Tornado Wire opens its doors again to inspire the next generation of manufacturers

National Manufacturing Day returns to Millom following the success of Tornado Wire’s first event last year.

Tornado Wire will open the doors of its Millom factory to local students on Thursday 24 September as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day 2026, building on the success of the company’s first National Manufacturing Day event last year.

This year’s event is set to be even bigger, with more students from Millom Secondary School expected to take part, alongside pupils from local primary schools.

For Tornado Wire, the impact of last year’s event has already gone beyond the day itself. Since visiting the factory, three students from Millom Secondary School have returned to Tornado Wire to complete work experience placements, strengthening the company’s links with the school and giving the students an opportunity to experience working life within a local manufacturing business.

National Manufacturing Day sees manufacturers across the country open their doors, giving young people the opportunity to see first-hand what modern manufacturing looks like and discover the wide range of careers available within the sector.

At Tornado Wire, students will be taken behind the scenes of the company’s manufacturing operation, where high tensile steel wire fencing products are made for customers across the UK and overseas.

During their visit, students will tour the factory, see manufacturing machinery in action and meet members of the Tornado team. They will also learn about the different skills and roles needed to run a modern manufacturing business – from engineering, production and maintenance to sales, marketing, finance and other professional careers.

Representatives from the Barrow and District Association of Engineers will also join the event, helping students explore the breadth of engineering and manufacturing opportunities available locally.

Rebecca Galley, Chief Executive Officer of Tornado Wire, said:

“We took part in National Manufacturing Day for the first time last year and it was fantastic to welcome local young people into Tornado and show them what happens inside a manufacturing business on their doorstep.

“What has been particularly rewarding is seeing that relationship continue. Since then, three students from Millom Secondary School have come back to us for work experience, and this year we’re expecting even more students from the school to join us, as well as pupils from local primary schools.

“That’s exactly what we hoped National Manufacturing Day could achieve. If young people have never been inside a factory, it’s difficult for them to know what modern manufacturing is really like or to imagine themselves working in it. Opening our doors gives them the chance to meet our people, see what we do and discover just how many different career opportunities there are.

“We’re delighted that the event is growing and that we’re able to play our part in inspiring the next generation here in our local community.”

Tornado Wire has manufactured fencing products in Millom since 1982 and today supplies high tensile steel fencing for agricultural, equestrian, forestry and infrastructure applications.

The event is part of Tornado Wire’s wider commitment to supporting education, developing future skills and strengthening its links with the local community.

National Manufacturing Day is organised by Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, and brings together manufacturers across the country to showcase the innovation, technology and career opportunities within UK industry.

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, said:

“National Manufacturing Day continues to grow year on year, bringing together the diverse sector I’m proud to represent to celebrate the innovation British manufacturers deliver every day and the wide range of careers on offer across the UK.

“Our industry is at the forefront of advanced technology and cutting-edge innovation, and this year’s event is a great opportunity for people of all ages to see first-hand what a modern manufacturing career really looks like. It’s a high-value, high-skilled sector with opportunities for everyone.”