The Toughest Jobs Can Take the Toughest Toll
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we'd like to take a moment to talk about something that often stays in the shadows of our industry — the mental health of the people who keep our manufacturing floors running day in and day out.
In welding booths, behind the hum of CNC machines, and on fabrication tables — you’ll find some of the hardest-working people in America. But you’ll also find something else, something less visible: stress, anxiety, burnout, and sometimes deep, unspoken struggles.
The Hidden Weight Behind the Work
The manufacturing industry has one of the highest rates of suicide among all occupations. According to the CDC:
Construction and manufacturing rank in the top five industries for suicide risk.
Male-dominated fields (like welding, machining, and fabrication) often carry a “tough it out” culture that discourages emotional vulnerability.
Nearly 60% of manufacturing workers report that mental health challenges affect their job performance — but most don’t feel comfortable opening up.
The long hours, intense physical labor, and pressure to perform can take a real toll — not just on the body, but on the mind.
Encouragement: We’re Stronger Than We Think
If you’re reading this and you’ve been feeling worn down, know this: you are not alone, and you are not weak.
It takes grit to show up and do what we do every day. But it also takes courage to admit when something just isn’t right. Reaching out isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign of strength. Real strength.
We build incredible things in this industry. Let’s also build a culture of support, where it’s normal to check in on each other. Where “you good?” means more than just shop talk.
Every person on the floor matters. You matter. And your mental health is just as important as the welds you lay or the parts you machine.
A Call to Those Who May Be Struggling
If you’re carrying something heavy right now — please don’t carry it alone.
There are people who care. There are people who will listen. Whether it’s a friend, a coworker, a supervisor, or a professional, you deserve help, and it’s okay to ask for it.
Here are a few resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
Crisis Text Line – Text “HELLO” to 741741
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): nami.org
What We're Committed To
As our company continues to grow, we’re not just thinking about machines, parts, or output — we’re thinking about people.
We are committed to actively seeking ways to support our employees’ mental well-being and will be exploring real, tangible options throughout the year to foster a healthier, more supportive environment on and off the floor.
Whether that’s promoting open conversations, improving work-life balance, or connecting team members with resources — we know that supporting mental health is the right thing to do.
