Show and Tell

Those of us who spend all day putting random pixels on a screen may be surprised to learn that some people actually make stuff for a living. Right here in North Carolina.

To drive the point home, NC State’s Industrial Extension Service has loaded up a giant tractor-trailer with products manufactured by North Carolina companies. And they’ve driven that truck all over the state this week, from High Point out to Fletcher, then back to Lillington and down to Leland, in a sort of counterclockwise ellipse, showing off the truckload of goods to enthusiastic crowds.

Real Products, Real Jobs

At nearly a dozen different stops, they’ve visited manufacturing plants responsible for vital products and even more vital jobs, like PolyChem Alloy in Lenoir, maker of specialty compounds for the plastics industry, and Tyco/Scott Health & Safety in Monroe, maker of respirators for firefighters.

The message of the tour is simple: “Manufacturing Makes It Real.”

It’s a message that seems to be gaining traction. They’ve picked up followers along the way, including a school bus manufactured by Thomas Built Buses of High Point, and a Krispy Kreme truck out of Raleigh. Assorted trucks, trailers and military vehicles have also joined the convoy, which is now headed back to the Triangle.

Tour Comes to Raleigh

The tour finishes up at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, with a rally on the steps of the legislative building in Raleigh. NC State faculty and staff are invited to attend the rally to get a firsthand look at some of the cool products that are native to North Carolina.

That includes everything from suspension systems for heavy equipment to kitchen and bath fixtures. See a photo gallery of the complete collection.