Your biggest challenge isn’t competition – it’s people. Finding skilled workers, keeping operations efficient and planning for growth while supply chain and regulatory pressures mount is no small task. National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) isn’t just about celebrating the industry; it’s a practical opportunity to build workforce connections, benchmark best practices and gain ideas to strengthen your business.

This year, events across Kansas give manufacturers a front-row seat to what’s coming next in the industry. Whether you’re looking to recruit, explore new technology or connect with peers, here are some of the most valuable opportunities.

Why MFG Day Matters for Business Owners

For manufacturers, day-to-day demands often push long-term planning aside. MFG Day events help you step back and refocus. Attending or hosting can help you:

  • Strengthen workforce pipelines by connecting with schools, educators and future employees.
  • See new technology in action, from automation to energy efficiency upgrades.
  • Learn how peers are tackling supply chain and compliance issues.
  • Build community visibility, attracting talent and reinforcing your role as a cornerstone employer.

Register your MFG Day event | Check out the MFG Day resources | Find an event near you

Manufacturing Day Events in Kansas

  • Sabetha Chamber of Commerce – Oct. 1, 2025
    • Manufacturing expo and plant tours. Students from 11 schools, technical/colleges will attend. Great for exposure, recruiting early talent, showing your business to the community.
  • Marvin – Oct. 2, 2024
  • WSU Tech – National Center for Aviation Training – Oct. 3, 2025
    • One of the state’s largest MFG Day events. Meet educators and students preparing for careers in aviation and manufacturing. A great chance to influence future workforce and strengthen talent pipelines.
  • Superior Boiler – Oct. 3, 2025
    • Tours at 9, 10, 11 a.m. See CNC machines, welding, assembly, final testing. Walk through the shop floor of a heavy-equipment manufacturer.
  • Viega – Oct. 3, 2025
    • Viega LLC is a major player in pipe fitting and plumbing technology. Their McPherson facility will host a Manufacturing Day event showcasing their processes and the impact of modern technology on building systems.
  • Kansas City Manufacturing Network – Oct. 14, 2025
    • Business owners and executives gather to share strategies around growth, workforce and risk management. A peer-to-peer setting to discuss challenges you may not solve alone.

You’ve got options now. The question is: which ones will move the needle for your business? Here are strategic ways to make these events count:

  • Prioritize by business-need.
    • If your pain is recruitment, make Sabetha, Marvin or WSU Tech a priority. They have direct student and training engagement.
    • If your issue is process or equipment modernization, go to Superior Boiler, Marvin or tours of facilities where you can compare tech and layout.
  • Send multi-disciplinary teams. Operations, HR, finance—get folks who will use what they see. For example, HR for recruiting pipeline, operations for layout/lean ideas, finance for investment assessment.
  • Document what you see. Bring a checklist or camera. Measure times between various stages (if allowed), observe safety procedures, material flow, quality control steps. You’ll later compare at your facility what you can adapt.
  • Engage with educators and students early. Identify what skills are in demand, what technical schools are teaching, where gaps are. Maybe you can partner with a school or sponsor a training program.
  • Follow up. If you meet vendors, institutions or  potential hires, don’t let the momentum die. Within a week, reach out with “Here’s what sparked my interest, can we talk more?” Be the manufacturer who follows through.

At Adams Brown, we work with manufacturers across the Midwest, helping them navigate challenges like scaling operations, managing cash flow and adapting to changing markets. We’re proud to support an industry that’s vital to the local economy and to the nation’s future. Contact an Adams Brown manufacturing accountant to learn more.