A total of 215 seventh-grade students from nine area schools participated in the eighth annual Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) event on Wednesday, October 1. This national initiative aims to change perceptions of the manufacturing industry and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.
Throughout the day, students toured two manufacturing businesses each, learning firsthand about modern manufacturing careers. Company ambassadors shared personal stories about their own career paths and experiences, helping students understand the many rewarding opportunities available in today’s manufacturing sector.
Seven local manufacturers across the two counties opened their doors to students:
- American Crystal Sugar Company – Drayton
- Bordertown Retail Systems – Neche
- CVR Industries – Neche
- Dakota Pallet – Cavalier
- Marvin – Grafton
- Motorcoach Industries (MCI) – Pembina
- Woodside Industries – Cavalier
Participating schools included: Cavalier Public School, Drayton Public School, Grafton Public School, Park River Area School, Fordville-Lankin School, Midway Public School, Minto Public School, and the North Border School District campuses in Pembina and Walhalla.
The event provided students with hands-on exposure to a range of manufacturing careers, emphasizing that opportunities exist for every education path—from technical training to college degrees. Many students expressed surprise at the scale and sophistication of local operations, with several companies conducting business on a global level right from northeast North Dakota.
Pembina and Walsh Counties are home to more than 20 manufacturing and food processing companies, employing over 1,100 people. Educating young people about these opportunities is critical for strengthening rural communities and addressing the nation’s growing workforce needs—an estimated 3.8 million new manufacturing workers will be needed nationwide over the next decade.
The event was organized by the Pembina County Job Development Authority, Walsh County Job Development Authority, and Red River Regional Council, in partnership with North Valley Career and Technology Center and area schools. Funding support was provided by a grant from Impact Dakota, North Dakota’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which offers consulting and training services to strengthen the state’s manufacturing industry.
