Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit 2026

WISCONSIN DRIVES MANUFACTURING SUMMIT

June 1-2, 2026 | Lambeau Field, Green Bay

>> Solve real manufacturing challenges with Wisconsin-built ideas, talent, and technology.

What industry leaders are saying about Wisconsin’s manufacturing momentum...

Older white man with short white hair wearing a blue button down shirt

“Wisconsin’s manufacturing strength comes from a workforce that learns, adapts, and leads. This effort matters because it ties industry and education together in a way that builds the next generation of talent and keeps our state out front.”

Hank Kohl
President & CEO, MPE, Inc.

Middle aged white man with brown hair wearing glasses

“What excites me about manufacturing in Wisconsin is how real it is — world-class innovation grounded in people who know how to build, collaborate, and turn ideas into impact. When we move together here, we move faster than anyone else.”

Ryan Nessman
Managing Director, Accenture

Middle aged white man with short dark brown hair wearing a purple tie and black suit jacket

Manufacturing continues to be the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy. This state has an incredible collection of world class people and technologies. The What Drives Manufacturing Summit is a unique opportunity to bring those people, and ideas together to share practical, proven approaches that companies of all sizes can put to work to start seeing immediate gains.”

Jason Schuetz
Vice President of Global Operations and Advanced Manufacturing, HUSCO

Middle aged white man with white hair wearing a black shirt

Our success at Mercury Marine relies on a workforce ready to build the next generation of marine propulsion. Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing is an opportunity to shape that future together—ensuring our state remains a place where advanced manufacturing thrives and great careers are built.

William Hanmann
Director – Assembly, Engine Distribution & Support Operations, Mercury Marine

 

Middle aged white man with short, light brown hair wearing a tie and black suit jacket

Wisconsin has a manufacturing advantage few states can match – world-class innovation and technology paired with skilled, hardworking people who take pride in creating exceptional products and services. Collaboration across industries and institutions is how we continue to move our state and industry forward – always with the shared goal of driving progress, serving our customers, and strengthening the communities where we live and work. This Summit gives us the opportunity to showcase what manufacturing in Wisconsin truly represents today. I’m honored to play a part in how Wisconsin drives manufacturing!

Heath Holtz
Chief Operations & Supply Chain Officer, Kohler Co.

 

Middle aged white man with short light brown hair and beard wearing black glasses and a brown suit jacket

Precision manufacturing in Wisconsin succeeds because of the ecosystem around it — not just the machines, but the workforce, the partners, and the shared commitment to doing the work right. That’s worth showing up to protect.

Kyle Crum
President, Infinity EDM, LLC

 

Photo of a middle aged, bald, white man wearing a suit jacket and blue button down shirt

I believe Wisconsin’s manufacturing competitive advantage lies in a global mindset, strong partnerships and a Midwest work ethic. By combining advanced-tech innovations, such as AI, with our generational pride in craftsmanship, we further secure our position as a global leader. As part of the Industry Leadership Board, I look forward to providing my expertise to help build economic resilience, attract top talent and further support the Plexus Corp. vision of building a better world—starting right here in Wisconsin.

Mike Running
Regional President – AMER, Plexus Corp.

 

A white man and a black man working in a paper mill

Turning Wisconsin's strength into strategy

Manufacturing isn’t just part of Wisconsin’s identity—it’s the backbone of our economy. 16% of our workforce, nearly 20% of our GDP, and more than 9,000 small and mid-sized manufacturers power American industry from right here in Wisconsin. And 480,000+ Wisconsinites keep production lines moving, supply chains strong, and innovation advancing.

Built for the people who run plants, build teams, manage operations, and keep Wisconsin industry moving, this summit aims to connect real industry challenges with applied expertise and statewide talent.

A manufacturing-first, solutions-focused summit

On June 1 & 2, the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit will bring manufacturing leaders and statewide partners together at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, co-located with the Wisconsin Digital Symposium on June 1.

Woman using an AR headset and computer software in a manufacturing control center

A manufacturing-first, solutions-focused summit

On June 1 & 2, the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit will bring manufacturing leaders and statewide partners together at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, co-located with the Wisconsin Digital Symposium on June 1.

Woman using an AR headset and computer software in a manufacturing control center
View from above the Wisconsin state capital looking north across Lake Mendota

Statewide partners committed to advancing Wisconsin manufacturing

A growing network of manufacturers, industry associations, state agencies, educational institutions, and innovation leaders are partnering to drive this first-of-its-kind event.

Our network of partners and sponsors is growing!

>> Connect with Oliver Schmitz or Joe Hamman to join.

Our partners

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University of Wisconsin-Stout and Manufacturing Outreach Center
Great Lakes Fusion Energy Alliance

Registration coming soon!

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