How Lean Thinking Can Help You Break the Cycle of Firefighting Manufacturers today face rising costs, labor shortages, and disruptions that can make every day feel like a fire drill. If you’re constantly in reaction mode, or dealing with the same daily problems, it’s time for a new approach. As Beth Aldana, WMEP’s Operational Excellence […]
Year: 2025
Build Your Frontline Leadership Bench Before You Need It
Don’t Wait for a Vacancy to Start Developing Your Shop Floor Leaders—Here’s How to Identify and Prepare the Right People Now Identifying supervisor potential is only half the equation. Preparing people for frontline leadership—before you promote them—is what sets high-performing teams apart. Carol Crawford, WMEP’s Talent & Culture Services Leader, explains how manufacturers can intentionally […]
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Back to Basics: How Operational Excellence Can Help You Tackle Rising Costs
Whether You’re Dealing with Material Cost Volatility or Productivity Challenges, the Discipline of Operational Excellence Still Applies—and It Works Rising operational costs—from raw materials to labor and energy—are squeezing manufacturers across Wisconsin. While you may not be able to control external market conditions, you can take control of your internal operations. “There are many factors […]
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Five Signs Your Frontline Supervisors Need Leadership Training
From Missed Metrics to Morale Issues: How to Spot and Strengthen Leadership Gaps in Your Organization Strong leadership at the front line isn’t optional—it’s essential. And if your plant is struggling with performance, engagement, or growth, your frontline supervisors may be the place to start. “Supervisors should be the link between strategy and execution, connecting […]
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Fix the Leaky Bucket: Build a Workforce Strategy and Employer Value Proposition that Last
Why Talent is the Biggest Competitive Advantage for Wisconsin Manufacturers Wisconsin manufacturers face a well-known challenge: it’s tough to find and retain good talent. But as George Bureau, SVP of Consulting at WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, explains, recruiting is only part of the story. Too often, manufacturers pour resources into hiring—only to watch employees walk out […]
Struggling with Margin Compression? Respond with Strategy, Not Panic
How Wisconsin Manufacturers Can Navigate External Pressures and Strengthen Profitability through Strategic Action Margin compression isn’t new—but today, it’s hitting manufacturers harder and faster than ever. From tariffs and raw material volatility to shifting market demands, external forces continue to disrupt operations and squeeze profitability. But as George Bureau, SVP of Consulting at WMEP Manufacturing […]
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WMEP Welcomes George Nelson, Consultant
We are excited to welcome George Nelson to the WMEP Team as Consultant. George brings over 30 years of leadership experience in manufacturing and operations. He began his career with 10 years in Quality and OPEX at a Tier 1 automotive supplier, then spent more than 20 years in various senior roles, including Plant Manager, […]
WMEP Welcomes Erik Anderson, Consultant
We are excited to welcome Erik Anderson to the WMEP Team as Consultant. Erik brings more than 40 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Most recently, he worked at Leer, Inc., and prior to this he was an independent manufacturing consultant and spent 35 years in the Precision Machining Industry. Erik’s formal training in Six […]
WMEP Welcomes Charlie Motley, Consultant – Automation
We are excited to welcome Charlie Motley to the WMEP Team as Consultant – Automation. Charlie Motley brings over 35 years of extensive experience in the design and development of industrial machinery and semi-automated equipment. His career began with a focus on the automated dispensing of fluids, and later transitioned to the metallurgical industry. His […]
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