Dec-O-Art Joins Manufacturing Day, Inviting Students to Explore Careers

Dec-O-Art opened its doors to eighth-grade students from West Side Middle School as a first-time participant in Elkhart County Manufacturing Days.

ELKHART, IL, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Manufacturing Day is a national initiative that introduces students to careers in modern manufacturing.
In Elkhart County, the program is coordinated by Horizon Education Alliance (HEA) in partnership with
local schools and manufacturers, giving eighth graders the chance to visit local companies and learn
about the career paths available in their own community. By participating, Dec-O-Art joined a group of
Elkhart County manufacturers that host students each fall to help build awareness of local career
opportunities and support the region’s future workforce.

During their morning visit to Dec-O-Art, groups of students rotated through stations representing the
company’s Sales and Marketing, Project Engineering, Business Operations, and Production
departments, each featuring a hands-on activity or friendly competition led by Dec-O-Art team
members. A telephone game showed how clear communication, careful listening, and attention to
detail affect every step of a process. IT Bingo introduced students to the technologies that support
modern manufacturing. In a card matching competition, students first worked without defined roles,
then discussed what could be improved and assigned responsibilities before trying again, seeing
firsthand how teamwork and continuous improvement lead to better results. Students also listened to a
“customer” describe a design and attempted to draw it, asking questions to understand what was
envisioned, before taking on a challenge to see how many times they could fit a single shape onto one
sheet of paper.

The visit also included a plant tour with Dec-O-Art President Nathan Dosmann, giving students a firsthand look at the scale and complexity of label manufacturing. Along the way, they saw the machinery and skilled operators involved in producing custom graphic overlays, regulatory labels, and other specialized labeling products. Students learned how engineering, precision printing, and production processes come together to turn raw materials into finished products.

“We wanted students to see that manufacturing isn’t a single path,” said Nathan Dosmann, President of
Dec-O-Art. “Engineering, skilled machine operation, sales, marketing, business and technology exist
here. Dec-O-Art has been part of this community for more than 55 years, and being part of a community
means investing in its future. Showing these students the work that happens in their own backyard is
one of the better ways we can do that.”

“We are grateful to Dec-O-Art for welcoming students in its first year with Manufacturing Days,” said
Jeni Anderson, Customer Success Manager at Horizon Education Alliance. “Experiences like this help
eighth graders connect what they learn in the classroom to real careers in their own community. When
local employers open their doors, students begin to picture a future for themselves right here in Elkhart
County.”

About Horizon Education Alliance:
Horizon Education Alliance is a nonprofit that connects schools, businesses, and the community to
build a stronger workforce in Elkhart County. HEA coordinates Elkhart County Manufacturing Days,
which give eighth graders the opportunity to tour local manufacturers and explore career pathways.

About Dec-O-Art:
Dec-O-Art is a trusted provider of labeling and branding solutions, proudly serving local and global manufacturers. Its products include custom decals, compliance labels, and product identification labels designed to help manufacturers communicate important information and strengthen their branding. With more than 55 years of manufacturing experience, Dec-O-Art combines quality products with exceptional customer service. Learn more at www.dec-o-art.com or contact sales@dec-o-art.com.

Amanda Buchanan
Dec-O-Art
+1 8002256879
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