The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC), in partnership with Kansas Manufacturing Solutions and Kansas Chamber, will host the 2021 Making Kansas Bus Tour to highlight the state’s manufacturing industry and the great career opportunities it offers.  

“The Kansas manufacturing industry is responsible for more than 16% of our state’s total economic output and employs more than 165,000 Kansans,” said KMC Interim Executive Director Sherriene Jones-Sontag. “Still, many in our state do not realize the impact the industry has on their communities. We are excited to visit dozens of manufacturers and showcase the many types of products made in Kansas.”

The tour also will help raise awareness about the 2021 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas contest currently underway and the 2021 Kansas Manufacturing Summit, scheduled for Oct. 11-12 at the Kansas Star Casino and Event Center in Mulvane.  

The tour kicks off the statewide journey in Pittsburgh on Sept. 13 and concludes on Sept. 16 in Burlington. Local officials, educators, parents, students and media will be invited to ride the bus when the tour is in their communities. The bus tour also will make stops in Atchison, Dodge City, Emporia, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Leavenworth, Olathe, Pratt and Spring Hill. 

The bus then will visit manufacturers in the Wichita area on Friday, Oct. 1, in celebration of 2021 National Manufacturing Day. 

“Manufacturing is extremely important to the local communities and state economies of Kansas. The Making Kansas bus tour is an exciting opportunity to celebrate and promote manufacturing and highlight a few of the many manufacturers who are making Kansas,” said Kansas Manufacturing Solutions CEO Tiffany Stovall. 

Those interested in riding the bus when the tour is in their communities should contact Sherriene Jones-Sontag for more information.