By Zach Spicer
Manufacturing is much more than an assembly line.
Along with production workers, there are a variety of jobs within a manufacturing facility that are required to get products out to customers.
Engineering, advertising, marketing, accounting, purchasing and shipping are among them.
That was brought to light during the 2026 Jackson County MFG Day on Oct. 8 in Seymour.
“I hope that today, you think about the fact that this is just the tip of the iceberg,” Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson said while welcoming the nearly 200 students and staff from all six Jackson County high schools. “There’s so much more, between engineering, advertising, accounting, all the things that go into making these companies run.”
While some students may find working on an assembly line appealing for a career someday, others may be drawn to different positions within a company.
“The industrial base here in Jackson County, not just Seymour but all the way down to Crothersville, Brownstown, those companies create great-paying jobs for Jackson County residents,” Nicholson said. “They create a great chance to provide for your families. Just remember this is just the start.”
Craige Reid with Cummins Seymour Engine Plant welcomed the students, staff and four other participating companies — AISIN USA Mfg. Inc., Guardian Bikes, Lannett Company Inc. and Pet Supplies Plus Distribution — to the facility.
He shared similar comments as the mayor.
“This place is known for building engines, but purchasing, finance, safety, quality, manufacturing, engineer, there are a bunch of things that you can do,” Reid said.
“Guardian Bikes, they don’t just build bikes. Those bikes have a unique braking system. Someone had to design that braking system, so they’ve got engineers that are designing these kinds of things,” he said.
Lannett doesn’t just produce pharmaceuticals, he said. That company also has various types of jobs for people.
“Jackson County has a huge industrial footprint, so there are a lot of things that can come out of today,” Reid said.
During morning workshops, officials shared what their company does and led students through hands-on activities, from applying decals to bicycles to working in teams to build something with straws and limited information to learning about budgeting and playing Jeopardy.
In the afternoon, students visited one of the companies, where they had lunch, participated in activities and toured the facility.
“We had a lot of fun at Guardian Bikes, and the students had the opportunity to learn, explore and experience so much through hands-on activities,” Jamie Durham with Guardian said.
“The students were receptive to their afternoon visit/tour, so hopefully, they were able to take some great advice away from the sessions and visits,” Tammy Barker with PSP said.
Allie Hurr with Lannett said multiple people told her they liked the morning activities.
“I hope they all enjoyed it,” she said. “It is refreshing to know that there are that many students interested in manufacturing.”
The schools shared positive comments about the day, too.
“Everything was fantastic,” Robin Perry with Seymour High School said.
“I thought this year went really well,” Jamey Wilson with Brownstown Central High School said.
Cristy Null with Sandy Creek Christian Academy said it was a great experience.
“We truly appreciate being included,” she said. “The students truly benefited. Morning workshops were good and informative. Guardian Bikes tour was so good. We were impressed.”
The companies’ goal of making an impression on students was achieved.
“If we reached even 10% of the kids today, that is a win,” Reid said.
