A highlight of the fall each year, Bell and Howell recently hosted its annual Manufacturing Day Open House. President Barack Obama declared the first Friday in October as National Manufacturing Day, and facilities host events throughout the month. Manufacturing Day represents opportunities for U.S. manufacturers to open their doors to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in manufacturing careers.

On Oct. 14, members of the local community, colleges, and high schools took part in live demonstrations of products that Bell and Howell manufactures, services and supports.

Participants were taken on an interactive tour in the areas of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, robotics, print, and mail solutions. Additionally, visitors got to watch Relay, a personal delivery robot in action. They also saw the high-speed Apex Sorter with throughput capabilities of up to 80,000 mail pieces per hour.

Bell and Howell has hosted a Manufacturing Day open house for the past three years. However, this year’s event received an increase in participation of more than 35 percent compared to 2015. Attendees for this year’s event included leadership and parents. Also, students from Apex Friendship High School’s Academy of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing and Research Triangle High School.

The event also saw representation from the leadership team at Wake Tech Community College, as well as the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and the Durham County Commissioners office also joined. Additionally, a host of attendees from other organizations took part in Manufacturing Day.

View more pictures from the event on Facebook.