The Iowa Association of Business and Industry launched its seven-day RV tour of Iowa manufacturing facilities on Friday.

At the Capitol, Gov. Kim Reynolds started the first day of the tour by signing a Manufacturing Day proclamation, designating October as Manufacturing Month in Iowa. The tour, held in a Winnebago RV, aims to elevate manufacturing careers for Iowa students.

“We highlight large companies like 3M and Emerson and small companies, big cities and rural communities. We will share the great things that Iowa manufacturers do and also share with students about the opportunities for excellent careers in manufacturing,” ABI President Nicole Crain said about the tour.

Reynolds said efforts like fewer business regulations, increased participation in high school work-based learning programs and more registered apprenticeship programs stand to help the manufacturing industry.

“All of those efforts are really starting to work, and I’m very excited about the statistics that we’re seeing when we talk about keeping the next generation in Iowa, about giving them reasons to build their lives and families here,” she said. “Advanced manufacturing is at the center of that vision and Elevate Iowa helps students, parents and job seekers see that these aren’t just jobs, these are careers with growth.”

After the proclamation signing, many in the group traveled to Ames for a tour of the 3M factory.

“3M has a long-standing history of manufacturing products here in the state of Iowa, between our facilities here in Ames and then also in Knoxville. We employ nearly 1,000 hard-working Iowans between those two facilities,” said Trevor Larson, plant manager of 3M Ames.

The Ames facility employs 100 people and produces abrasives for industrial applications and home improvement.

“If you’ve ever done any home improvement, it’s probably come out of 3M Ames, if you’ve ever used an abrasive. It’s pretty exciting for us to see those products on the shelf,” Larson said.

Related: Read part one of the Business Record’s series on manufacturing in Iowa.