Manufacturing Day at Rough Country: Inspiring the Next Generation

Manufacturing Day gives local students a ground-level look at modern manufacturing. It’s not a dusty warehouse from an old movie. It’s robotics, precision engineering, programming, and real teamwork.

The idea for the tours started when Lana Woods with the Tennessee Workforce Board asked if Rough Country would host seniors from both city and county schools. Her goal was simple: show students the real opportunities available right here at home.

Ryan Chase, the Rough Country team member who organized the visits, said it best.
“We were honored to open our doors and show these students the technology and teamwork that power our operations. Manufacturing today is about shaping the future.”

That’s the heartbeat of Rough Country. Build strong products. Build strong teams. Build strong community.

Walking through the East Court facility, students stood within feet of the equipment that shapes Rough Country parts every day. They didn’t watch from behind ropes or a catwalk — they learned directly from the people doing the work.

Laser & Press- Students watched how sheet metal becomes custom components using high-precision cutting and brake presses. Our crew showed how they write programs into the presses and explained the math behind the bends.

Welding -This was a favorite for welding students from TCAT. They gathered around to see what a clean, consistent weld looks like. Rough Country welders apply the same craftsmanship to every bumper, bracket, and suspension component we build.

Powder Coat -They saw the process that gives Rough Country parts their protective finish. Coating, curing, inspection; all the steps that turn raw parts into something ready for the trail.

Machine Shop - Students got a look at the CNC machines and the skills required to run them. Programming, setup, tolerances the details that separate quality manufacturing from everything else.

These departments worked together to give students hands-on experience and real conversations about career paths.

Ryan Chase shared his hope for every student who toured our facility.
“We want them to understand that manufacturing offers growth and opportunity. Many of our team members started in entry-level roles and built strong careers.”

We want students to see:

• Career fields like welding, machining, engineering, logistics, and robotics
• The teamwork required to take a part from concept to finished product
• The pride that comes from building something real
• The chance to build a solid future without leaving Dyer County

Manufacturing is the backbone of our community. When students understand the opportunities here, they begin to see a future they can build themselves.

The feedback from educators showed how meaningful these tours were.

From Amy Mobley — Dyer County Schools

“The students enjoyed the tour. It was informative and eye-opening for both welding and IT students. For underclassmen, it was a great chance for career exploration.”

Seventy-five students total. Many asked questions. Many lingered to look at machines. That’s the kind of curiosity that grows into skill.

From Tom Mathis — Dyersburg City Schools (JAGTN Instructor)

“Students have heard of Rough Country, but I wanted them to see firsthand what the company does. Some asked about jobs, others asked about TCAT paths or college opportunities.”

His JAGTN students focus on the three E’s: Employment, Education, or Enlistment. The visit checked two of those boxes. Tom also hoped they saw how teamwork and communication hold the whole operation together.

He added something we’re proud of:
“Everything comes full circle. Local employees make these products, Rough Country sells them, and Rough Country gives back to the schools.”

That’s community.

Rough Country is built by local people who take pride in the work they do. Many of our team members once sat in the same high-school classrooms as the students who toured the facility this week. Strong companies need strong communities. Strong communities start with opportunity.

For students who want to weld. For students who want to program. For students who want to engineer parts for the vehicles they love. Opportunity lives here. And if one or two students walked out thinking, “I want to work here someday,” we call that a win.

Rough Country is proud to help the next generation understand what’s possible in modern manufacturing. If you’re a student, parent, or teacher interested in future tours or career info, we’re here to help.

Drop a comment below. Tell us what you think about the tour or what you’d like to see next. We’d love to hear from you.