Showcasing the STEM careers of Advanced Manufacturing in Buncombe County
Asheville, NC (Oct. 3, 2025) – The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County in partnership with Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools celebrated National Manufacturing Day, Friday October 3, 2025. The annual event gathered over 250 local students and educators at the Eaton Campus in South Buncombe County to learn about the diverse, high-paying career opportunities in the power management technology industry. The program showcased compelling presentations by the Eaton staff and leadership who shared what they make, why young people should consider a career in advanced manufacturing, the paths that led to their own career success, and how to build relevant skills to meet future workforce needs.
“Hosting Manufacturing Day was a chance to show local students, school staff, and area leaders what Eaton has to offer the Asheville community and our next generation workforce. Our hope is that this day gave them a sense of what to expect from today’s advanced manufacturing facilities and open their minds to different options after high school,” said Andrew Lindberg, Operational Excellence Manager. “We are proud to represent Eaton and showcase our talented workforce here in Western North Carolina. Eaton is a great place to work and a great place to discover the careers of tomorrow.”
Global Eaton is a power management technology company that employs over 92,000 employees and does business in more than 175 countries around the world. Their energy-efficient products and services help customers effectively manage electrical and mechanical power more reliably, efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
Locally, Eaton has two facilities in the Asheville area (Arden and Avery Creek), employing close to 1,500 employees. Eaton has been part of the Asheville community since 1977, when the facility was originally launched as Westinghouse Electric. Eaton remains a major employer and contributor to the community with many options for future career paths. Learn more at: www.eaton.com/us.
“We are grateful for the community partnership of Eaton in hosting MFG Day,” said Carol Steen, Board Chair of the Economic Development Coalition. “As our region continues recovery, events that connect our students with sustainable career paths are critically important to our commitment to growing economic opportunity. The strength of our continued economic recovery will be powered by employers like Eaton, their partnerships with our educators, and by the students who joined us today as they look to build their future.”
National Manufacturing Day is a national movement that demonstrates the exciting future of Modern Manufacturing careers. Celebrated annually, thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide open their doors to students, parents, educators and community leaders to help share this message. By touring a local facility led by employee teams who are neighbors, family, and friends, area students have the opportunity to see firsthand the many career paths available in Advanced Manufacturing upon graduation. Whether they are ready to go to work, pursuing an advanced degree, or anywhere in-between, this is a field that offers something for everyone.
Locally, this event creates an opportunity to showcase the high-tech, high-wage career paths in modern manufacturing, and builds the foundation for the innovative workforce of the future. Industry Partners like Eaton, highlight the critical role American Manufacturing will play in driving recovery for our region, while also advancing Economic Opportunity for our community.
The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a 31-year partnership of Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce advancing opportunity, quality of life and economic sustainability in Buncombe County through workforce investment, high-wage job creation, and economic diversification. Learn more about the AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan at www.avl5x5.com.
About the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
For more than 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic vitality in our community. Asheville Chamber initiatives have stimulated economic development, influenced public policy and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.
Today, the Asheville Chamber:
Together with its members and partners, the Asheville Chamber nurtures a healthy business environment to create a better quality of life and future for the people who call our region home.
Learn more at www.ashevillechamber.org.
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