Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) issued the following statement of support for Manufacturing Day 2019 – #MFGDay19 – which will be formally recognized on Friday, October 4 as thousands of American manufacturers also host events at facilities across the entire month.

“U.S. manufacturing’s story is one of innovation, skill and vision fueled by hard workers who are committed to economic growth, job creation and society’s well-being. As an original supporter and endorser of Manufacturing Day, AF&PA welcomes the opportunity to highlight that undeniable value every October,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “At roughly four percent of U.S. manufacturing GDP with approximately 950,000 employees in rural and urban communities across 45 states and a payroll of $55 billion annually, we are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the United States. That’s a compelling picture worth sharing in order to expand knowledge about the paper and wood products industry and encourage Americans to consider us for a career.”

BACKGROUND: Manufacturing Day is an annual celebration held on the first Friday of October and co-produced by manufacturing industry leaders to underscore the benefits of and educate the public about manufacturing. Thousands of manufacturers, including those from the paper and wood products sector, are opening their doors on October 4 and during the entire month to provide Americans a look at operations so they can better understand manufacturing and the jobs it creates.

For more information about AF&PA and the products our industry makes, visit www.afandpa.org, and follow #MFGDay19 on Twitter for real-time news on Manufacturing Day 2019 activities.