The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) continues its commitment to supporting local businesses by partnering with UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), the Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator (WPI), and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC). Together, these organizations are hosting a three-part series of Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century Series as part of a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Learning event aimed at helping local manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

The first session, focused on Training Within Industry (TWI), took place on Friday, December 6th, 2024. Led by Matthew Wakefield, Management Engineer at UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), this session provided valuable insights into how TWI can be leveraged as a comprehensive approach to improving manufacturing processes.

The Impact of TWI

TWI is designed to improve quality, reduce waste, and optimize workforce performance by teaching supervisors how to enhance job processes. By applying TWI, manufacturers can achieve:

  • Cost Savings: Streamlining processes to cut unnecessary steps and reduce waste, resulting in greater efficiency and lower operational costs.
  • Increased Competitiveness: By improving quality and efficiency, TWI helps manufacturers maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
  • Employee Engagement and Retention: TWI builds trust with employees by establishing clear expectations, promoting open communication, and fostering a collaborative work environment. This leads to greater employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Continuous Improvement: The TWI methodology instills a culture of continuous improvement, where workers are encouraged to contribute ideas for process optimization and problem-solving.
  • Leadership Development: TWI strengthens leadership at all levels by equipping supervisors with the skills to effectively manage teams and drive improvements across the organization.

Looking Ahead

The next two BEAR Learning Sessions of our three-part series are:

CEDC’s ongoing partnership with local institutions such as UW-Stout, CVTC, and WPI ensures that Chippewa Valley manufacturers continue to benefit from programs that promote workforce development and operational excellence. The BEAR Learning Sessions offer practical, actionable insights that help manufacturers adapt to the evolving demands of the industry and stay competitive in a global marketplace.