18 C O O L S T U F F 2 0 2 2 • A Guide to Career Opportunities in Central Mass.
T
he manufacturing industry
covers a wide range of sectors,
from the medical device field
to technology to beer and can-
nabis production.
Across this wide array, however, there's at
least one commonality:
"Manufacturing is very tangible. You can
see the fruits of your labor at the end of the
day when a product gets finished and moves
on to a distribution center or to a customer,"
said Patrick Brady, senior vice president of
global supply chain, quality, and regulation
at Hologic, Inc., a medical device manufac-
turer in Marlborough.
Brady has been in the medical device
manufacturing field for more than 25 years,
where he helps oversee the production of
life-saving and life-enhancing medical
devices.
Broadly, manufacturing describes the
process of turning raw materials into fin-
ished goods or products. This includes pret-
ty much everything a person uses on a daily
basis, like furniture, electronics, cars, food,
and medicine. Because it's so omnipresent,
manufacturing is integral to the economy.
BY KATHERINE HAMILTON
Passion for
the product
M A N U F A C T U R I N G
Although physically
demanding, the
tangibility and
omnipresence of
manufacturing work
can be rewarding
Workers at Castle Island
Brewing Co. pack cans
for shipping.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF CASTLE ISLAND BREWING CO.
