Workforce News

Washington, D.C. (April 2, 2026) – The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—announced today that Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable and lightweight construction materials, will be the platinum sponsor for the MI’s 2026 National MFG Day (Manufacturing Day).

On Friday, Oct. 2, Saint-Gobain will welcome local high school students to its CertainTeed plant in Peachtree City, Georgia, for an immersive learning experience to include guided facility tours, hands-on STEM activities and direct engagement with plant employees and manufacturing professionals. This event will spearhead a grassroots movement to spark genuine career interest by connecting students with the people and places driving modern manufacturing.

Saint-Gobain’s sponsorship aligns directly with its Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities initiative, a signature program reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to investing in the communities where it operates and to building a diverse, future-ready manufacturing workforce.

As innovation continues to transform manufacturing, workforce development has become more urgent. Research conducted by the MI and Deloitte shows that by 2033, manufacturers could face a shortage of nearly 2 million workers. MFG Day represents one of the MI’s most visible and impactful strategies for addressing that challenge—bringing students face to face with the high-paying, high-tech and life-changing opportunities available through manufacturing careers.

“With its visionary commitment to innovative and sustainable construction solutions, as well as workforce development, Saint-Gobain is well positioned to inspire students on MFG Day,” said MI President Carolyn Lee. “Saint-Gobain is literally constructing our future homes and workspaces; this makes it easy for students to understand manufacturing as a career and imagine themselves as part of a valuable and revolutionary workforce.

“The MI is grateful to Saint-Gobain for headlining this year’s platinum event and showcasing for students in Georgia—and nationwide—what their futures can look like in manufacturing.”

Since 2012, the MI has empowered manufacturers to partner with educators and their local communities to welcome the next generation of talent on MFG Day. Celebrated annually on the first Friday in October, with events continuing throughout the month and beyond, this national grassroots movement invites thousands of companies and educational institutions to open their doors to students, parents, educators and community leaders. In 2025, more than 3,000 events were held nationwide, each designed to expand career awareness and reshape perceptions of manufacturing and to inspire students to explore creative, high-tech careers in the industry.

“MFG Day is exactly the kind of platform that brings our Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities mission to life,” said Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed CEO Mark Rayfield. “Saint-Gobain creates the materials that shape our homes, schools and communities—but the future of that work depends on the next generation of skilled, passionate people who choose manufacturing as their career. We are opening our doors in Peachtree City and in every town where Saint-Gobain operates, so students can see themselves not only as future workers, but also as future builders of the world around them. The Manufacturing Institute shares our belief that this industry offers a long, rewarding and meaningful path for anyone willing to explore it, and we are proud to partner with them as the Platinum Sponsor of MFG Day 2026.”

To learn more about MFG Day or for information about holding an MFG Day event, visit MFGDay.com.

– The MI –

 The Manufacturing Institute works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce for individual opportunity, community prosperity and a competitive manufacturing industry for the future. This is done through implementing groundbreaking initiatives, convening industry leaders, conducting innovative research and promoting public policy that supports the sector as it meets the opportunity of modern manufacturing. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

– Saint-Gobain –

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services adapted to the residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions provide sustainability, performance and well-being for its customers. The Group is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME.”