Mill 19 | April 3, 2025
Yesterday, we had the incredible opportunity to celebrate the next generation of innovators at the WSCAM Pittsburgh Central What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Video Contest Awards Ceremony—held at our offices at Mill 19 in Hazelwood Green.
The event brought together students, educators, manufacturers, and community partners for a day of recognition, exploration, and hands-on learning. We were thrilled by the energy in the room and the clear excitement from students and supporters alike.
After announcing and celebrating our video contest winners (see full list below 👇), students rotated through a series of interactive sessions:
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A manufacturing expo, where companies shared demos and insights into modern manufacturing careers
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A behind-the-scenes tour of Mill 19, guided by CMU’s Manufacturing Futures Institute, showcasing cutting-edge research and robotics
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A creative hands-on activity with Assemble, blending art, tech, and teamwork
These experiences gave students a closer look at the real-world impact of manufacturing and how their talents and ideas can shape the future.
🎬 And the Winners Are…
Best Overall Video
• 1st Place: Mount Lebanon (MECCO) *heading to States*
• 2nd Place: Butler Area Team #1 (Oberg Industries)
Viewer’s Choice
• 1st Place: Butler Area Team #2 (JSP)
• 2nd Place: Butler Area Team #1 (Oberg Industries)
Outstanding Creativity
• 1st Place: Moon Area (SMS Group)
• 2nd Place: Mount Lebanon (MECCO)
Exceptional Use of Technology
• Burrell (Aerotech)
Best Manufacturing Message
• 1st Place: Mount Lebanon (MECCO)
• 2nd Place: Freeport Area (Butler Technologies)
• 3rd Place: Baldwin-Whitehall (Ace Wire Spring & Form)
Outstanding Rookie School
• 1st Place: Woodland Hills (E.H. Schwab)
• 2nd Place: Highlands (JV Manufacturing)
Best Promotion
• Apollo Ridge (Composidie, Inc.)
👏 A big thank you to all participating schools, companies, partners, and Catalyst staff volunteers who made the day such a success. And of course—a huge congratulations to the students whose hard work and creativity inspired us all!
📽️ Watch the full event livestream: https://youtube.com/live/XH5mmRDpiqo?feature=share
🎞️ View all contest entries: https://www.whatssocool.org/contests/pittsburgh-central/
Let’s keep celebrating what’s so cool about manufacturing—because the future is in great hands.
📸 Check out some photos from this awesome event!
