Leading-edge strategies to compete and win in an intensely competitive and volatile global economy are the focus of the 2010 Manufacturing Matters! Conference.
The 13th annual conference, hosted by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), will be held April 20 at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee. Manufacturing Matters! is WMEP’s signature event to promote performance excellence for the state’s 10,000 small and mid-size manufacturers.
The conference features best practices and valuable insights shared by leaders of some of the state’s most successful manufacturing firms. Panel discussions will allow participants to hear directly from innovative and award winning manufacturers on common challenges and high impact solutions to improve business performance. Firms participating on panels include:
- Bruno Independent Living Aids Inc., Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Special Award (2008)
- GenMet, The Fabricator’s Industry Award (2010)
- Mayville Engineering Company Inc., Wisconsin MOTY Special Award (2009)
- N.E.W. Plastics Corporation, Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award (2008)
- Plastics Components Inc., Wisconsin MOTY Special Award (2009)
- Sentry Equipment Corporation, Wisconsin MOTY Grand Award (2009)
- Tailored Label, National Association of Manufacturers Trowbridge Award (2009)
Also sharing strategies for success are: Anderson Seal Inc.; BT Squared Inc.; Cardinal Glass Industries Inc.; Columbus Chemical Industries Inc.; Design Specialties Inc.; KLH Industries Inc.; Metko Inc.; Muza Metal Products; Reliable Plating Works Inc.; TLX Technologies; and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
In his morning keynote presentation, “Play Offense, Not Defense”, best-selling author Don Peppers will give manufacturers a game plan to access new markets and build more profitable customer relationships as the economy recovers. Peppers, a leading authority on customer-focused relationship management, is co-author of Rules to Break & Laws to Follow: How Your Business Can Beat the Crisis of Short-Termism.
In the post-recession environment, customer-focused solutions and value-added processes are significant differentiators, says Peppers. His presentation will target strategies for dealing with tough customers, acquiring talent, leveraging new technologies and deploying sustainability as a competitive advantage.
Nearly 20 interactive workshops offer peer-to-peer learning and practical tools on a range of topics including continuous improvement, exports, rapid product development, sustainability, business growth, marketing and supply chain management. The conference and workshops are built around the six success attributes of Next-Generation Manufacturing.
For more information or to register visit www.manufacturingmatters.org or call 877-856-8588.
About the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership
WMEP is a private, non-profit consulting organization committed to the growth and success of Wisconsin manufacturers. A leader in next-generation manufacturing, WMEP brings best practices to Wisconsin firms to help them achieve world-class performance through innovation and transformation. During the past five years, WMEP-assisted manufacturers reported economic impact of $977 million with 7,965 jobs created/retained. WMEP receives financial support from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and partners with many public and private organizations to serve Wisconsin manufacturers.
