The annual Next Generation Manufacturing Summit, presented by BizTimes Media, features an exciting interactive discussion with chief executive officers of southeastern Wisconsin companies. The CEOs will share their companies’ best operational strategies and discuss their solutions for competing in a global marketplace.

While manufacturing has not been hit in the same way as restaurants or the retail industry, 2020 has still been filled with disruptions and challenges for the industry. However, with challenges comes opportunity. Opportunities to ask why we do things a certain way, go after new markets, reimagine processes, and consider what the future will look like. What will the talent landscape look like in the next few years? Will COVID-19 bring manufacturing back to the US? What supply chain vulnerabilities need to be addressed? Will the adoption of automation and Industry 4.0 technologies accelerate because of COVID? What does the rise of remote work mean for manufacturers?

At the 15th annual Next Generation Manufacturing Summit held on October 15th CEOs from the region’s leading manufacturing companies discussed the trends and issues shaping the direction of their companies. They also discussed how those macro trends influence their strategy and operations.

Fireside Chat:

• Aaron Jagdfeld, President & CEO, Generac Power Systems (2)

Moderator: Arthur Thomas, Managing Editor, BizTimes Media

Panelists:

• Keith Everson, CEO, Sussex IM (1)
• Aaron Jagdfeld, President & CEO, Generac Power Systems (2)
• Mike Kryshak, Owner, Rebel Converting (3)
• Rick Ruzga, President, Power Test, Inc (4)
• Jeff Schwager, CEO, Sartori Cheese (5)
• Keith Smith, President, Vonco Products (6)

The event concluded with sessions that focused on:

Click the session name to download the session slides.

• Considerations for Mitigating Risk with Workforce Reductions
  Navigating the of myriad employment hurdles including threats associated with layoffs, furloughs, recalls, and rehires.
  Laurie Meyer, Employment Law and Litigation Attorney, Davis|Kuelthau, s.c.
• Covid Safety Workplace Adaptations – A Practical Guide
  We’ll discuss the technologies, products and change management practices manufacturers are utilizing to maintain employee safety during the pandemic.

  Bryce Unger, Managing Director, CG Schmidt

• Discover2Recover – Increasing Cash Flow
  Identifies and describes key steps organizations can take to increase cash flow, and stabilize and increase cash reserves.

  George Bureau, VP Consulting, WMEP Manufacturing Solutions and Dave Smith, DSmithCFO

• Monetizing Your Facilities: Sale –Leaseback Considerations
  Addressing considerations for facility ownership, monetizing facilities, and cost-effective expansion relative to facility construction

  Michael Van Someren, Commercial Real Estate & Corporate Attorney, Davis|Kuelthau, s.c.

• Plant Layout: A key to high productivity and cost savings
  Learn how space is money, and effective space configuration saves time, increases employee satisfaction, and improves productivity.

  Rick Nierzwicki, Managing Director, CG Schmidt and Jerry Thiltgen, Manager Operational Excellence, WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

• Transition Planning in Turbulent Times
  This two-part session will touch on thoughtful planning in company transitions and the current state of the M&A market.

  Bob Harrod, Director, Corporate Advisory Services, BMO Harris Bank and Lisa Horn, CEPA, Director of Consulting, CLA

Thanks for attending! To continue the conversation on how WMEP Manufacturing Solutions can help your organization solve its biggest challenges go to WMEP.ORG, or contact Jim Sullivan, WMEP Director of Business Development, jsullivan@wmep.org.

Our dedicated teams of bankers have local presence and expertise in many different industry sectors, and we’ll work with you to deliver strategic advice and tailored solutions for your business. 

Dave Anderson
Managing Director
david.a.anderson@bmo.com
(414) 765-7671
bmoharris.com/commercial

For nearly 100 years, CG Schmidt has partnered with Wisconsin’s top manufacturers to build innovative facilities and trusted relationships. Let’s discuss how we can work to become your valued partner.

Richard Nierzwicki
Managing Director
CG Schmidt
(414) 577.1058
Rick.nierzwicki@cgschmidt.com
cgschmidt.com

CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through our industry-focused advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. CLAconnect.com

Samantha Metcalf, CPA
Managing Principal of Manufacturing and Distribution
CLA
(612) 376-4821
samantha.metcalf@claconnect.com

Davis|Kuelthau is dedicated to aiding manufacturers in their resiliency and growth.  To help companies mitigate risk during this unprecedented era, offers advice on the vast range of regulatory, litigation and transactional challenges arising daily. Our complimentary resources are located at: dkattorneys.com/coronavirusguidance.

• 2019 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2018 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2017 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit
• 2016 Next Generation Manufacturing Summit

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.