Fairmont, WV, July 6, 2023 – Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce that Putnam County Technical Center (PCTC) has been named the 2023 State Champion for the Explore Manufacturing Innovation Challenge for their project with Toyota West Virginia. The company challenged the students with a robotics project designed to improve ergonomics and increase productivity on the production line. 

When asked why developing a solution is important to Toyota West Virginia, the team stated: "It was important to develop a solution that not only helps employees on the line work more efficiently, but also uses cobots to reduce repetitive motions."

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce state winners of the 2022-2023 Explore Student Video Contest. The top teams from four regional contests competed for top honors to see who produced the best 3-minute video about their manufacturing partner, their employees, and cool aspects of their company.

The top prize, WEST VIRGINIA BEST MANUFACTURING MESSAGE AWARD, was presented to Huntington Middle School for their video about Alcon Research Ltd.  The video showcases how Alcon Research helps people see brilliantly so they can live brilliantly.

Martinsburg, West Virginia, May 1, 2023 – Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the winners of the Explore Student Video Contest Eastern region. Middle school teams were judged on the creation of a 3-minute video about their manufacturing partner, the employees, and cool aspects of the company.

The Best Manufacturing Message Award was presented to Martinsburg South Middle School for their video about Argos USA. South’s winning video explored the different cement products Argos provides for commercial and residential customers.

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the Outstanding Eastern Region Award for the Explore Manufacturing Innovation Challenge was presented to Spring Mills High School for their project with AMS Vendors. The company challenged the students to redesign a bezel to meet ADA requirements and within cost parameters.

Next up for the team is the state competition, where they will represent the Eastern Region to see who will be named the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge 2023 State Champion. PCTC will be competing against three other regional champions. The winner will be announced on May 10th as part of Explore the New Manufacturing's Virtual State Awards Ceremony.

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to release Charles Town Middle School’s video submission in the Eastern region of the Explore Student Video Contest.  The video showcases what happens inside Logoplaste manufacturing facility located in Inwood, West Virginia.

The students are competing for three regional awards: Outstanding Creativity, Best Manufacturing Message, and Viewer's Choice.  Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/2023-eastern-region-video-contest to view the Charles Town Middle School video and cast your vote in the Viewer’s Choice Contest.  Voting closes on April 30^th at midnight.