roever@wmep.org - WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

Sound Familiar? “We Need More Accountability”

Posted on May 3, 2026 (May 3, 2026)

Why stronger systems—not demands—improve manufacturing performance Many manufacturers say the same thing when performance starts slipping: “We need more accountability.” But according to Beth Aldana, Operational Excellence Services Leader at WMEP, accountability isn’t something you can simply demand from people. “Accountability is really an outcome of everything else in the system,” Beth explains. “You can’t […]

Where Do We Start with AI? Start with the Business Problem—Not the Technology

Posted on March 31, 2026 (April 1, 2026)

Why most AI projects fail before they begin and how manufacturers can get it right Manufacturers are feeling the pressure to act on AI. The conversation is everywhere—from the shop floor to the leadership team—and many manufacturers are asking, “Where do we start?”. According to Sanjay Mohan, Executive Director of AI Strategy with the MKE […]

Use the 2026 ISO 9001 Update as a Chance to Improve, Not Just Comply

Posted on February 16, 2026 (February 27, 2026)

Why the upcoming revision is the perfect reason to strengthen your system for real results A new version of ISO 9001 is expected in Q3 2026—and it’s the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to step back and tune their systems for better performance. “This update gives companies a reason to step back and ask, ‘Is our […]

Still Fighting the Same Problems on the Shop Floor? Lean Offers a Way Out

Posted on February 16, 2026 (February 16, 2026)

Practical tools to solve problems, reduce waste, and regain control in any manufacturing environment Manufacturers today face rising costs, labor shortages, and disruptions that can make every day feel like a fire drill. If you’re constantly reacting—or dealing with the same issues day after day—it’s time for a different approach. Beth Aldana, WMEP’s Operational Excellence […]

You May Not Need Another Machine—You May Need Better Changeovers

Posted on January 5, 2026 (February 10, 2026)

Reducing Changeover Time Reveals Hidden Capacity and Drives Productivity with the Equipment You Already Have For many manufacturers, the fastest path to higher throughput isn’t buying another machine or expanding the facility—it’s improving how they run the machines they already have. As WMEP Consultant Jay Jochman explains, “Most Wisconsin manufacturers run a wide variety of […]

Lessons Learned: Why “Unexpected” Outcomes Still Create Value

Posted on December 18, 2025 (February 16, 2026)

When Projects Don’t Go as Planned—and That’s a Good Thing In manufacturing, not every improvement project delivers the exact result you expect. But as George Nelson, WMEP Consultant, points out, that doesn’t mean it failed. “Sometimes the most valuable outcome is discovering what won’t work,” he says. “That’s what allows you to redirect your time […]

Are You Really Ready? What to Check Before Your Next Certification Audit

Posted on November 3, 2025 (June 10, 2026)

Whether preparing for an annual audit or seeking a new certification, it’s not uncommon for companies to assume they’re in good shape, only to discover critical gaps at the worst moment. […]

Build Your Frontline Leadership Bench Before You Need It

Posted on June 17, 2025 (November 26, 2025)

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 […]

Back to Basics: How Operational Excellence Can Help You Tackle Rising Costs

Posted on June 17, 2025 (November 26, 2025)

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 […]

Five Signs Your Frontline Supervisors Need Leadership Training

Posted on June 17, 2025 (June 25, 2025)

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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