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How Technology is Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Expert Insights from Rockwell Automation

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By Joan Koehne
GBIG Board Secretary
Writer to the Rescue

Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry came together for a two-day summit on June 1 and 2 at the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay. The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit attracted academic and industry leaders who talked about the challenges and opportunities manufacturing companies face today. The UW-Madison Grainger Institute of Engineering organized the event, and Green Bay Innovation Group signed on as a co-sponsor. Nearly 700 people registered for the summit.

Attendees of the Manufacturing Summit sitting at tables

Rockwell Automation: The Next Era in Manufacturing

Bob Buttermore, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer of Rockwell Automation, told the audience that we create a stronger Wisconsin together. “We need to work together across the organization as one team to drive innovation,” he said. Manufacturing is a key economic generator in Wisconsin. “Manufacturing has been a heart of our communities,” he said. “What you do in this room matters.”

Bob said it’s an exciting time to work in manufacturing, especially with technology transforming the industry. Today’s manufacturers deal with market disruption and volatility, driving the industry to rewire the global supply chains. AI automation is revolutionizing the supply chain, giving the industry opportunities to combat the shortage of labor and transform manufacturing in the U.S. As a result, manufacturers can provide a better customer experience and still remain competitive.

“Transformation has to happen with ROI,” Bob said. He challenged manufacturers of small, medium and large manufacturing companies to empower their workforce. “Perform and deliver for your customers every single day,” he said.

Integrating Automation, Robotics and AI

Bob spoke about world-class manufacturing facilities in Singapore and how Rockwell Automation is bringing this advanced technology to the company’s Wisconsin facilities. The Singapore site uses automation, robotics and AI extensively. He described four ways to optimize end-to-end processes across the supply chain.

  1. The Singapore facility used a digital twin, a virtual replica of a physical asset.
  2. The facility automated some processes that it had never automated before. Innovative use of robotics decreased labor by 33%.
  3. The facility also reduced its carbon footprint with the aid of energy management software.
  4. AI-integrated training programs made training 67% faster. Technicians learned to troubleshoot and repair systems in 4 months instead of 9-12 months.

Developing a Highly Skilled Workforce

In addition to developing technology, Bob emphasized the importance of developing people. “Technology is driven by people,” he said. He also recommended redundancy, advising manufacturers to build the same product in two different locations to maintain a resilient supply side. Tight cyber security protections were another recommendation. He also promoted disciplined innovation, advising manufacturers to come up with one or two use cases, then develop and scale. He spoke about partnering with schools, government agencies, and other organizations to attract more people to the manufacturing industry. The future of manufacturing depends on a skilled workforce.

The Rockwell Automation presentation was one of dozens of presentations focusing on the next era in manufacturing.

How To Build Customer Loyalty Like Harley-Davidson

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By Joan Koehne
GBIG Board Secretary
Writer to the Rescue

Green Bay Innovation Group took its place among the leaders of Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry at Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on June 1 and 2. Nearly 700 people attended the vent which featured keynote speakers, break-out sessions, networking opportunities, and expo booths. GBIG co sponsored the event, organized by the UW-Madison Grainger Institute of Engineering. GBIG board members interacted with Summit participants in the Lambeau Field Atrium, exchanging information about GBIG and other topics related to manufacturing.

Marty Ochs, GBIG Executive Director, said the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit was in a class all its own. “I’ve never seen a manufacturing event this impressive. The summit brought manufacturing and education together, with world-class presenters and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies,” he said. “We had a tremendous opportunity for learning and networking at an exceptional venue, Lambeau Field.”

GBIG Board

Wisdom from the Harley-Davidson CEO

Artie Starrs, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, presented the first keynote address on June 2. Drawing from his experience at the Wisconsin-based motorcycle company, Arnie encouraged attendees to understand their customers’ needs. “Do your best to walk in the shoes of your customers,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining brand integrity. Everyone working at a Harley dealership wears the company logo on their shirt. “It was a powerful statement,” Artie said.

Artie described the company’s humble beginnings in a 10 X 15-foot shed in Milwaukee to its rise as an international icon. People can see a replica of the shed at the Harley-Davidson Museum where William Harvey and Arthur Davidson designed their first motorcycle in 1903.

William and Arthur built their first factory in 1907 with the help of a $170 loan. Just 17 employees worked at Factory No. 1, and the company quickly took off. In 1913, the young company built and sold more than 17,000 motorcycles. In 1963, Harley-Davidson opened a manufacturing facility in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. It became the sole supplier of body work, with the level of craftsmanship only Harley-Davidson can achieve. Meanwhile, the world-class manufacturing facility in Milwaukee continually adapted over the decades, thanks to its highly skilled workforce.

The iconic motorcycle, designed by engineers in Wisconsin, is one of the state’s most well-known brands. Plus, Harley owners are one of the most loyal groups of riders. “We see this all around the world, people who have tattooed this brand (on their arms),” Artie said.

Harley-Davidson is a Wisconsin manufacturing success story, one of many successes showcased at the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit.

June 3rd, 2026 Newsletter

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Read the June 3rd, 2026 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.

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GBIG NEWS | 73 Stories and Links on the Internet 6/03/2026

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Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.

Read the latest 73 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

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Featured Stories

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Amundsen Davis: Navigating Remote & Hybrid Workplace Challenges

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Ann Barry Hanneman
Ann Barry Hanneman

Remote and Hybrid Workplaces have been in turbo-drive since COVID. GBIG member Amundsen Davis recently presented a webcast to examine employers’ legal responsibilities for remote workers. Attorneys Ryan Young and Ann Barry Hanneman of Amundsen Davis presented “Navigating Remote & Hybrid Workplace Challenges.” This webcast is the fourth of the five-part Amundsen Davis Supervisor and Management Training Series.

Wage and Compliance for Remote Workers

Ryan Young
Ryan Young

The attorneys discussed wage and compliance in a borderless office, noting that employers are responsible for paying for hours worked. We live in an always-on digital culture with informal conversations happening after working hours. The company can be liable to pay for these unapproved overtime hours. Thus, employers should establish black-out windows so employees aren’t working off hours and use employee discipline to stop them from working unapproved overtime. It’s important for employees to track their hours, clocking in and clocking out.

If employers underpay overtime, the employers may have to repay the wages and pay double the wages in damages. In addition, employers may be responsible for attorney fees and court costs, and these can be significant. If employers underpaid overtime for multiple employees, employers may face a class action suit. Attorney fees are much higher for class action suits, getting exponentially out of hand. Again, employers should implement a remote timekeeping policy and off-hours blocks.

Commuting & Breaks for Hybrid Employees

Attorney Young also talked about commuting. Standard travel from home to work is an unpaid commute, even for hybrid workers or remote workers when they need to report to a physical office. The time they spend commuting to and from work is not compensable.

Concerning meal and rest breaks, Wisconsin does not require employers to provide these periods. If rest breaks are voluntarily provided, short periods (under 30 minutes) must be paid, even if the employee is taking breaks in their own home.

Handling ADA Accommodations Requests

Employers also should consider the Americans with Disabilities Law guidelines for remote work. Some employees may request remote work as a reasonable ADA accommodation. Companies need to make a thorough, factual determination of the job before approving the request. The employers also should examine job responsibilities that can or can’t be performed at home.

Employers should look at the employee’s medical condition and discuss alternative accommodations for the employee to continue to work on site, if onsite work is preferred.

Anti-Harassment Policies & Investigations

The more casual tone of remote working can lead to claims of harassment, Attorney Hanneman said. Sometimes, remote working leads to more microaggressions and an increase in harassing jokes through email, phone, videoconferencing and chatting apps. Company anti-harassment policies apply to these situations, and these policies should be adapted to remote workers. Just because someone is working remote, it doesn’t mean employers can disregard harassment claims. They still have a duty to investigate claims. It’s important to set expectations for videoconference meetings for appropriate dress code and proper conduct.

Next Webcast: Managing Performance Issues

The Remote and Hybrid Worker webcast is the fourth of the five-part Amundsen Davis Supervisor and Management Training Series. The final presentation in the series will be “Managing Performance Issues Without Creating Legal Exposure” at 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. Attorneys Jeff Risch and Sara Zorich will be the presenters.

Ahlstrom launches advanced glass microfiber media offering energy efficiency and longer lifetime for HVAC systems

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AHLSTROM OYJ, PRESS RELEASE, MAY 26, 2026 at 10:00 EEST

Ahlstrom

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, announces the launch of a new generation of glass microfiber media for HVAC filtration, designed to meet the growing demand for responsible, high-performance air filtration solutions. Produced in Turin (Italy), this new platform is made without any intentionally added PFAS while maintaining the durable water repellent properties essential for HVAC systems, enabling manufacturers to rely on safer materials without compromising functionality.

Leveraging advanced fiber engineering, the media delivers measurable performance gains – achieving up to 20% lower initial pressure drop and improved pressure buildup compared with standard glass media on the market. This contributes to better energy efficiency while maintaining stable filtration performance throughout the filter’s lifetime.

Engineered for industrial reliability, the media offers excellent processability and pleatability, helping reduce waste and limiting the risk of defects during converting. Covering particulate efficiencies from ePM1 65% to ePM1 80% (ISO 16890), the range is suitable for a broad set of HVAC applications, from residential and commercial systems to more demanding industrial environments. By combining reliable moisture management with improved energy performance and robust converting behavior, this new glass microfiber family provides a future-ready solution aligned with evolving regulatory requirements and increasing sustainability expectations.

“Our new HVAC glass microfiber platform demonstrates how performance and sustainability can be integrated from the earliest stages of development,” says Stéphanie Pigeot-Rémy, Head of Global R&D and Product Development. “With this new development, we support our customers in their transition toward responsible filtration solutions, fully aligned with our purpose to Purify and Protect with Every Fiber for a Sustainable World.”

Read more: https://www.ahlstrom.com/products/filter-media/air-filtration-for-industrial/hvac-and-high-efficiency-air-filter-media/

For more information, please contact: Stéphanie Pigeot- Rémy, Head of Global R&D and Product Development, stephanie.pigeot-remy@ahlstrom.com

Ahlstrom in brief

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the leading Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three Core divisions, Filtration & Life Sciences, Food & Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more www.ahlstrom.com.

M3 Insurance: Meet Tim Lisowe

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Tim Lisowe

Tim Lisowe is a Business Development Executive at M3 Insurance and a firm believer that his roots on a dairy farm outside Chilton, Wisconsin taught him more about work ethic, problem-solving, and showing up for others than any classroom ever could.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Western Governors University and has built a career grounded in those same values. Before joining M3, Tim served as Vice President of Human Resources at a logistics company, where he led a team of 13 and supported approximately 500 employees across 15 locations in five states. During his tenure, he played a key role in helping the organization manage an impressive 275 percent growth in headcount.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tim helped co-found a nonprofit in 2015 that has raised more than $1.4 million to support local communities. He also holds both SHRM-CP and PHR certifications.

M3 Insurance is now a platinum sponsor of GBIG and Tim is excited to be able to share his deep expertise in workers’ compensation, captive insurance programs, risk strategy, and employee benefits with GBIG members. His focus on building meaningful relationships, helping organizations navigate risk, and taking a long-term approach to growth aligns well with GBIG’s purpose. Like the farmers who shaped his early years, Tim believes in planting seeds, tending relationships, and playing the long game.

He is always looking to connect with businesses and leaders across the community and would welcome the opportunity to start a conversation. His email is tim.lisowe@m3ins.com and his cell phone number is 920-251-3226.

Three Recipients Selected for Wisconsin Paper Council’s 2026 ‘Women in Forest Products Scholarship’ Awards

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Wisconsin Paper Council logo

May 27, 2026 – Madison, WI: The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is proud to announce the recipients of its ‘Women in Forest Products Scholarships” for 2026. This marks the third year of WPC’s scholarship program and the organization’s continued commitment to supporting women pursuing careers in the forest products industry.

WPC’s Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund provides financial support to female graduating seniors in Wisconsin who are pursuing a career in the forest products industry or a related field, as well as develops women currently in the forest products field as future leaders.

“The strength of our industry depends on the people coming into it and those choosing to grow within it,” said Kelly Guay, Plant Manager from Ahlstrom. “These recipients reflect both. Each brings a different perspective and path forward, which is exactly what our industry needs.”

This year, three scholarships were awarded to individuals representing different stages of their education and careers, reflecting the program’s goal of supporting both emerging talent and those already working within the industry. The scholarship awardees are as follows:

Emily Demchik, a lead Product Scientist at Kimberly-Clark, was awarded a leadership scholarship to support her continued education through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Emily has developed strong expertise in tissue engineering and product development and is pursuing further education in process control to support her growth into future leadership roles within the industry.

Elisabeth Van Schyndel, a graduating high school senior, was awarded a scholarship as she prepares to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study environmental science. Elizabeth has demonstrated strong academic engagement, leadership, and a clear passion for sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship.

Pa Yeng Yang, an Electrical Engineer at Ahlstrom Thilmany Mill, was also awarded a leadership scholarship to support her pursuit of an Advanced PLC programming certificate at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Her continued focus on advancing her technical capabilities reflects her commitment to strengthening automation and control systems within mill operations.

The Wisconsin Paper Council will formally recognize this year’s scholarship recipients at its Annual Meeting at Lambeau Field in June, where award checks will be presented. The ceremony offers a chance to highlight their accomplishments and connect their success to the broader future of the industry.

“These scholarships are about removing barriers and helping women take the next step in their careers,” said Eden Lorbiecki, Communications and Planning Specialist at Wisconsin Paper Council.

The Women in Forest Products Scholarship Fund provides financial support to women in Wisconsin who are pursuing careers in the forest products industry or related fields, while also encouraging leadership development within the existing workforce.

The Wisconsin Paper Council founded the scholarship in coordination with Ahlstrom, a fiber-based specialty materials company with operations in Wisconsin. Ahlstrom provided the initial $20k seed funding to launch the program.

Now in its third year, the scholarship continues to grow both in reach and impact, reinforcing the importance of building a strong, skilled, and diverse workforce across Wisconsin’s forest products industry. The scholarship fund is housed with the Women’s Fund for Fox Valley Region, Inc., which continues to serve as a key partner in administering and supporting the program.

  • About The Wisconsin Paper Council
    The Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) is the premier trade association advocating for Wisconsin’s paper, pulp, and forestry industries before state and federal policymakers. WPC also works to educate the public on the importance of the forest products industry to the state’s economy and communities.
  • About Ahlstrom
    Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials, serving a range of markets including filtration, food packaging, and healthcare.
  • About The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
    The Women’s Fund focuses on creating and expanding economic opportunities for women and girls through education, leadership, and community investment.

For more information about the Women in Forest Products Scholarship, please contact Eden Lorbiecki, Wisconsin Paper Council at Lorbiecki@wipaper.org or call 608-467-6025.

Keller, Inc. to Build for Accurate Machine Co., Inc.

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Keller Inc

KAUKAUNA, Wis. — Accurate Machine Co., Inc. is moving forward with a 1,740 square foot PEMB addition at its facility located at 1901 Hyland Avenue in Kaukauna. The project will remove the existing end wall and extend the building 29 feet, creating additional space to support the company’s operational growth and equipment needs.

The project is being delivered through a design-build partnership with Keller, Inc., an award-winning, 100% employee-owned design-build contractor headquartered in Kaukauna.

Accurate Machine selected Keller based on the companies’ long-standing relationship, trust, and Keller’s reputation for thorough planning and high-quality project delivery. Unique to this project, Keller is also currently completing an addition for Accurate Machine, and the positive experience led the customer to sign a second contract for this separate project to run in tandem.

Designed to meet Accurate Machine’s production requirements, the addition will provide the necessary room to bring in more machines and improve workflow efficiency throughout the facility. This investment positions the company for continued longterm stability while enhancing its ability to serve customers.

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with completion anticipated in Summer
2026.

CMD Corporation Launches CMD Manufacturing Solutions to Expand Contract Manufacturing Capabilities

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Formalizing decades of expertise to deliver scalable, high-performance manufacturing solutions for OEM partners

May 26, 2026 – (APPLETON, WI) – CMD Corporation, a global leader in converting solutions, today announced the formal launch of CMD Manufacturing Solutions, a dedicated offering focused on contract manufacturing, precision assembly, and fabrication services for complex equipment.

For decades, CMD has built, assembled, and supported sophisticated machinery for customers around the world. Along the way, the company has also successfully executed contract manufacturing projects—leveraging its deep expertise, skilled workforce, and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. CMD Manufacturing Solutions formalizes and expands these capabilities into a focused, strategic offering.

CMD Work Areas

“CMD Manufacturing Solutions represents the next evolution of what we’ve already been doing for years,” said Hans Bachmeier, President of CMD Corporation. “We are taking proven experience and bringing it to market with greater clarity and intent. This allows us to better serve our customers, diversify our business, and strengthen our position for the future.” CMD Manufacturing Solutions is purpose-built to support OEMs and industrial partners in need of a trusted, experienced manufacturing partner for complex equipment builds. Capabilities include:

  • Mechanical and electrical assembly capabilities supporting full machine builds and complex systems, including electrical panel assembly, machine wiring and harnessing, and UL/ETL-certified assemblies
  • Precision fabrication and certified welding to support complex equipment, structural components, and scalable production
  • Advanced machining capabilities delivering high-precision, repeatable components for complex systems
  • Finishing, inspection, and quality processes ensuring every product is complete, verified, and production-ready
  • Engineering, design, and support expertise focused on performance, scalability, and long-term reliability
  • Integrated supply chain and procurement support

Backed by decades of real-world machinery experience, CMD brings a unique advantage to contract manufacturing—an understanding of how machines perform in operation, not just how they are built.

“Customers today are looking for more than a vendor—they need a partner who understands their equipment, their processes, and their performance goals,” Hans added. “They want someone who can step in with real-world experience, anticipate challenges, and deliver solutions that perform beyond the build. CMD Manufacturing Solutions brings that level of partnership—combining deep machinery expertise with a hands-on approach to help our customers operate more efficiently, scale with confidence, and achieve long-term success.”

CMD Manufacturing Solutions will operate out of CMD’s existing manufacturing facility in Appleton, Wisconsin—leveraging the same skilled workforce, infrastructure, and operational excellence that have defined the company for more than 45 years. This expansion does not shift our focus; we will continue to design and deliver the high quality converting machinery our customers rely on. These customers remain a top priority, and this initiative is intended to strengthen our overall business while enhancing our ability to support them for the long term.

This initiative aligns with CMD’s broader mission of Making it Better Together, reinforcing its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and long-term customer success.

For more information about CMD Manufacturing Solutions, visit www.cmd-mfg.com.

ABOUT CMD

CMD is a capital equipment manufacturer in the film converting and alternative energy markets. Built on a culture of integrity, we innovate unmatched profitable solutions for our customers and provide life-long service and support to the markets we serve. CMD designs and manufactures high-performance equipment for the plastic converting industry, including pouch packaging converting systems and patented, high-speed rotary bag and film converting lines. Custom engineering, process validation and machine optimization services are part of a consultative approach to customer care. Remote service technology and advanced data analytics for preventive maintenance and proactive production efficiency are advanced services that set CMD apart from other OEMs. The company serves a global marketplace through a network of sales and service associates worldwide. Equipment is manufactured to exacting standards at USA facilities. More information is available at www.cmd-corp.com and www.cmdenergy.com

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