May 2019
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more highlights from the 2019 MFG Forum.
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MiMfg Magazine
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sustainability, long-term, of your business model
because, with electrification, a lot of the heavy tool
processes and products are going to go away.”
For manufacturers scared of a potential radical
shift, it was good to hear from a business that had
been there and managed to survive and thrive in the
modern manufacturing world.
“What small manufacturers really need is a helping
hand,” said Storm. “They need people who are willing
to sit down and talk about where in that fundamental
world where they work each day can real change
happen? How can you make material move quicker?
How can you help people find what they need to
build the products faster?”
Using Data to Move Your Business
Understanding data can lead to new answers on
dealing with global tariffs, customer demands for
greater quality and efficiency, and competing in
new markets with access to new technology.
Attendees heard from three data specialists from
the National Center for the Middle Market and
The Center, formerly the Michigan Manufacturing
Technology Center, who shared leading challenges
facing mid-sized businesses and resources to help
push manufacturers past in-house barriers like
independent systems, bottlenecked growth and
cyber security threats.
The Center’s George Singos
and Chuck Werner
Prioritizing Talent in the Next Decade
Eckhart’s Andy Storm
Manufacturing’s long-standing top concern —
locating and training talent — came up throughout
the Forum, including during an interactive Q&A
session with an industry panel featuring Gibbs Die
Casting, Varroc Lighting Systems and NYX, Inc.
“What’s the one thing manufacturers need to
get behind? Talent. I think the countries, commu-
nities and companies that win in talent are going to
win in economics,” said Dan Laible, executive vice
president and CFO for NYX Inc. “It’s a talent
driven economy and if you’re not producing talent
or have access to it you’re going to be left behind.”
Talent also took center stage as Shape Corp.
and Grand Haven Public Schools, the first partners
in MMA’s PRIME® partnership with the SME
Education Foundation, shared how they are working
to forge a long-lasting talent pipeline through local
efforts to keep home-grown talent at home.
Looking Forward
PRIME® Panel featuring Shape Corp.
and Grand Haven Public Schools
What emerging issues impact your company?
Contact MMA’s Sarah Martin, at 517-487-8521
or [email protected].
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