Recent Press

Press Releases, News & Updates from Explore and all of our education efforts.

South Middle School and Pioneer Conveyor, LLC Team Up for the Explore Student Video Contest

Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to release South Middle School’s video submission in the North Central region of the Explore Student Video Contest.  The video showcases what happens inside Pioneer Conveyor, a leading bulk material conveyor manufacturing firm located in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia.

The students are competing for three regional awards: Outstanding Creativity, Best Manufacturing Message, and the Viewer's Choice.  Visit https://www.exploremfgwv.com/2023-north-central-region-video-contest to view the South Middle School video and cast your vote in the Viewer’s Choice Contest.  Voting closes on March 19th at midnight.

Brooke High School Manufacturing Innovation Challenge Team Presentation at Marsh Bellofram Corporation

Newell, WV, February 23, 2023 - Explore the New Manufacturing is pleased to announce the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge involving Brooke High School pre-engineering students and the Marsh Bellofram Corporation. The company challenged the students to improve the testing method for one of their fastest-moving liquid level controllers. As part of the challenge’s final phase, the team will present their solution to company representatives on Monday, February 27, 2023. 

“We’re excited to work with the Manufacturing Innovation Challenge and Brooke High School for the second year,” stated Dan Williams, Marsh Bellofram’s Vice President of Marketing & IT. “The challenge allows us to show students that there are opportunities to use STEM skills in the Ohio Valley. Students like those from the pre-engineering class are exactly the type of future engineers, technicians, and problem solvers that we seek out.  We’re proud to be part of their educational foundations and wish them well in the challenge!” 

Wilburn Joins the West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund Inc. Board of Directors

WVMA Member 1080x1080 Jason WilburnThe West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund Inc. (WVMAEF) announced today the appointment of Jason Wilburn to its board of directors. The WVMAEF Board of Directors oversees an educational outreach program, Explore the New Manufacturing, designed to provide West Virginia middle and high school students with topics focusing on manufacturing career pathways. “We are delighted to welcome Jason to the Board.  His diverse industry and board experience will be of great benefit to the Explore Program,” said WVMAEF’s Program Director Monica Cross.

Wandling Joins the West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund Inc. Board of Directors

WVMA Member 1080x1080 Melissa WandlingThe West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund Inc. (WVMAEF) announced today the appointment of Melissa Wandling to its board of directors. The WVMAEF Board of Directors oversees an educational outreach program, Explore the New Manufacturing, designed to provide West Virginia middle and high school students with topics focusing on manufacturing career pathways. “We are excited to welcome Melissa to our Board. She brings a wealth of energy and expertise in the HR realm, which was a skillset the Board needed,” said WVMAEF’s Program Director Monica Cross.

Gannon Joins the West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund Inc. Board of Directors

WVMA Member 1080x1080 George GannonThe West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund Inc. (WVMAEF) announced today the appointment of George Gannon to its board of directors. The WVMAEF Board of Directors oversees an educational outreach program, Explore the New Manufacturing, designed to provide West Virginia middle and high school students with topics focusing on manufacturing career pathways. 

Gannon is a Corporate Communications Analyst with Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Inc. “I’m excited to be part of the WVMAEF and Explore the New Manufacturing program because education is vital to the future of our state,” said Gannon.

Program Sponsors

Major financial underwriting is provided by

Upcoming Dates

28 Mar
SVC - EASTERN Region - Viewer's Choice Voting
Date 03.28.2024 - 04.04.2024
28 Mar
SVC - EASTERN Region Judging
03.28.2024 - 04.03.2024
29 Mar
MIC - NORTH CENTRAL Region - Deadline Final Presentation to Manufacturer
03.29.2024
29 Mar
MIC - EASTERN Region - Judging
03.29.2024 - 04.04.2024
29 Mar
MIC - MID-OHIO Region - Deadline Draft Technical Report
03.29.2024
31 Mar
Regional Awards - NORTH CENTRAL / Bridgeport Conference Center / 5:30-8:30pm
03.31.2024 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Updates from Explore

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