Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed October 2026 as Colorado Manufacturing Month, coinciding with National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) on Friday, October 2. The governor’s proclamation recognizes Colorado’s manufacturing industry and the important role manufacturers play in supporting the state’s economy, creating jobs and driving innovation.
Colorado is home to more than 5,000 manufacturing firms that contribute more than $31 billion to the state’s economy, accounting for 5.1% of Colorado’s GDP and employing more than 149,000 workers. The Colorado Chamber has served as the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) since 1965 and is proud to count many of Colorado’s leading manufacturers among its members.
Celebrate Colorado Manufacturing
Manufacturers and organizations across Colorado are opening their doors and hosting events throughout the month:
Merritt Aluminum Products – Manufacturing Day 2026
Fort Lupton, CO
October 2, 2026 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Merritt Aluminum Products will open its doors to students, educators and community leaders for an inside look at modern manufacturing. The event will feature behind-the-scenes facility tours, hands-on demonstrations and conversations about manufacturing careers.
Barber-Nichols – Manufacturing Day Tour
Arvada, CO
October 2, 2026 | 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Barber-Nichols will host a guided tour of its approximately 43,000-square-foot machine shop, giving attendees a look at the advanced equipment and manufacturing capabilities used to support applications ranging from sea to space. Coffee and a light breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a presentation and guided tour at 9 a.m.
More information and registration
Emerson – Manufacturing Leadership Council Plant Tour
Boulder, CO
October 7–8, 2026
The Manufacturing Leadership Council will host an exclusive tour of Emerson’s expanded Boulder manufacturing facility. Participants will see advanced welding, automation, autonomous mobile robots, machine analytics, predictive maintenance technology and other manufacturing innovations. The two-day program includes a networking reception and dinner, presentations, a plant tour, networking lunch and panel discussion.
More information and registration
DeLine Box & Display – Thinking Outside the Box: WiM CO Factory Tour & Networking Event
Denver, CO
October 13, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Women in Manufacturing Colorado will host a tour of DeLine Box & Display, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how corrugated packaging is designed, printed and produced. The event also includes networking opportunities, light appetizers and beverages.
More information and registration
Coolest Thing Made in Colorado
The Colorado Chamber is also celebrating the state’s manufacturing industry through its fifth annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition, presented by PNC Bank.
The statewide contest celebrates the innovation, craftsmanship and diverse products being manufactured right here in Colorado. Ten finalists will be featured at the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado Awards Banquet on November 12 from 4:30–7:45 p.m. at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, where the 2026 winner will be announced. Attendees will have an opportunity to see the top 10 products up close and connect with manufacturers, innovators and business leaders from across Colorado.
Learn more about the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado Awards Banquet and register here.
Help Amplify Manufacturing Day
Businesses, community partners and elected officials can all help extend the reach of Manufacturing Day and showcase the manufacturers, careers and innovations in their communities.
NAM has developed a MFG Day Marketing Toolkit with resources to help manufacturers and partners promote their Manufacturing Day activities and celebrate the industry throughout October. The toolkit includes promotional materials, social media resources and other tools organizations can use to amplify their participation.
Elected officials can also play an important role in extending MFG Day’s reach. Last year, elected officials helped generate 32 million social media impressions, $1.4 million in earned media and proclamations from 20 states. To help build on that engagement, NAM has developed a Government Official Toolkit with everything elected officials need to participate with minimal lift, including communications materials, engagement strategies and examples from previous Manufacturing Day activities.
As we celebrate Manufacturing Month this October, we encourage Coloradans to recognize the businesses and workers who make products here, create jobs and drive innovation across our state. Visit a local manufacturer, participate in a Manufacturing Month event and help showcase the important role this industry plays in Colorado’s economy and communities.
Happy Manufacturing Month, Colorado!
To view Gov. Polis’ 2026 Colorado Manufacturing Month proclamation, please click here.