Next Generation Manufacturing

Next Generation Manufacturing and the Milwaukee Region

As a percentage of total workforce, the Milwaukee Region ranks second in the nation among the top 50 metros for manufacturing jobs. In southeastern Wisconsin, there are more than 173,000 manufacturing jobs today that pay, on average, $50,000 a year.

The reality is this industry is undergoing a major transition. Since 1999, more than 41,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost locally – many of them from large manufacturers who have moved operations and lower-skilled jobs elsewhere to stay competitive.

However, the region is home to a large number of “next generation” manufacturers. These firms are technology driven, innovative, lean and agile.  Many next generation manufacturers employ workers with higher skills and productivity, and increasingly are using a more sophisticated level of technology. These firms present opportunities to growth.

Next Generation Manufacturing Council

The Milwaukee 7’s Next Generation Manufacturing Council is implementing strategies to improve manufacturing capabilities and make the region’s manufacturing base more technology driven, innovative, lean, agile and skilled.

The Council’s vision is for the Milwaukee Region to serve as the global capital for next generation manufacturing, with southeastern Wisconsin being recognized as the best place to locate, build and grow small- to mid-sized manufacturing operations.

In addition to its role in promoting and implementing next generation manufacturing strategies, the Council is also working with lead partners to advance next generation principles and objectives in the region. The Council also facilitates regional advocacy for public policy in support of next generation manufacturing.

Council Meeting Minutes

August 17, 2009

February 4, 2009

October 20, 2008

August 20, 2008   

April 30, 2008

Brief on Next Generation Manufacturing Initiative

 

Next Generation Manufacturing Council Members

Bill Berezowitz, Ph.D., P.E., VP & GMof  Imaging Sub-Systems, GE Healthcare (Waukesha County)

Mike Erwin, President, Tailored Label Products, Inc. (Waukesha County)

Mary Isbister, President, General Metal Works Corp. (Ozaukee County)

Rich Meeusen, President & CEO, Badger Meter (Milwaukee County)

Mike Reader, President, Precision Plus, Inc. (Walworth County)

Mark Rolison, President, Frontier Medical Products (Ozaukee County)

David Tomczek, President, Federal Tool & Engineering (Ozaukee County)

Keith Trafton, President & CEO, Super Steel (Milwaukee County)

For information on becoming a member of the Next Generation Manufacturing Council, contact Marjorie Yoshida at myoshida@mmac.org.

Priorities and Lead Partners

Workforce Development:  Michael Mortell & Elizabeth Thelen, Regional Workforce Alliance; Shelley Jurewicz, FUEL Milwaukee

Transitioning Existing Manufacturing Capabilities:  Mike Klonsinski, Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP)

Technology and Innovation:  Colin Scanes, UW-Milwaukee & Mike Klonsinski, WMEP

International Manufacturing Support:  Pete Beitzel, Milwaukee World Trade Association

Marketing/Branding:  Dean Amhaus, Spirit of Milwaukee

Secure Public Policy:  Steve Baas, Milwaukee 7 Policy Committee

Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) enhances the success of Wisconsin's small to mid-size manufacturers by providing real-world knowledge in continuous improvement, business strategies and best practices. WMEP is also a strong advocate of manufacturing and provides information to those focused on the success of Wisconsin manufacturing.

In 2008, WMEP conducted a groundbreaking Next Generation Manufacturing Survey to assess the global competitiveness of Wisconsin manufacturers. To learn more about the results of the survey, click here.