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Investing In Manufacturing Automation

Manufacturing Business Leadership HR/Community

The ongoing manufacturing workforce shortage calls for smarter ways to increase capacity without adding staff. When strategic investments in automation are planned thoughtfully, they help manufacturers improve output, efficiency, and employee retention as they upskill their workforce.

From WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, Carol Crawford, Senior Consultant, and Colin Wilson, Senior Consultant, share keys to success when implementing a multi-faceted manufacturing automation plan. Check out this episode of the First Business Bank Podcast for an in-depth discussion about:

Getting started on the automation planning process
Involving stakeholders as you consider manufacturing automation
Driving employee buy-in and engagement with communication
Considering back-office automation options for manufacturers
Starting with small automation projects including details of examples from manufacturing firms

Embarking on a manufacturing automation project doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting small, you can consider all the variables in the manufacturing automation planning process, which will help launch a successful larger automation strategy. Thank you to WMEP Manufacturing Solutions for contributing their expertise to our manufacturing podcast series. Make sure to check out the rest of our podcasts and resources for manufacturers.

video Investing In Manufacturing Automation

Featured Experts

Kevin Kane

President - Southeast Wisconsin Market of First Business Bank

Kevin Kane is President of First Business Bank's Southeast Wisconsin Market. He has nearly 40 years of banking experience serving companies across a wide range of industry sectors and market segments, helping them grow and increase enterprise value. Throughout his career, Kevin has focused on building high-performing teams for the benefit of clients. Prior to First Business Bank, he spent 28 years at M&I/BMO Harris Bank in various leadership roles in commercial lending and treasury management, most recently as Managing Director of Treasury & Payment Solutions.

Carol Crawford

Senior Consultant of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

Carol’s diverse background includes experience in Operations, Supply Chain, and New Product Commercialization in manufacturing and software environments. Carol worked for several large companies including 3M and Microchip Technology as well as a small touchscreen electronics manufacturer that was sold to a strategic semiconductor buyer prior to joining the WMEP.

Colin Wilson

Senior Automation Consultant of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

Colin is the WMEP Automation Service Line Leader where he helps Wisconsin Manufacturers strategically invest in automation. His background assessing large and small applications for automation fit and mitigating risk through process development has helped manufacturers successfully deploy automation for over 14 years.