Kane County Board Recognizes October as Manufacturing Month
The Kane County Board has recognized October as Manufacturing Month, highlighting the industry’s role in the County’s economy and encouraging residents, teachers and students to explore careers in manufacturing and related fields. Board members approved a resoultion during their Oct. 13 2026 meeting.
Manufacturing Month is observed nationally each October to recognize the innovation and ingenuity of American manufacturers. According to the International Trade Administration, U.S. manufacturing contributes approximately $2.9 trillion to the economy, employs nearly 12.9 million workers and accounts for 11 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.
Manufacturing is a significant part of Kane County’s workforce. More than 375 metals and machinery manufacturing firms employ more than 9,500 people in the county. In addition, more than 280 food and beverage manufacturing and packaging companies employ more than 13,000 workers.
In Kane County, manufacturers, educational institutions and community organizations are working to showcase the career opportunities available in the industry and connect students with local employers.
Those efforts include a 2025 initiative in which Northern Kane County Region 110 partnered with the Alignment Collaborative for Education, St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce and its Industrial Committee, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP). Nearly 600 high school students from District 303, District 300, District 301 and U-46 visited 24 area manufacturers to learn about the industry and explore career opportunities.
Kane County also has partnered with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) on the Lighthouse Manufacturing Program, which helps local manufacturers improve productivity through automation, employee upskilling and career pathways, and operational efficiency. The Kane County Economic Development Corporation has joined the partnership with IMEC to continue the program and support the county’s manufacturing industry.
Through its Manufacturing Month recognition, the Kane County Board is encouraging residents, educators and students to learn more about the industry and consider the career opportunities available in manufacturing and related fields.
