Local manufacturer encourages students to get into the industry

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington Grill, a local grill manufacturer, hosted an open house Friday to encourage local students to get into the field of manufacturing in honor of National Manufacturing Day.

Studies show that almost 80% of Americans believe manufacturing is important to our economic prosperity, standard of living, and national security. But only 30% of those surveyed would actually encourage their children to go into manufacturing careers.

John Barber, head of sales for Wilmington Grill, said they are trying to change that outlook.

“To show them that this is a nice career path, because they are thinking about different ways to go and you know you can get into engineering, you can get into machining and now is the time to think about it which way to go,” said Barber.

Barber says there are a number of benefits to getting into the manufacturing field and there are a lot of misconceptions people have about the industry.

High school students from New Hanover, Pender, and Columbus counties went to the open house that included a tour of the facility and of course some food off the grill.