Manufacturing is a career path that has a lot to offer. Today's factories are high-tech and highly efficient. In every single job we need problem solvers, delivering the highest-quality products. And that's not an exaggeration. Those dirty, boring factory jobs from 50 years ago are now done by robots. The jobs of today require skill, know-how and ability.

What hasn't changed is the feeling of having built something real. Every day, members of the Caterpillar team can go home proud of the work they do. The machines and engines we make are used to build roads and bridges, ports and buildings. Our engines bring power to oil rigs, hospitals, ships and more. You can see the results of a day's work both in the factory and out in the world.

It's a strong, growing profession that is here to stay. A strong manufacturing base should be important to everyone because it's a critical component of a prosperous economy.