WMEP Manufacturing Solutions Announces Board of Directors Appointments

Madison, WI (February 13, 2025) – WMEP Manufacturing Solutions is pleased to announce several updates to its Board of Directors, reflecting the organization’s commitment to leveraging deep industry expertise to drive growth and success for Wisconsin manufacturers.

• Jim Schneberger, President of New Berlin Plastics in New Berlin, WI, has been appointed Chair of the WMEP Board of Directors. With six years of prior service on the board, Mr. Schneberger brings extensive experience in manufacturing leadership. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing WMEP’s mission.
• Allan Breidenbach, President of Wick Buildings in Mazomanie, WI, has joined the WMEP Board of Directors. Recognized for his leadership in the building and construction industry, Mr. Breidenbach brings significant experience in driving innovation, championing continuous improvement, and promoting sustainable growth for small and mid-size businesses.
• Kevin Kraft, Co-founder and Managing Director of Wisconsin River Partners in Wausau, WI, has joined the WMEP Board of Directors. With an extensive background in finance, Mr. Kraft brings a wealth of expertise in strategic and financial planning for small and mid-size manufacturers, making him a valuable addition to the board.

“I’m thrilled to announce these board appointments. WMEP’s mission is to help Wisconsin manufacturers grow and succeed, and our board is a reflection and extension of this important mission. These appointments reinforce WMEP’s deep industry expertise and commitment to Wisconsin manufacturing.”
Chris Baichoo, Executive Director and CEO of WMEP

About WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

WMEP is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to the success of Wisconsin manufacturers.  With consulting services focused on Growth, Operations, and People, WMEP’s team of manufacturing business experts works side-by-side with hundreds of Wisconsin manufacturers each year to solve real business problems with real results.

WMEP is part of the MEP National Network™, a public-private partnership with the mission to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers. Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, MEP centers draw on the talents of more than 1,400 trusted advisors to support small and midsize manufacturers. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is part of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

About the MEP National Network

The MEP National Network™ is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to U.S. manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is part of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network, whose mission is to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers, is comprised of 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico as well as more than 1,440 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 460 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed. Clients surveyed in 2023 report that the MEP National Network helped manufacturers achieve $16.2 billion in new and retained sales, $2.9 billion in cost savings, $4.8 billionin new client investments, and helped to create and retain more than 107,100 U.S. manufacturing jobs. Visit nist.gov/mep/mep-national-network to learn more.

About NIST

NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is a nonregulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visit www.nist.gov to learn more.