A Look Back at Manufacturing Month 2025: A Month of Made in The USA

Manufacturing Month is a dedicated time to recognize the vital role manufacturing plays in our economy and daily lives. Each October, this celebration highlights the advances, challenges, and opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Here at Hankscraft AJS we spent the month honoring the manufacturing employees that make us proud to call our tap handles "Made in the USA".

Celebrating our Employees' Commitment to Excellence

We treated our employees each Friday of the month!

Fostering a positive and inclusive team environment is a very important value to us and we strive to have as much fun as the tap handles we produce here at our location in Random Lake, Wisconsin.

Some of our Finishing Dept ladies showing off their Halloween Candy

The Importance of Manufacturing in Today’s Economy

LaShaun Driving the forklift!

Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of economic growth worldwide. It provides millions of jobs and supports countless other industries through supply chains and product development.

• Manufacturing contributes significantly to GDP in many countries.

• It drives exports and trade, strengthening global connections.

• The sector fosters innovation by developing new materials and processes.

  
  

Manufacturing Month helps raise awareness about these contributions. It also addresses misconceptions about manufacturing jobs, showing that modern manufacturing involves advanced skills and technology.

Setup process on our of our two auto-lathes.

Sustainable Manufacturing

Companies are adopting greener practices, such as using renewable energy and recycling materials. These efforts reduce environmental impact and meet consumer demand for responsible products. Here at Hankscraft AJS we source all of our wood from FSC-certified plantations and recycle and repurpose many of the byproducts of our manufacturing processes (including providing all of our wood shavings to local farmers for use in their fertilizers).

Michael assembling short Yuengling tap handles.

The Broader Impact of Manufacturing on Communities

Manufacturing supports local economies beyond just jobs. It encourages infrastructure development, education funding, and community programs.

• Tax revenues from manufacturing businesses fund schools and public services.

• Companies often sponsor local events and charities.

• Manufacturing hubs attract related businesses, creating clusters of economic activity.

  
  

Manufacturing Month helps communities recognize these benefits and encourages support for the industry’s growth.

In-process Yuengling Lager tap handles.

Challenges Facing the Manufacturing Sector

Despite its strengths, manufacturing faces several challenges that Manufacturing Month also addresses.

• Workforce Shortages: Aging workers and a lack of new skilled labor threaten production capacity.

• Global Competition: Manufacturers must compete with lower-cost producers abroad.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Events like pandemics or trade disputes can interrupt material availability.

• Adoption of New Technologies: Smaller companies may struggle to invest in advanced equipment.

  
  

By highlighting these issues, Manufacturing Month promotes collaboration among businesses, educators, and policymakers to find solutions.

Toni pad printing Yuengling Lager tap handles.

How Individuals Can Get Involved During Manufacturing Month

Manufacturing Month is not just for industry insiders. Anyone interested in manufacturing can participate and learn more.

• Attend local events or virtual tours.

• Share stories about manufacturing careers on social media.

• Encourage young people to explore education in manufacturing-related fields.

• Support policies that strengthen manufacturing infrastructure.

  
  

Getting involved helps build a stronger, more informed community around manufacturing.

We want to say THANK YOU to all of our manufacturing employees for continuing to execute at a high level each and every day. Helping us to maintain our reputation as the premier domestic tap handle producer in the USA.

STAND OUT AT THE TAP.