The call to middle school students across New Hampshire to enter the second annual What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? video contest is being answered. Video crews are fanning out to local manufacturers for a look inside at the cool things that come out of their plants.

Groveton Middle School students at Pak2000 in Lancaster.

We tagged along with students from Josh Smith’s technology class in Groveton the other day when they went inside Pak2000 in Lancaster to learn about the company and what it does. It produces plastic bags – 7 million a month – for stores we shop at every day and it has an impressive process involving printing presses, ink (lots of ink) and creativity to design them.

“The kids loved it and really got into it,” Josh reported when he and his students returned to school. “We were there until 1:30, interviewing and learning. It was great to see the kids go beyond the video contest and take an genuine interest in manufacturing. They kept asking questions and capturing footage.  When we debriefed after the site visit the students were excited to represent those they interviewed.  They are hoping to put together a great video.”

It’s not too late to enter! Students don’t have to be Scorsese or Speilberg; no fancy equipment is required.

Manufacturing is our largest industry, offering well-paying jobs and opportunities to grow and succeed. Our manufacturers are on the grow and want to get this message out to young people.

If you are the parent of a middle school students or a middle school teach, let’s talk. We can match you up with a local manufacturer and your team will vie for a top prize of $1,ooo for your school (thanks to generous sponsorship from Hypertherm, Velcro USA and BAE Systems).

For information, visit our website or give me a call.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development

271-2341