provide the experience for the club members.

On October 29, the North Central Chamber of Commerce kicked-off its CEO Unplugged series at AIS with President and CEO Bruce Platzman. CEO Unplugged gives young professionals access to local leaders for a chance to connect and learn about their journey to success. During the event Bruce discussed AIS’s growth throughout the years, leadership values, investment in the community and career paths. Later that day, AIS hosted the October Young Professionals of North Central Massachusetts networking series. Designed for professionals in the region who are 40 years old and under, the goal of this group is to build meaningful, professional and sustainable relationships.

To hear more about AIS and its Manufacturing Month celebrations, tune in to OA on Air’s Manufacturing Month takeover edition https://soundcloud.com/user-747597107/episode-67-mixdown.