Made in Henderson County is a coordinated effort established to enhance connectivity between manufacturing businesses and the school system while telling the story of manufacturing, the products that are made here and the people who make them. This story of products, people and place promotes a general understanding and elevated awareness of manufacturing businesses, the products they make, the ca
reers they support, and their strength and importance to our economy. The Made in Henderson County effort was developed based on feedback and direction provided by representatives of Henderson County’s manufacturing businesses, facilitated by HCPED, in close partnership with the Henderson County Public School System. During the 2013-2014 year, hundreds of students, guidance counselors and teachers will have direct exposure to what is Made in Henderson County through luncheons, professional development opportunities and facility tours. Participating companies include Clement Pappas, GE Lighting Solutions, Elkamet, Meritor, Wilsonart, SELEE Corporation and many others. These companies range from small businesses with local roots and 2 employees to multi-national operations with over 700 employees, making a variety of products that we use in our daily lives, as well as key components that are critical for final assembly applications all over the world. Whether by hand or machine, when products are made in Henderson County, we all benefit from the investment made and the jobs created. Henderson County’s manufacturers employ over 5,250 people, representing 15% of our workforce, and average wages in excess of $48,000/year. The effort to enhance connectivity between manufacturing businesses and the school system is focused on raising the visibility of manufacturing as a viable career path to ensure that Henderson County students have diverse employment opportunities in the community, and manufacturing businesses have access to skilled, local talent.