Waukesha Times

The Alliance's annual Manufacturing Voices program, held at Waukesha County Technical College, gathered nearly 300 attendees this year. Industry leaders convened to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector. Buckley Brinkman, Executive Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity, delivered a keynote presentation highlighting findings from the 2024 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report™.

The report revealed that workforce concerns remain paramount among manufacturers in Wisconsin. The chronic labor shortage has led companies to invest more in technology and employee success while worrying about future inflation and competitiveness. Despite softer demand, manufacturers are aggressively pursuing growth through marketing initiatives to attract new customers.

Brinkman stated, "Workforce topped manufacturers’ concerns in the 2024 report." This concern has prompted businesses to adopt a flexible approach towards attracting and retaining talent by building employee capabilities and engagement.

Economic discussions were driven by workforce issues as manufacturers expressed concerns about wage and benefit inflation, particularly healthcare costs. Most manufacturers anticipate business improvements in 2025 despite their belief that the economy is currently stagnant.

Open production capacity remains a challenge due to an economic slowdown. Manufacturers have sought new customers primarily through word-of-mouth strategies. Automation and technology adoption continue to be key focus areas for improving productivity and competitiveness. AI adoption also saw a surge as manufacturers explore low-cost ways to integrate this technology into their operations.

Chris Baichoo, Executive Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, moderated a panel discussion with industry executives including Sheri Eubanks of Ace Precision, Rob Ewing of Wenthe-Davidson, and Megan Tzanoukakis of Sussex IM. Topics included workforce dynamics, company culture, and economic indicators.

During Manufacturing Month, the Alliance recognized the manufacturing sector's contribution to employment in Wisconsin where it supplies one in five jobs.