IRON MOUNTAIN – Manufacturing Day, part of the Heavy Metal Tours initiative in Dickinson County, will be held Friday at Bay West.

The purpose is to proactively educate students and the community about the skilled trades and technical career opportunities that exist locally.

Manufacturing Day will include 380 freshman students from Kingsford, Iron Mountain, Norway, North Dickinson and Florence. Participating businesses include Lakeshore Systems, BOSS Snowplow, Systems Control, Loadmaster, Verso and CCI Systems. Other organizations involved include The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, Bay College, Northern Initiatives and Michigan Works!

Kingsford and Florence High School will attend the morning session from 8:30 to 11 a.m.. Iron Mountain, Norway and North Dickinson High Schools will attend the afternoon session from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Students will be participating in hands-on activities led by local manufacturers. The Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District and Bay College will have virtual welders and mechatronic equipment for students to try out.