Macomb County, MI
09/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/29/2026 13:03
Thousands of high school students tour local manufacturing facilities as part of Macomb County’s Manufacturing Day Week
Macomb County is currently celebrating Manufacturing Day Week by facilitating tours of local industry for more than 2,000 high school students. The initiative, which runs through Oct. 2, is coordinated by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) and the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) with the goal of providing opportunities for young people to see area advanced manufacturing facilities and meet people who make things.
"Manufacturing Day here in Macomb County is about opening doors and showing our students what is possible," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "When a student walks into a facility, sees the technology, meets the people behind the products and experiences manufacturing firsthand, it can change the way they think about their future. More than 2,000 students are getting that opportunity this week, and that is only possible because of the incredible partnership between our schools, our local manufacturers and our Macomb County Planning and Economic Development team. We are proud to connect our young people with the people and companies helping build what's next."
Hackel today joined students from Chippewa Valley High School at a tour of personal care product developer Merit Manufacturing. Merit is a leading personal care manufacturer that prides itself on its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with meticulous attention to detail, crafting products that exceed industry standards. The company produces items ranging from hair and skin care to laundry and car care.
Merit was one of 70 host sites for the 2026 Manufacturing Day Week. All students who attend receive a 90-120 minute guided tour of their site and some combination of the following:
"Manufacturing Day here in Macomb County is about opening doors and showing our students what is possible," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "When a student walks into a facility, sees the technology, meets the people behind the products and experiences manufacturing firsthand, it can change the way they think about their future. More than 2,000 students are getting that opportunity this week, and that is only possible because of the incredible partnership between our schools, our local manufacturers and our Macomb County Planning and Economic Development team. We are proud to connect our young people with the people and companies helping build what's next."
Hackel today joined students from Chippewa Valley High School at a tour of personal care product developer Merit Manufacturing. Merit is a leading personal care manufacturer that prides itself on its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with meticulous attention to detail, crafting products that exceed industry standards. The company produces items ranging from hair and skin care to laundry and car care.
Merit was one of 70 host sites for the 2026 Manufacturing Day Week. All students who attend receive a 90-120 minute guided tour of their site and some combination of the following:
- A briefing by a company leader who provides an overview of the company, the type of manufacturing they do and the customers they serve as well as info about employment opportunities.
- Smaller sub-tours that highlight different work areas and careers.
- Opportunities for students to talk with employees and see the product life cycle in action.
- Opportunities for students to see and touch the machinery, tools and products that are a part of the industrial workplace.
These experiences help the students better understand what a career in advanced manufacturing might look like. Notably, four host sites marked a decade of participation with the initiative. This includes:
- Plastivaloire America Inc.
- L&L Products
- PCS Company
- Lanzen Inc.
"We have phenomenal partners in our Manufacturing Day effort, but the companies who have been with us for 10 years, and those who have been with us even longer, are truly outstanding," said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. "These organizations have shown a real commitment to building our next generation workforce by inspiring young talent and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and support."
2026 marks the 13th anniversary of Macomb County's participation in the event, which has seen more than 24,000 students experience industry through the support of an active planning committee and the generosity of host sites and sponsors. For more information, visit Macomb County's Manufacturing Day/Week webpage.
Vicky Rowinski
586-469-5065
[email protected]
Department:Planning and Economic Development
Type:
Press Release
Macomb County, MI published this content on September 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 29, 2026 at 19:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]