In 2019, the PMA Educational Foundation (PMAEF) wanted to help PMA members foster growth and promote metalforming careers in their communities. To achieve this, PMAEF created the Metalforming Micro-Grant Program.

The program provides funding to member companies that are implementing projects or programs to enhance the public’s experience and exposure to metalforming careers in collaboration with MFG Day. PMA members could receive $500 - $1,000 grants to host an MFG Day event.

2024 Program 6 PMA members receiving grants totaling $5,000

2023 Program 12 PMA members receiving grants totaling $11,000

2022 Program 13 PMA members receiving grants totaling $8,750

2021 Program 12 PMA members receiving grants totaling $11,500

2019 Program 14 PMA members received grants totaling $12,295

Below you’ll find 2024 micro-grant recipients and what they were able to accomplish with the micro-grants they received.

Bihler of America

Location: Phillipsburg, NJ

PMA Member Since: 1984

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

On MFG Day, Bihler spoke with students regarding their academic choices such as STEM and trade-related clusters. Students visited Bihler and witnessed firsthand how things were made and how they could pursue related careers. Bihler also held an open house event so that the local community was aware of the work taking place at Bihler of America.

Formtek-Maine Machine Tool - Third-Year Recipient

Location: Clinton, ME

PMA Member Since: 1996

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Formtek hosted a Manufacturing Day open house with 150 visitors, from students in high school and technical colleges to relatives, friends and family. The event included demonstrations of Formtek's technical capabilities, precision machining, electrical assemblies, engineering and service. The company also designed a program to cut Christmas ornaments for giveaways to participants.

JV Manufacturing - Second-Year Recipient    

Location: Natrona Heights, PA

PMA Member Since: 2021

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Every year for Manufacturing Day, JV invites local schools to tour its facility. Along with tours, JV hosts activities and gives students the chance to talk to individuals in specific departments. The goal of the event is to expose students to what manufacturing looks like in their backyard. Even if students are not yet at the age to work, JV likes to show them what manufacturing careers truly look like.

Prospect Machine Products - Third-Year Recipient

Location: Prospect, CT

PMA Member Since: 2020

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Prospect Machine Products collaborated with the local regional high school to have students come to its facility for a learning and game session as well as a company tour.

Reliable Metalcraft Corp. - Second-Year Recipient

Location: Mishawaka, IN

PMA Member Since: 2016

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Reliable Metalcraft used grant funds to expand a partnership with Elkhart County's 4-H Blacksmithing club and other youth development programs. The company believes in empowering young individuals in its community to become responsible, skilled and confident future leaders in the precision metalforming industry. Reliable Metalcraft aims to help expand and support the Blacksmithing club as well as promote metalforming and manufacturing careers.

Welser Profile North America, LLC

Location: Valley City, OH

PMA Member Since: 1992 (Resigned Jan. 2025)

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Throughout the year, Welser Profile partners with schools to provide teacher in-service experiences to understanding manufacturing and provides tours, mock interviews and other experiences for students to come onsite and learn. Also, Welser provides hands-on games and experiences onsite at schools during lunchtime or classroom presentations, or at its worksite (bussed from school).