Series of Laconia-area open houses planned as part of Manufacturing Week

LACONIA — A half dozen manufacturing firms and a pair of educational institutions will open their doors to the general public from Saturday, Oct. 5 until Wednesday, October 9 public as the Lakes Region joins the state in celebrating Manufacturing Week.

The week begins on Saturday at Eptam Plastics at 2 Riverside Business Park in Northfield, where the firm, in partnership with the Belknap Economic Development Council (BEDC), is hosting a "Day of Play" along with guided tours of the plant between 10 a.m. and noon.

Carmen Lorentz, executive director of the BEDC, said that children of four years and older are invited to "imagine something awesome" then build it, either at home before Saturday or at the factory on Saturday, using cardboard or other recycled materials. There are only 40 places available and participants must register for the event by either calling 524-3057 or e-mailing carmen@belknapedc.org All visitors to the facility must wear closed-toed shoes.

On Monday morning, Titeflex Aerospace will host tours of their manufacturing facility at 93 Lexington Drive in Laconia at 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. and in the afternoon Aavid Corporation will host tours at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

On Tuesday, 3M of 1 Paper Trail in Tilton will host tours at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. while the Astro Division of New Hampshire Ball Bearing will host tours at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Wednesday will begin with an open house for the the pre-engineering and manufacturing engineering technology programs at the Huot Technical Center at Laconia High School and end with open house for the Advanced Manufacturing programs at Lakes Region Community College from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Scotia Technology will offer tours of its facility at 51 Growtth Road in Laconia at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Lorentz said that open houses and plant tours provide parents and students with an opportunity to become acquainted with the nature of contemporary manufacturing industry, especially the skills its requires and the rewards its offers.

She said these firms, which are among the most competitive and dynamic in the state, are helping to develop the regional workforce that will provide them with the employees who will enable them to prosper and share in their success.