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.

2025 Program 20 PMA Members receiving grants totaling $15,500
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 2025 micro-grant recipients and what they were able to accomplish with the micro-grants they received.

ACE WIRE SPRING & FORM CO., INC. – Third-Year Recipient

Location: McKees Rocks, PA
PMA Member Since: 2015
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
This year, Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. proudly hosted students from Shaler Middle School and City Charter High School for Manufacturing Day, giving them a firsthand look at modern manufacturing in action. Students toured the facility, explored advanced machinery, and engaged with engineers to learn about the precision and creativity behind custom wire forms and springs. The visits included Shaler students participating in the “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” video contest and City Charter students partnering with BotsIQ through Catalyst Connection. Ace Wire & Form Co. is honored to inspire future innovators and showcase the rewarding opportunities a career in manufacturing can offer.

ARAYMOND MANUFACTURING – First-Year Recipient

Location: Logansport, IN
PMA Member Since: 2014
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
ARaymond participated in Manufacturing Day at Ivy Tech Community College, connecting with more than 255 high school students involved in career centers and skilled trades programs. Students toured the facility, watched videos showcasing products, and spoke with a tool and die employee about careers in metal stamping. The event highlighted the variety of occupations within manufacturing and inspired many students to consider skilled trade pathways. By engaging students with hands-on demonstrations and real-world applications, ARaymond successfully showcased career opportunities and sparked interest in the future workforce.

ENTERPRISE TOOL & DIE LLC – Fourth-Year Recipient

Location: Grandville, MI
PMA Member Since: 2008
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
Enterprise Tool & Die LLC proudly hosted students from four different school districts (grades 9–12) for the 2025 Discover Manufacturing event on October 28, marking the first of four scheduled tours this year. Through six interactive stations, students explored key areas of the tool and die trade—estimation, design, CNC, die build and quality—while enjoying hands-on activities and friendly competition. Each student received an aluminum shield with a QR code linking to the company’s website for more information, job shadow sign-ups and details about its apprenticeship programs. Enterprise Tool & Die is thrilled to inspire future talent, showcase career pathways beyond traditional college routes, and demonstrate that manufacturing can be both meaningful and fun!

FORMTEK-MAINE – Fourth-Year Recipient

Location: Clinton, ME
PMA Member Since: 1966
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
Formtek-ME hosted a successful Manufacturing Day, welcoming approximately 125 students and 20–30 family members to explore the facility. Attendees toured operations, learned about in-house capabilities and saw a major CTL line being built for a customer. Several students even submitted job applications, inspired by the technology and processes on display. The event provided a hands-on look at modern manufacturing, showcasing Formtek-ME’s capabilities while encouraging students and community members to consider careers in the industry.

HATCH STAMPING COMPANY – Second-Year Recipient

Location: Chelsea, MI
PMA Member Since: 1997
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
Hatch Stamping Company proudly hosted 20 high school students for National Manufacturing Day, providing an immersive, hands-on look at modern manufacturing. Students toured the Howell, Michigan facility, learned about departments from engineering to HR, and saw how collaboration and precision come together to produce parts for everyday vehicles. Eight employees guided the students, sharing their experiences and connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications in STEM and skilled trades. Each student received a Hatch-branded goodie bag, reinforcing curiosity and excitement about careers in manufacturing. The event strengthened community and school partnerships, inspired the next generation of skilled workers, and celebrated the teamwork and innovation that drive Hatch every day.

ITW DRAWFORM – First-Time Recipient

Location: Zeeland, MI
PMA Member Since: 2019
Micro-Grant Amount: $500
ITW Drawform hosted ninth- and tenth-grade students from Careerline Tech Center for a hands-on manufacturing exploration visit, giving them insight into modern manufacturing careers. Students toured operations, engaged directly with ITW’s team, and gained experience with real-world applications of engineering, production and teamwork. The program helped build awareness of advanced technologies, debunk misconceptions about the industry and spark curiosity about skilled trades. Both students and employees found the experience rewarding, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

PMA LONE STAR DISTRICT – Second-Year Recipient

Location: Fort Worth, TX
Micro-Grant Amount: $300
The 2025 TMAC Metroplex Manufacturing Day connected students, educators and manufacturers for an immersive, hands-on exploration of modern manufacturing careers. The event showcased cutting-edge technology such as robotics, automation and virtual reality training tools while highlighting real career pathways. Through live demos, networking and interactive experiences, participants saw how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities. PMA’s Lone Star District is inspiring the next generation of makers and bridging the workforce gap in manufacturing.

MCALPIN INDUSTRIES – Second-Year Recipient

Location: Rochester, NY
PMA Member Since: 1991
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
McAlpin Industries partnered with local high schools and technical programs to showcase careers in advanced manufacturing. Through career nights and onsite tours, students, teachers and administrators gained firsthand insight into the industry and heard real employee growth stories. These experiences highlighted the skills, technology and opportunities available in modern manufacturing. By building strong relationships with schools and trade organizations, McAlpin aims to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals while strengthening the local workforce.

MORRISON PRODUCTS – Third-Year Recipient

Location: Cleveland, OH
PMA Member Since: 2003
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
Morrison’s Make and Take Manufacturing Day event, held on October 25, 2025, gave students and community members a hands-on look at the core principles of modern manufacturing. Participants collected and assembled 3D-printed parts at themed stations featuring live CAD design, soldering, CNC machining, water jet cutting and more. Volunteers and industry partners shared insights into careers ranging from engineering and tooling to maintenance and safety, inspiring curiosity and engagement in all age groups. The event’s energy, collaboration and enthusiasm proved how powerful hands-on learning can be in sparking the next generation’s interest in manufacturing.

NIDEC MINSTER CORPORATION – First-Time Recipient

Location: Minster, OH
PMA Member Since: 1946
Micro-Grant Amount: $500
Minster hosted a Manufacturing Day event for Coldwater and St. Henry Local Schools, welcoming approximately 111 students and 12 staff. The event featured tours, demonstrations and hands-on sessions showcasing precision machining, electrical assemblies, engineering and service. Students engaged directly with employees, gaining insight into local manufacturing careers and experiencing a safe, state-of-the-art facility. Their energy and enthusiasm, along with positive feedback from community partners, highlighted the event’s success in inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.

PROSPECT MACHINE PRODUCTS – First-Time Recipient

Location: Prospect, CT
PMA Member Since: 2020
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
Prospect Machine Products welcomed manufacturing students from Woodland Regional High School for a facility tour, company overview and open discussion about deep draw metal stamping. Students explored various departments, learned about day-to-day roles and participated in a team-building Jenga activity that highlighted the importance of collaboration in manufacturing. The visit introduced students to potential career pathways, with several expressing interest in returning next year or pursuing manufacturing careers. Feedback from teachers and counselors was extremely positive, noting that PMP’s Manufacturing Day event improves each year.

TCR, INC. – First-Time Recipient

Location: Nekoosa, WI
PMA Member Since: 2000
Micro-Grant Amount: $750
TCR launched a workforce development initiative to introduce high school students to careers in metalforming, combining hands-on experience, mentoring and educational outreach. The program included hiring a female high school intern in drafting and design, hosting onsite career events, and providing safety and technical training. Students, educators and community partners engaged directly with employees to learn about advanced manufacturing technologies and career pathways. These efforts promoted an inclusive, rewarding view of the industry, strengthened school partnerships and inspired the next generation of skilled metalforming professionals.

TEK-SALES AND SOLUTIONS – Second-Year Recipient

Location: Sparta, TN
PMA Member Since: 2022
Micro-Grant Amount: $500
Tennessee Tech’s Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Department hosted an IACMI bootcamp plant tour at Triple C Machine and Fabrication in Livingston, TN. Fifteen to eighteen students and faculty explored diverse applications of forging, forming, stamping and pressing technologies in industry. Participants observed firsthand how skilled workers operate advanced equipment and even experimented with brass material on a mechanical press. The tour provided valuable insight into the metalforming industry, increasing student awareness and inspiring interest in technical career pathways.

TUSCOMFG – Second-Year Participant

Location: Gnadenhutten, OH
PMA Member Since: 1979
Micro-Grant Amount: $500
TuscoMFG partnered with Buckeye Career Center to host students from welding, precision machining, CAD, and Project Lead the Way programs for a hands-on facility tour. Students engaged directly with TuscoMFG’s team, seeing advanced technology and automation in action, including welding robots and an automated Trumpf Laser, while learning how engineers and specialists integrate technology into everyday operations. The program showcased modern manufacturing as clean, safe and innovative, breaking stereotypes about the industry. Both students and TuscoMFG team members found the experience rewarding, providing insight into real-world applications of engineering, quality and production.

WAUKESHA METAL PRODUCTS – Second-Year Recipient

Location: Sussex, WI
PMA Member Since: 1997
Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000
Since 2009, the Milwaukee Tool & Career Expo (MTCE) has welcomed more than 10,000 students, educators and parents, showcasing the exciting career paths available in local manufacturing and trades. The event highlights the advanced technologies transforming the industry—automation, robotics and data analytics—while dispelling outdated perceptions of manufacturing. Students from grades 6 and up across four counties explored hands-on exhibits and demonstrations, sparking strong interest in areas such as welding and robotics. MTCE continues to inspire the next generation to see manufacturing as a safe, high-tech and rewarding career choice.