Students visit D’Addario manufacturing facility
United Way of Long Island’s YouthBuild students recently explored D’Addario and Company, Inc. in Farmingdale, the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instrument accessories, including guitar strings and drumheads used by musicians around the world. Students went on a private tour of the headquarters, enjoyed a discussion on how to “Play Fearlessly,” and learned about life lessons and successful career paths with professional bass player and educator Tom Barney.
Students learned that the family-owned and -operated business has roots dating back to the 17th century, with 1,100 employees worldwide. It manufactures 95 percent of its products in the United States. D’Addario musical accessories are distributed in 120 countries, serve more than 3,000 U.S. retailers and are the preferred choice of professional and serious amateur musicians worldwide, including Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz and more.
The two-part tour included a visit to the Evans Drumheads facility and then a tour of D’Addario’s string factory. Students received a hands-on experience when walking through the line, by feeling the aluminum of the drum heads and watching it come together. D’Addario provided the students with a visual of how every part of the assembly line was unique and significant.
Every student was in awe of how the manufacturing facility was laid out; everything was systematic and organized to ensure elite production. Students were astounded by the complex engineering that was used to create a product that worked efficiently, and to learn the fact that 700,000 strings are made each day.
After learning about the process of making the equipment, students enjoyed a discussion with famed bass player Tom Barney. Barney, who has played with renowned musicians including Rod Stewart and Billie Holiday, is currently a member of the orchestra for The Lion King on Broadway. Throughout his conversation with the students, Barney kept reminding them that if they put in the time and effort that they would be successful in whatever career path they chose.
When the YouthBuild students were asked about the interaction with Tom Barney, Diaz stated, “He is inspiring.” Syndi Fredrick was pleased to be able to meet Barney, stating, “His wisdom was rewarding. When it was time to leave we discussed my career track in culinary, and he told me he wanted to pursue culinary once he retired.”
Elizabeth Morgan, YouthBuild drector, stated, “The company provided our students with a closer look as to the importance of being an efficient team player, and working together, is necessary because each job is dependent of one another to manufacture the best product.”
To learn more about D’Addario visit www.daddario.com. For information on United Way’s YouthBuild Long Island program visit www.unitedwayli.org.
—Submitted by YouthBuild Long Island
