APCOM, a leading manufacturer of water heating and appliance components and a business of A.O. Smith Corporation, welcomed students from two Williamson County high schools to its Franklin facility Thursday as part of Manufacturing Day. The event provided students with firsthand exposure to modern manufacturing careers and the opportunities available within the industry.

Students from Centennial High School and Nolensville High School visited APCOM’s 200,000- square-foot facility, which serves global OEM customers across water heating, HVAC, foodservice and medical industries.

The experience was designed to help students explore future career possibilities and connect classroom learning with real-world applications. During their visit, students received an overview of APCOM's operations and learned about positions across manufacturing, engineering, logistics, quality, maintenance and business functions.

"APCOM's student outreach efforts reflect A. O. Smith's commitment to workforce development and strengthening connections with local schools and communities,” said Craig Hansen, human resources manager for APCOM. “By engaging with young people early, we can help inspire the next generation of skilled professionals and demonstrate the important role manufacturing plays in our communities."

Students also participated in a guided tour of the facility, where they observed how APCOM products are manufactured and distributed to customers around the world.

Elvia Klym, engineering and unmanned aerial systems teacher at Nolensville High School, brought 24 students from her Engineering Design I class to the event.

“Experiences like this give students valuable insight into careers they may not have previously considered,” Klym said. “Seeing a modern manufacturing operation firsthand and hearing directly from employees helps students better understand the skills, opportunities and potential career paths available right here in our community."

Manufacturing Day, celebrated annually in October, provides an opportunity for companies across the nation to highlight the impact of manufacturing on local economies while encouraging students to explore careers in the field.