Business news : US, Snow sports manufacturers to host public events to promote manufacturing in the United States

WASHINGTON (Oct. 3, 2013) - Burton Snowboards, Icelantic Skis, Never Summer Industries, RAMP Sports and Thorlo Inc., members of the trade association SnowSports Industries America (SIA), are hosting public events at their facilities on October 4 and 11 in conjunction with Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY), a national grassroots effort highlighting manufacturing facilities and job opportunities in the United States. MFG Day will bring together media, students and community members for 800+ open house events across the country to learn about modern manufacturing technology and careers.

“Snow sports manufacturers have a major influence on their local communities and Manufacturing Day is a great way for the public to learn more about these companies and the technology that’s behind producing the latest snow sports gear and apparel,” commented Kelly Davis, SIA director of research.

On MFG DAY, manufacturers will open their doors and show what manufacturing is-and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

Five SIA members will be hosting MFG Day events around the country that are free and open to the public and media:

OCTOBER 4:
-   Icelantic Skis and Never Summer Industries: Tour of one of the largest ski and snowboard manufacturers in the world. See where both brands of skis and snowboards are made.
    Denver, Colo., 3838 Eudora Way, 80207
    10 a.m.
    Never Summer Industries
-   Thorlo Inc.: See how socks are made. Hourly manufacturing facility tours following a short documentary.
    Statesville, N.C.
    Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-noon.
    Event location, description, contact and requirement details on mfgday.com.
-   RAMP Sports: Snowboard and skis made in the USA. Staff-lead snowboard and skis manufacturing facility tours available all day.
    Park City, Ut.
    Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (stop by for the next available staffer to show you around)
    Event location, description, contact and requirement details on mfgday.com.

OCTOBER 11:
-   Burton Snowboards: Hourly tours of Craig’s Prototype Facility. Check out the prototype boards Burton is working on for the seasons ahead.
    Burlington, Vt.
    9 a.m.-noon
    Event location, description, contact and requirement details on mfgday.com.
SIA worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Fabricator and Manufacturers Association to bring Manufacturing Day to SIA members.
For more information regarding SIA’s involvement in MFG DAY, please contact Kelly Davis, SIA director of research at kdavis@snowsports.org or by phone at 703-506-4224.

- About SIA -

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is a non-profit member-owned trade association that works year-round with North American snow sports suppliers, retailers, reports, reps and service providers to develop products and programs that support their individual and collective business needs. With member support and industry participation, SIA annually hosts the industry's largest core winter sports trade show, the SIA Snow Show, along with the On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest and the Sourcing Snow supplier show. SIA also helps retailers and resorts connect with snow sports participants around the country through Snowlink.com. Learn more at Snowsports.org.