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Allegion/Republic Builders Hosts Manufacturing Day

Carroll County Technical Students Visit Modern Manufacturing Company

Monte Bowers of Allegion speaks to students from Carroll County Technical School.
Posted

MCKENZIE, TENN. (Oct. 3, 2018) – Allegion Americas, a leading provider of security products and solutions, today hosted nearly 80 students at its first Manufacturing Day in McKenzie – part of a nationwide effort to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

Manufacturing Day is an annual event in October that’s supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, during which American manufacturers open their doors to help educate people about the industry. Allegion produces hollow metal doors and frames at its McKenzie facility, where its brand Republic Doors & Frames has operated for more than 40 years.

“Manufacturing leaders are truly pulling together to change the mindsets of today’s young talent – the next generation of manufacturers. We are looking for ways to share the excitement that careers in manufacturing can bring to prospective employees, as well as enticing them to see the challenge and value of careers in manufacturing,” said Allegion Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Integrated Supply Chain Chris Muhlenkamp. “At the same time, we’re investing in and engaging our current team members, letting them know that we want their hearts and minds just as much as their hands and time.”

Students and teachers who attended Allegion’s 2018 Manufacturing Day from Carroll County Technical Center were given the opportunity to tour that facility and see, first-hand, how doors and frames are made. They also heard from State Sen. John Stevens on the importance of manufacturing to Tennessee’s economy. Stevens spoke to the morning attendees and Mayor Jill Holland welcomed the afternoon attendees.

“America has been built on manufacturing. For more than 100 years, manufacturing has provided American families a better life,” Stevens said. “And there are few activities that exemplify American life more than manufacturing. Each day, you get to serve your family through meaningful work.”

Allegion employs approximately 150 people in McKenzie, Tenn. with $5 million in annual payroll at the manufacturing 250,000 square-foot facility, located in the Henry County portion of McKenzie.

Plant Manager Monte Bowers said the local company depends on skilled workers to manufacture the doors and frames that are shipped throughout the world. Allegion’s starting pay is $13.45 per hour, said Bowers, who noted the company is ready to hire and invest in young people. Each year, the company manufactures 60,000 doors and 200,000 door frames.

Bowers thanked the county of Carroll for continuing to invest in technical education through its Carroll County Technical Center, available to all high school students in the county.

Bob Flaherty, VP of Operations, said the the local operations has great people from a great community.

The manufacturer launched Manufacturing Day there this year to cultivate relationships with local schools and to develop innovative ways to teach students about manufacturing careers. To actively address the skills gap, Allegion is also developing skilled trade apprenticeship programs and offering tuition reimbursement opportunities, as well as transitioning some part-time and temporary employees to full-time positions.