Once again, Plasman proudly participated in the annual “Take Your Kids to Work Day,” a landmark Canadian program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders by offering a special eye-opening experience for the Grade 9 children of our team members. Focused on automotive manufacturing, the day was designed to give these young adults a concrete understanding of the industry, our company’s role, and the diverse career paths available within our industry.
The goal was to move beyond textbook concepts and show them the real-world application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a dynamic, high-tech environment.
The Plasman Manufacturing Experience: Plant Tours and Capabilities
The highlight of the day was the comprehensive plant tours. Safety was the first priority, with all students receiving mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) and a thorough briefing before entering the plant floors.
The tours were segmented to showcase the end-to-end process of automotive production, emphasizing Plasman’s core capabilities of:
Design and Engineering: Students visited the engineering labs and design studios to see how concepts are turned into digital models. They learned about Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and simulation software used to ensure parts meet safety, aerodynamics, and aesthetic requirements.
Tooling: The tour demonstrated the critical process of tool and die making. They saw massive, precision-machined molds and forms, understanding how master tooling is created to produce consistent, high-volume parts.
Surface Finishing and Exterior Trim: This section highlighted the meticulous work of adding aesthetic and protective elements. Students observed sophisticated processes like high-precision painting, electroplating, and specialized coating applications that give exterior trim parts their durability and premium finish.
Assembly: Students observed how finished components are efficiently and accurately brought together. This demonstrated the importance of robotics, logistics, and human-machine collaboration in creating complex modules and final integrated systems.
Molding: The final tour focused on the transformation of raw materials, primarily plastics and composites, through various molding techniques. Students witnessed injection molding machines in action, seeing materials shaped into complex, ready-to-use automotive components.
We Are Plasman: People Driven and Future Focused
The day was a resounding success, not only demystifying the complex world of automotive manufacturing for the next generation but also strengthening the connection between our team members and the crucial work we do every day. It truly showed the Grade 9 students that a career in this industry is about more than just cars – it’s about innovation, technology, and building the future.
“We view this day as an investment in our future workforce,” said Rod Alward, North American President, Plasman who welcomed the students upon arriving at Plasman. “By opening our doors, we inspire these young people to see the value in manufacturing and the exciting possibilities available in specialized fields like engineering, design, and advanced tooling. We aren’t just building components; we’re building curiosity and opportunity.”
About Plasman
Plasman is a leading global manufacturer in bumpers-fascias, grilles, exterior trim, and subsystem components. As One Driving Force™, our diverse team of talented employees in 10 countries is driven by a commitment to outperform in all areas from engineering design to state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Plasman’s headquarters are in Oldcastle, Ontario. Further information about Plasman is available at Plasman.com or follow us on LinkedIn.