The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit brought together leaders from the industry, higher education, government, and technology to explore the future of manufacturing across the state at Lambeau Field on June 1-2, immediately following our own Wisconsin Digital Symposium. As a premier gathering for collaboration and innovation, this first-of-its-kind event showcased the partnerships and ideas shaping Wisconsin’s manufacturing economy.
“Our greatest progress—as a community, a state, a society—comes from partnership.” – Devesh Ranjan, Dean of the UW–Madison College of Engineering. Read the Dean’s reflections here.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Summit was seeing so many UWEBC member organizations represented throughout the program. The strong presence of our members reinforced the important role our network plays in advancing digital transformation, workforce development, and business innovation across Wisconsin.
Several speakers represented UWEBC member companies and organizations on the main stage, including:
- Harley-Davidson – President & CEO Artie Starrs discussed the importance of American manufacturing and Wisconsin’s leadership role in the industry.
- Rockwell Automation – Bob Buttermore, Senior Vice President & Chief Supply Chain Officer, shared insights on smart manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and the technologies driving industrial innovation.
- Kohler Co. – Ted Nikolai, Vice President of Process Engineering & NPI, contributed expertise on advanced manufacturing systems and innovation.
- Husco – Pat Masterson, Vice President of Global Supplier Quality, shared perspectives on operational excellence and global manufacturing standards.
And many more were represented as speakers and panelists in the Track rooms throughout the day, such as:
- Amcor
- FTI
- Generac
- Inpro
- Mercury Marine / Brunswick
- Plexus Corp
- Schneider
- Sub Zero Group
Beyond the impressive lineup of member organizations, the Summit offered a broad look at the issues shaping the future of Wisconsin manufacturing. Sessions focused on artificial intelligence, workforce development, supply chain optimization, economic development, sustainability, and emerging technologies such as quantum and space manufacturing.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in the Innovation Showcase, an interactive experience that connected manufacturers, researchers, educators, workforce leaders, and technology organizations working to strengthen Wisconsin’s innovation ecosystem.
A consistent theme throughout the event was that the future of manufacturing depends on collaboration. Universities, businesses, public-sector leaders, and technology partners are working together to build the skilled workforce and digital capabilities needed to remain globally competitive.
For UWEBC, the Summit was a powerful reminder that our membership community is helping shape the future of manufacturing in Wisconsin. Seeing so many member organizations share their expertise and vision highlighted their impact, not only within their own industries but across the state’s broader business and innovation landscape, reinforcing the value of the partnerships that continue to drive progress.