October is Manufacturing Month, a time when manufacturers around the world open their doors and reach out to their local communities to inspire future generations about the industry. This year, the PGT Innovations Family of Brands celebrated the occasion in a variety of ways, engaging with local schools and students to showcase the exciting opportunities that await them in the manufacturing sector.
PGT Innovations/Venice, FL: An Educational Seminar and Tour for Industry Professionals
PGT Innovations welcomed industry professionals of the Sarasota-Manatee Area Manufacturers Association (SAMA) to a plant tour and seminar at its Venice headquarters on October 19. During the three-hour event, SAMA members received an overview of PGT Innovations, including a tour of the Venice facility that produces PGT Custom Windows and Doors products.
Following the tour was a seminar highlighting best practices for organizational excellence led by Michael Pitcher, Senior Associate for Future State Engineering, and Bruce Wesner, Sr. Director of Strategic Operational Reliability at PGT Innovations. Attendees shared that they enjoyed learning more about the PGT Innovations story, while also picking up new ideas to improve work efficiency and better implement strategies. Guests enjoyed a networking session with refreshments to wrap up the event.
PGT/Venice, FL: Inspiring Students at Venice High School
On October 12, PGT Custom Windows and Doors team members visited Venice High School (VHS) to share their manufacturing journey. The event took place in the VHS Career Center and spanned three lunch sessions. Two ninth-grade Career classes also joined the session post-lunch, making it a comprehensive day of learning and interaction.
Several PGT representatives from a variety of departments including manufacturing, engineering, recruiting, human resources, and more were present to meet and greet the students. They shared how they arrived at PGT and the opportunities/roles they’ve held in the company while discussing various programs that can help students find promising career paths in manufacturing.
Anlin/Clovis, CA: A Day of Learning at the Manufacturing Facility
Anlin Windows and Doors, located in Clovis, opened its doors to celebrate Manufacturing Month on-site. On October 6, a group of 24 students from Sanger High School, along with their teacher, visited for a tour of their facility. This experience gave the students a real-world perspective of how a manufacturing facility operates, providing them with an invaluable learning experience.
CGI/Hialeah, FL: A Day to Remember for Prologis Trade and Logistics Academy Students
CGI Windows and Doors, located in Hialeah, planned a special day for students from the Prologis Trade and Logistics Academy of Miami Springs High School. On October 12, a group of 20 students accompanied by their teachers visited the plant.
They heard from Supply Chain leaders about their roles. They witnessed the impact window cannon test, in which a 2×4 piece of wood is fired from an air cannon at one of our CGI impact-resistant windows to test its strength and ability to remain intact even after being struck. They also explored the CGI window school — a hands-on window manufacturing training to enhance the employee onboarding experience and observed different production lines in action.
The celebrations across the PGT Innovations Family of Brands highlight the company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of manufacturers. Through these educational outreach programs, we are not only celebrating Manufacturing Month but also shaping the future of the industry.
