WHAT: Rockford Systems, LLC is commemorating National Manufacturing Day with its 2nd Annual Open House. 

Rockford Systems' Open House will feature a machine safety presentation, interactive safeguarding demonstrations, networking with machine safeguarding specialists, participation in the #selfieforsafetycommunity service campaign, refreshments and a free gift bag for attendees. 

As part of this event, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara will be on hand from 8:00-8:30am on October 5th to present the company with an official proclamation naming that Thursday as "Rockford Systems Day." (Note: Original date was changed from October 4th to the 5th)

Started in 2012, Manufacturing Day is a yearly celebration of modern manufacturing during which nearly 2,000 companies across America invite members of their local communities to their facilities in a collective effort to educate them about manufacturing career opportunities and improve public perceptions of manufacturing. 

WHO: A fixture in the Rockford business community since 1971, Rockford Systems helps organizations interpret and apply complex machine safety standards to better protect their employees and property.

WHY: Rockford Systems wants to inspire local students by making them aware that modern manufacturing is at the cutting edge of technology. Manufacturing is an exciting, challenging career where the rise of industrial networks, robotics and automation has dramatically altered the workplace in a positive way. It wants to to dispel the outdated myth that American manufacturing remains in the dark ages of manual labor. According to a study conducted by consulting firm Deloitte USA, 81 percent of students who attended Manufacturing Day events emerged "more convinced that manufacturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding."

At its Open House, Rockford Systems will be providing visitors with an overview of machine safeguarding, the focus of its business since 1971 when its founders introduced an easy-to-install package that allowed metal fabricators to meet new OSHA regulations safeguarding punch presses, hydraulic presses and press brakes. Although great strides have been taken in the drive to prevent worker injuries, OSHA reports that the lack of machine guarding remains on its Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Violations, year after year, and that 18,000 employee injuries and 800 fatalities were reported in 2017.

WHEN: Rockford Systems will be hosting five Open House sessions on October 4-5, starting at 8 am and running until 4 pm. Attendees are required to wear closed-toe shoes and tie long hair back. Eye and ear protection will be provided. To register to attend, please click HERE. The registration deadline is October 2, 2018. There is no cost to attend but seating is limited.

WHERE: Rockford Systems, LLC is located at 4620 Hydraulic Road, Rockford, Illinois 61109.

For more information on Rockford Systems, please visit www.rockfordsystems.com. For more information on Manufacturing Day 2018, please visit www.mfgday.com.