NEEDHAM, MA –– PTC announced its support for the nation’s largest one-day celebration of manufacturing, Manufacturing Day, held this year on Oct. 5.

As the inaugural National Partner Sponsor, PTC collaborated with the National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Institute and Rockwell Automation to create a comic book with an augmented reality (AR) experience. Using the free comic book and app, Manufacturing Day host companies can illustrate the technologies of modern manufacturing to help inspire a new generation to consider the field as an innovative and exciting career option.

“With a major skills gap threatening the viability of the manufacturing industry, a new generation of workers is required, proficient in modern business principles and next-gen technologies like augmented reality (AR) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT),” said Jim Heppelmann, president and CEO, PTC. “It is our goal to foster the adoption of these manufacturing technologies and increase the business use cases throughout the industry. We’re honored to partner with the NAM, and continue our collaboration with Rockwell Automation, on such an important initiative.”

According to a recent report from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, 80% of manufacturers currently indicate a moderate or serious shortage of qualified applicants for skilled and highly-skilled production positions. With the goal to inspire the next generation of manufacturing, PTC developed an AR-enabled comic book, powered by Vuforia, that showcases the latest technology deployed in leading factories. Accessible through the Smart MFG mobile app, the interactive experience provides a unique glimpse into a career in today’s modern factories and demonstrates that manufacturing in a smart, connected world is filled with technology, advanced skills, and creativity.

“Modern manufacturing offers high-paying, high-tech jobs, but too many students, parents, and teachers don’t know about the opportunities for hands-on, meaningful work in our industry,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, who also serves as board chairman of The Manufacturing Institute. “Changing perceptions is critical to inspiring the next generation. By partnering with PTC and through the creation of the AR-enabled comic book, we are creating new ways of showing the tremendous opportunities a career in modern manufacturing offers.”

As part of the partnership, PTC’s Jim Heppelmann will join Jay Timmons and the NAM Board of Directors today to present on digital transformation and its role in creating a favorable policy climate for manufacturers. The NAM Board comprises more than 200 of the nation’s top manufacturing executives, representing large and small companies alike across all industrial sectors.

For more information, visit www.mfgday.com.