Today ASTM International is supporting trips for about 250 students from 10 Philadelphia schools to visit local manufacturers as part of National Manufacturing Day.

“We are thrilled to help inspire the next generation to pursue careers in manufacturing,” says Jim Thomas, president of ASTM International, a nonprofit based in the Philadelphia area since 1898. “Today’s advanced manufacturing jobs require more and better skills than ever before. We must do everything we can to show young people that they can have a good job and a bright future in manufacturing.”

Thomas will speak alongside Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and others at 10 a.m. at Benjamin Franklin High School (550 N. Broad St.). The event will also feature a ribbon cutting for the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering at the school.

“The Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering will play a critical role in the growth of Philadelphia’s economy,” said Mayor Nutter. “The continued partnership between the manufacturing business community and the School District will greatly benefit Philadelphia’s youth by exposing them to high-tech and cutting-edge jobs that provide good wages and lifelong prospects for growth. I applaud Dr. Hite and the School District of Philadelphia, John and Leigh Middleton, Jim Thomas and his team at ASTM International, and all of the participating companies and organizations for giving our students the opportunity to learn more about this storied and critical sector of Philadelphia’s economy.”

Participating schools:
Austin Meehan Middle
Beeber Middle School
Benjamin Franklin High School
Conwell Middle School
Memphis Street Academy
South Philly High School
Southwark Elementary
Swenson High School
Webster Elementary
Workshop School

Participating manufacturers:
Aker Philadelphia Ship Yard
Amuneal Manufacturing
Ashland Chemical
Coca-Cola Co.
Dietz & Watson
Invisible Sentinel
NextFab Studios
PTR Baler & Compactor
Stockwell Elastomerics
Also: Drexel School of Engineering

ASTM International formed its Smart Manufacturing Advisory Council in 2014 to coordinate development of the world’s top technical standards across a number of fields: 3D printing, sustainable manufacturing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing and more. Already, more than 2,000 ASTM members are involved in these areas, creating standards that improve the performance of materials, products and processes.

ASTM worked with the School District of Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Manufacturing and Industry, the Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia, and the Urban Industry Initiative, a 501(c)3, on this event.

A media kit for journalists on National Manufacturing Day is available here.

Media Inquiries: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; nosburn@astm.org
Erin Brennan, tel +1.610.832.9602; ebrennan@astm.org

Release #9922