WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

WMEP is pleased to announce three new appointments to our Board of Directors:

Allan Breidenbach, WMEP Board Chair, President of Wick Buildings

Gonzalo Martínez, WMEP Board Member, CEO & President of Schaefer Brush Manufacturing, LLC

Megan Tzanoukakis, CPA, CSCP, WMEP Board Member, President & CEO of Sussex IM Injection Molding

We welcome their expertise and leadership as we continue our mission to help Wisconsin manufacturers succeed.

Manufacturers spend a lot of time trying to improve productivity, reduce waste, and solve operational problems. But according to Barry Messer, Senior Consultant at WMEP, many of the best improvement ideas are already sitting inside the organization. Your employees probably already know the problems -- and have ideas on how to solve them. Leadership just needs to empower them to express and act on them.

Read Barry's full article to learn why continuous improvement works best when employees have a voice in solving waste and inefficiencies... and how to build a culture that encourages engagement in problem-solving. https://wmep.org/your-employees-probably-already-know-the-problems/

Feeling pressure to develop an AI strategy—but not sure where to start? The challenge isn't the technology. It's knowing where AI can actually help your business.

WMEP's AI Navigator Workshop, delivered in partnership with MKE Tech Hub Coalition's Synapse initiative, gives manufacturing leadership teams a structured framework to:
• Understand AI in a manufacturing context
• Focus on priority business challenges—not generic examples
• Evaluate where AI and other tools can improve performance
• Build a practical, actionable plan tailored to your operation

The hands-on workshop will be offered several times this summer and fall, with the next session scheduled for July 15 in Milwaukee. Learn more about AI Navigator Workshop and how our AI experts have helped Wisconsin manufacturers like Mixer Systems, Inc. turn AI uncertainty into clarity. https://wmep.org/ai-navigator-workshop/

In business and in life, experience -- and sometimes failure -- is the best way to learn and grow. WMEP's consultants have "been there, done that" and put their hard-earned lessons to work for Wisconsin manufacturers every day. Mark Hatzenbeller, WMEP's Senior Director of Business Development, shares this advice:

"Focus on things that are in your control and not the stress of things outside your control."

Learn more about WMEP's mission to help manufacturers succeed: https://wmep.org/

Cut through the AI hype and focus on real business problems, not just the technology. Held in partnership with MKE Tech Hub Coalition's Synapse initiative, our new hands-on AI Navigator Workshop helps Wisconsin manufacturers get started with AI in their facilities.

- Demystify AI in manufacturing

- Focus on your own business challenges, not generic examples

- Learn from structured exercises and expert guidance

- Create a clear, actionable plan tailored to your operation

Attend one of our public workshops, or schedule a private workshop at your business. To learn more and register: https://wmep.org/ai-navigator-workshop/

Today we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Let us remember, reflect, and give thanks.

WMEP's Board of Directors, composed of top industry leaders, reflects our mission to help Wisconsin manufacturers succeed. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to these outgoing board members, whose dedication to WMEP has made a lasting impact on our organization and on the advancement of Wisconsin manufacturing.

Kat Goetz, Former WMEP Board Secretary and Current President of TLX Technologies

James Schneberger, Former WMEP Board Chair and Former President of New Berlin Plastics

C. Todd Zakreski, Former WMEP Board Chair and Current President of Husco Automotive, LLC

Thank you for your leadership and service.

Are you intimidated by upcoming certification requirements? Get it right the first time! WMEP’s quality and management systems experts help manufacturers navigate complex requirements across multiple manufacturing sectors, spanning aerospace, food safety, health care, and beyond. They bring experience and structure to the certification process—helping your team build stronger systems, prepare with confidence, and avoid costly missteps. Get started: https://wmep.org/manufacturing-operations-solutions/management-systems/

Legends aren’t made by playing it safe. Neither are great manufacturers.

June 1 & 2 are game days at Lambeau Field for the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit.

Get inspired where champions are built.

Think bigger. Move faster. Lead smarter.

Bring home a win for your business. And own your next season.

Register today: https://widrivesmanufacturing.com/

Supported by:
Great Lakes Fusion Energy Alliance
Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG)
NEW Manufacturing Alliance
TitletownTech
Universities of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC)
Wisconsin Technical College System
Wisconsin Technology Council

Driven Agriculture, LLC, partnered with WMEP to evaluate automation solutions that could ease labor demands and improve workflow.

Results included:
- Freeing one operator to take on higher-value tasks and leadership responsibilities
- Streamlining end-of-line efficiency, improving overall production flow

Learn more about Driven Agriculture's success story: https://wmep.org/case-study/driven-agriculture-adopts-automation-to-address-labor-shortages-and-improve-efficiency/