WORCESTER, Mass. - Hundreds of people gathered at Polar Park Friday for the 2022 Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up.

It welcomed manufacturing businesses of all sizes and gave them a chance to connect with state leaders, students and other organizations.

MassTech Collaborative organized the second annual mash-up and said the manufacturing industry as a whole is struggling to find the workforce and talent to fill jobs.

MassTech said Friday's event aimed to develop a pipeline from high schools through universities.

"What’s great about Massachusetts is our innovation and research hub and our ability to take that research and commercialize it into real companies and real jobs and a successful economy and we're thrilled to be part of it to help it all happen” said Christine Nolan of MassTech.

The day also included the 7th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony Program organized by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus, which honored 55 companies.