24-03-2025
Chippewa Falls manufacturers host open houses to attract new workers
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Six Chippewa Falls manufacturers are working together to hold open houses this Saturday, offering younger people the chance to see their businesses and encouraging them to come work there.
The Manufacturing Showcase tours 'offer an opportunity for students, parents, teachers and others to see what it's like inside their doors and get a glimpse into many challenging and fulfilling roles in American manufacturing,' a press release states. 'This event will allow attendees to explore some career opportunities right in our community and learn what the pathways are to get there.'
The open house tours will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each of the participating businesses:
• Cadrex (formerly Advanced Laser)
• Great Northern Corporation
• ITW Deltar Fasteners
• Nordson Extrusion Dies Industries
• Wisconsin Metal Fab
• W.S. Darley & Co.
The tours will take place every 15 minutes and will have representatives present to answer questions and share their stories. Chippewa Valley Technical College information will also be available at each location.
'Manufacturing offers a wide range of career opportunities. The Manufacturing Showcase offers the opportunity to find out what those careers are and to speak directly with those who are currently in those careers,' said Shirley Gutsch, executive director of Manufacturing Works. 'The future for manufacturing is high-tech and the future for kids should be manufacturing. Building the parts isn't going anywhere.'
Gutsch said this is a good opportunity for kids and parents to see the operations and talk with workers who are already there.
'I've talked to a lot of kids and parents and they are surprised at the wide variety of jobs available,' she said. 'These are careers with advancement.'
Charlie Walker, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation executive director, said that for years, people thought manufacturing jobs were dirty and dangerous, but that's not the case.
'We know they pay high salaries and they are good career jobs,' Walker said. 'I think (the open house event) is a good stepping stone to show what they do. The more they do showcases, I think more companies will come on board. They are great companies to work for.'
Walker said it's important to hold events like this because most manufacturers have job openings and their staff tends to be older and nearing retirement.
'Our population is aging, and we're not keeping up with the bodies coming in,' he said. 'Manufacturers understand they need to get exposure to the next talent. It's a fantastic idea for the local manufacturers to step up, grow, and drive our economy forward.'
