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 2022 micro-grant recipients and what they were able to accomplish with the micro-grants they received.

 

Ace Wire Spring & Form Co.

Location: McKees Rocks, PA

PMA Member Since: 2015

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. celebrated Manufacturing Day by welcoming local students for an inside look at the world of manufacturing. Through presentations and facility tours, students explored the range of career paths available in the industry and at Ace Wire. The goal was to inspire the next generation of manufacturers by showing them the real-world opportunities in this dynamic field.

 

AlphaUSA

Location: Livonia, MI

PMA Member Since: 2017

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

AlphaUSA inspired kids by creating several storyboards with problems and guidance on how to solve these problems. Students had hands-on experience learning mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering. AlphaUSA wants to create a workforce development technology center to assist students with exploring careers and pathways in manufacturing.

 

Clips & Clamps Industries

Location: Plymouth, MI

PMA Member Since: 1986

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Clips & Clamps hosted Starkweather Academy’s high school manufacturing class for an interactive plant tour featuring five hands-on learning stations. Students explored various roles and skills while gaining insight into clean, well-lit, and technologically advanced work environments. The goal was to spark interest in manufacturing careers and highlight the industry’s vital role in the local economy.

 

Digital Tool & Die

Location: Grandville, MI

PMA Member Since: 2019

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Digital Tool & Die's MFG Day event featured a virtual video tour of its state-of-the-art tool and die shop. The video included insights from current and past apprentices, showcasing their career journeys and the impact of earning a Journeyman card. This project aimed to spark interest in manufacturing careers by highlighting the clean, modern and high-tech environment of today’s tool and die industry.

 

Eberhard Manufacturing Co.

Location: Strongsville, OH

PMA Member Since: 2017

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Eberhard planned an interactive MFG Day event in partnership with a local community college, inviting students, parents and educators for a tour and presentation on the importance of manufacturing and Eberhard’s legacy. The goal was to strengthen relationships with area schools and trade programs, while building a talent pipeline through job shadowing, internships and classroom visits.

 

Formtek-Maine

Location: Clinton, ME

PMA Member Since: 1996

Micro-Grant Amount: $500.00

Formtek hosted an open house for Manufacturing Day, inviting local schools and trade schools to explore career opportunities in the industry. Attendees enjoyed giveaways, food and drinks while learning about Formtek's scholarship program for those interested in attending local trade schools for fabrication or machining. This event aimed to attract future talent and promote rewarding careers in manufacturing.

 

Hynes Industries

Location: Youngstown, OH

PMA Member Since: 1992

Micro-Grant Amount: $750

Hynes Industries opened its doors to students, parents, teachers and community leaders, showcasing modern manufacturing careers. MFG Day empowers manufacturers to address challenges, foster community growth and promote workforce development through diverse programs for women, veterans, students and workers.

 

Marion Manufacturing Co. - Second Year Recipient

Location: Cheshire, CT

PMA Member Since: 1982

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Marion Mfg. hosted tours for local high schools and technical schools to showcase the company's manufacturing process, highlight career opportunities and provide information about apprenticeships. In addition to inspiring students, Marion aimed to increase community awareness and strengthen local partnerships by offering MFG Day t-shirts to attendees and collaborating with nearby businesses.

 

Prospect Machine Products

Location: Prospect, CT

PMA Member Since: 2020

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Prospect Machine Products participated in the Naugatuck Valley Community College Expo, showcasing their business while offering middle and high school students a hands-on opportunity to explore the careers in manufacturing. The event aimed to raise awareness of thriving local manufacturing industries and highlight the exciting career opportunities they offer to students.

 

TEK-Sales and Solutions

Location: Sparta, TN

PMA Member Since: 2022

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Tennessee Tech University's Manufacturing Day invited high school students to explore the latest advancements in advanced manufacturing and its future workforce. The event raised awareness about career opportunities in manufacturing, ultimately fostering a new generation of graduates pursuing careers in the metalforming industry.

 

Ultra Tool & Manufacturing

Location: Germantown, WI

PMA Member Since: 1976

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Ultra Tool and Mfg. hosted an event, offering students an interactive plant tour to explore equipment and learn about the diverse roles in modern manufacturing. The tour was followed by a discussion with Ultra apprentices, highlighting educational pathways and career opportunities in the industry. Ultra showcased the technology used daily and inspired students to pursue rewarding careers in manufacturing.

 

Vulcan Tool Co.

Location: Dayton, OH

PMA Member Since: 2003 (Resigned 2024)

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Vulcan Tool Company hosted an open house to promote the new Skilled Trades Explorer Post, sponsored through the local Scouts BSA Council. Attendees explored Vulcan's facility and learned about key skill areas, including precision machining, welding, machine repair and automation.

 

Waukesha Metal Products

Location: Sussex, WI

PMA Member Since: 1997

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Waukesha Metal Products offered plant tours, collaborating with local high school tech classes, providing materials, exploring equipment and raising awareness of the rewarding career paths available in local manufacturing. The event aimed to educate students, parents and educators about the diverse career opportunities in metalforming and challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing.