According to Swedish company Sandvik Coromat, the manufacturing industry contributes an average of $65,000 to the U.S. economy every second. And, to make sure the world knows it, they set about using that much money's worth in change alone to assemble the largest coin mosaic ever.
Laying out more than 214,000 dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies, the mosaic covered a record area of 79.03 m² (850.59 ft²).
The attempt took place in Chicago during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). Sandvik Coromat is an industry leader in manufacturing, providing tools and strategy to those in the industry. The stated inspiration for the attempt was an effort to raise awareness of the vital role the manufacturing industry plays in the U.S. economy and the opportunities it presents for the next generation of workers.
The money used in the creation of the mosaic wad then donated to non-profit organization The Manufacturing Institute, a group dedicated to attracting, qualifying, and developing manufacturing industry talent. Between the coins in the mosaic and sponsor donations, the total raised hit $83,456.
That donation was earmarked to help students take advantage of STEM education and help fund summer camps, as well as other initiatives such as "Dream It. Do It." and "STEP Ahead," an initiative for women in manufacturing.
"It has been such a rewarding experience to be involved in an event that places as much value on the future of the manufacturing industry as we do," said Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute. "This donation will make a big impact for individuals enrolled in our STEM-education initiatives and give them the tools to have successful futures in the field."
To symbolize the importance of career development within the industry, the mosaic's design illustrated a manufacturing worker holding a gear surrounding a globe, highlighting North America. A set of rising bar graphs further depicted the growth manufacturing has brought to the U.S. economy, while the words "Manufacturing Our Future" headlined the entire image.
The event's high profile drew the attention of various sponsors, including Haas Automation, Gene Haas Foundation, Amazon, Blackhawk Industrial, Doosan Infracore Machine Tools, Okuma and Quality Mill Supply, and media sponsors Gardner Business Media and GIE Media.
Construction on the mosaic began two days prior to the official record measurement, in the parking lot of Chicago's Soldier Field. During the second day of the build, the mosaic was open for viewing to the public, before the measurement and certificate presentation the following day.
"While achieving this record is an enormous accomplishment for the industry itself," said Sandvik Coromant president Klas Forsström, "it is truly gratifying to know that the sum of the coins used, as well as additional donations from event sponsors, will benefit the growth of our industry and the future generations that strive to keep it alive."
Has Sandvik Coromat's impressive display inspired you to get a team together for a cause with a world record attempt? Make sure to contact the Guinness World Records events management team with your organization's details.
