Area students had the chance to explore the world of manufacturing at Vermeer Corporation Friday.

Chair of the Board Mary Andringa says over 600 sixth and ninth graders had hands on opportunities with different stations highlighting different aspects of Vermeer.

“Manufacturing Day started four years ago and it was a joint effort between the National Association of Manufacturers and the Department of Commerce trying to get young kids to understand that manufacturing is a vibrant and important part of the United States economy,” she says.

Students had the chance to work with Vermeer employees to test out welding and digging simulations, learn different computer processes, engage in challenges or demonstrations, and tour a Vermeer plant. Annika Terpstra, Lizzy Posthuma, and Chloe Morgan are 9th graders at Pella Christian and say they were educated more about what happens at Vermeer daily.

“I really didn’t know a lot about manufacturing, and didn’t really know it worked or anything,so I learned a lot about how the machines are moved around,” Terpstra says.

Students from Pella, Pella Christian, Knoxville, and Twin Cedars were among those who participated in Manufacturing Day.