Manufacturing Week 2026: Made Here. Built Together. Moving Forward

Oct 12

3 min read

Manufacturing has always been part of Surry County’s story. For generations, it has helped build our communities, create careers, shape our economy and establish a tradition of making things that continues today. Manufacturing Week 2026 gave us an opportunity to celebrate that history while shining a light on the people, businesses and ideas moving Surry County manufacturing forward.

From October 5–7, the Surry County Economic Development Partnership brought the community together around three themes: connect, learn and lead. Through industry tours, networking opportunities and events focused on workforce and leadership, participants experienced the people, products and innovation that make manufacturing such an important part of Surry County.

The week kicked off at Surry Community College with the Manufacturing Week Kickoff Breakfast, where SCEDP unveiled a new video highlighting The Balladeer, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, and the Surry County manufacturers and makers who helped bring the project to life.

The Balladeer has transformed a historic space while preserving the character and craftsmanship of what came before. But its story is about more than a building. From stone and glass to granite, signage, artwork and other elements throughout the property, local businesses played a role in creating something that is now attracting visitors from near and far. The project is a powerful example of what Surry County manufacturers can do when local talent, materials and expertise come together. It is where history gets a second verse, and a fitting story to begin a week celebrating the people who continue to make Surry County.

The morning also celebrated Daniel Haymore of Altec as the recipient of our Excellence in Collaboration Award, recognizing his outstanding partnership and contributions to strengthening Surry County’s manufacturing community. Daniel exemplifies the collaborative spirit that makes our region stronger, and we are proud to celebrate his impact!

From there, Manufacturing Week took participants inside several of Surry County’s manufacturing facilities. Industry tours at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, NCFI, ProTechnologies, SBSI, Shenandoah Furniture and Vitro offered a firsthand look at the people, processes and technology behind the products being made right here at home. The tours were a reminder that modern manufacturing is innovative, highly skilled and constantly evolving.

The week also highlighted the people shaping the future of the industry through the inaugural Women in Manufacturing Surry County event. The morning brought women from across the manufacturing community together for conversation, connection and leadership, creating space to share experiences and encourage the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

Manufacturing Week wrapped up with Forged in the Foothills: Made in Surry Trade Show, bringing manufacturers, businesses, educators, students and workforce partners together to showcase the products and possibilities being created throughout Surry County. The Made in Surry Trade Show also provided an opportunity for students to explore CTE programs and career pathways while connecting with the businesses that may become their future employers.

While Manufacturing Week lasted just three days, the story it celebrates is much bigger. It is a story of generations of people who built Surry County, manufacturers who continue to adapt and innovate, and a community investing in the people and skills needed for what comes next.

From the craftsmanship of The Balladeer to the advanced manufacturing happening on today’s factory floors, Surry County’s manufacturing story is still being written. And that story is made here, built together and moving forward.