November 2024 Volume 6

FORGING DAY: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FORGING INDUSTRY LEADERS By Beau Parker and Bailey Taylor MEMBERS SPEAK

O n October 11th, we had the privi lege of celebrating Forging Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the craftsmanship, skill, and innovation that go into creating forged products. This annual event provides an ideal platform to not only highlight the expertise behind forged components but also raise awareness about the vital role the forging industry plays in our economy and society. More importantly, it serves as a key opportunity to educate and inspire future generations about the potential career paths within our industry. Forging Day is not just a significant day for manufacturers and industry professionals; it holds equal importance for our local commu nities. As many shops across the country face closures and the retirement of experienced craftsmen, we risk losing decades of invalu able knowledge. The future sustainability of our industry depends on engaging and attracting young talent, which is why it is

critical to seize opportunities like Forging Day to educate the next generation and ignite their interest in manufacturing careers. At EST Tool & Machine, Inc., we recognize this challenge and view it as our responsibility to be proactive in preserving the legacy of our craft. As part of this commitment, we hosted a special event for local high school students, providing them with a behind-the-scenes look at our operations. Being part of a small community, many local resi dents are familiar with the EST Tool name, but few have had the opportunity to see firsthand what we do inside our facility. We welcomed 50 students from a nearby high school, dividing them into small groups to ensure an in-depth and hands-on learning expe rience. Each group received a guided tour through various stages of our manufacturing process, including CNC machinery operations, die sinking techniques, and forging applications. From the moment raw steel is received to the intricate programming and machining processes, all the way to the final stages of inspection and shipping the finished product, students were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the precision and teamwork required to produce forged components. Throughout the day, the level of engagement from the students was remarkable. Many were surprised by the complexity and technical

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2024 70