The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative showcased Johnson & Johnson at its “Military to Manufacturing” Career Fair at Fort Bragg. 

National manufacturing leaders opened the career fair with a special presentation from Johnson & Johnson, highlighting the health care company’s recent announcement to increase its presence in North Carolina with a manufacturing facility in Wilson. Leaders from Johnson & Johnson inspired veterans to start their second careers in manufacturing—and recruit veterans to join their team. 

Attendees of the career fair heard from MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee, MI Board Chair and National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons, Johnson & Johnson Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations & Risk Officer and NAM Board Chair Kathy Wengel, Johnson & Johnson Wilson plant manager and U.S. Army veteran Pete Goodridge and North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs General Counsel Jimmie Bellamy.

Lee drew a connection between veterans’ work experience in the military and the qualities manufacturers look for to staff their teams. “Everyone here who’s served their country has demonstrated the leadership, discipline, problem-solving, teamwork, technical expertise and work ethic to thrive in manufacturing. Heroes MAKE America is designed to be the bridge between the military and manufacturers. Right here at Fort Bragg, through a partnership with the Department of Defense, we offer a SkillBridge training program in logistics—which provides integrated certifications and training specifically designed for veterans to help them hit the ground running as manufacturers. We are passionate about doing our part to thank our nation’s heroes by easing their transition and offering them a pathway to rewarding civilian careers.”

Timmons emphasized the importance of workforce development for manufacturers who are investing in new facilities. “Back in March, I was with Kathy as Johnson & Johnson broke ground on its new 500,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina. For these investments to live up to their promise, we need top-notch talent to work inside these facilities and keep the lines running. We have over 400,000 open jobs—and we hope you’ll help fill some of them. These employers are committed to strengthening their operations with ‘Army Strong’ veterans.” 

Wengel reinforced J&J’s commitment to the military community for the past 125 years. “There is no better community that understands how to serve a greater purpose and instill and live by strong values than the military. Members of the military-connected community have exceptional leadership and technical skills that make for successful careers. J&J is proud to support Heroes MAKE America and this incredible work to create a bridge for talented servicemembers and veterans interested in pursuing manufacturing careers.”

The career fair connected more than 150 servicemembers with more than 25 employers, including Johnson & Johnson, Brooksource, Coca-Cola Consolidated, CBRE, Caterpillar and other area manufacturers. Since 2018, HMA has helped over 1,400 members of the military community find work in manufacturing.

The MI’s Heroes MAKE America initiative connects transitioning servicemembers with career opportunities and job training in manufacturing. Johnson & Johnson has a long and proud history of supporting military servicemembers, dating back to the Spanish–American War in 1898 when the company held positions for employees and paid their salaries while they served. As the proud health care sponsor of HMA since 2021, Johnson & Johnson has helped expand in-person and virtual training programs and hosts HMA participants at various J&J facilities across the country. 

For mor information, visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.