By Brittney Sherman
This initiative, a key pillar of the Manufacture Morgan Hill Campaign, provided students enrolled in vocational and engineering programs from Morgan Hill Unified School District and Oakwood School with firsthand exposure to real-world manufacturing environments. The goal is to inspire students to pursue technical careers and cultivate a skilled, local workforce for the industry's future. The program was executed through a dynamic collaboration between the City's Economic Development Department, the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, and the local schools.
"Manufacturing accounts for approximately 20% of all jobs in the City," said Matt Mahood, Economic Development Director. "These tours are vital for showcasing this important industry, providing high school students an opportunity to envision a potential career path, and allowing employers to directly inspire the next generation."
Featured Manufacturer Tours
This year, five established local companies welcomed participating students for private tours:
Toray Advanced Composites: A subsidiary of Toray Industries, this company is a leader in high-performance materials for the aerospace, space exploration, and automotive sectors.
PDV MedTech: A medical technology company specializing in precision device development, from concept design to high-volume commercial production for the healthcare industry.
Pinnacle Exhibits: A design and fabrication company that creates custom trade show exhibits and experiential marketing environments for global brands.
Bruce's Custom Covers: Specializes in high-quality protective covers for aircraft, vehicles, and equipment, trusted by aviation professionals worldwide.
Creative Manufacturing Solutions: A precision sheet metal fabrication company that designs, fabricates, and assembles a wide variety of products for leading high-tech companies.
Dr. Carmen Garcia, Morgan Hill Unified Superintendent, emphasized the educational value: "Our growing partnerships with the City, Chamber, and local industry have been key in the expansion of our 32 Career Technical Education pathways and increase in program participation. These work-based learning opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience and earn industry-standard certifications they can use immediately in the workplace."
Nick Gaich, President & CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, added, "The Chamber is thrilled to co-host these student tours in celebration of National Manufacturing Week. With the incredible support of our manufacturing partners, our high school students receive a glimpse of state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing technology, directly inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians."
About Morgan Hill Industrial Development
Morgan Hill is South Silicon Valley's manufacturing hub, featuring 8.2 million square feet of industrial space. The City's economic vitality is deeply rooted in its thriving manufacturing community. In the last three years alone, Morgan Hill has completed construction on nearly 1.5 million square feet of new industrial product, including the Shoe Palace/JD Sports Headquarters and major developments like Butterfield 5 Tech Park and Cochrane Technology Center.
The Manufacture Morgan Hill Campaign was launched by the City's Economic Development Department to demonstrate that Morgan Hill is the ideal destination for businesses seeking growth, manufacturers looking to expand, and talented professionals eager to make a difference. To learn more, visit www.choosemorganhill.com/manufacture-morgan-hill.
CONTACT: Matt Mahood, Economic Development Director matt.mahood@morganhill.ca.gov