HOLLAND, Mich. – Today, Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization serving Ottawa and Allegan counties, hosted an event as part of the organization’s Talent Learning Series featuring expert panelists from the automation sector. Nearly sixty leaders from the region’s manufacturing, technology, automation, and education among other sectors, were in attendance.
The panel was held as part of a broader series of events. The Lakeshore Advantage Talent Learning Series addresses what continues to be a significant barrier to growth for manufacturers in West Michigan’s lakeshore region—talent attraction. Experts discussed the hidden returns, and costs, that manufacturing leaders should consider when implementing new smart manufacturing technologies.
Erik Davis (Automation Alley), Brandon Couture (Koops Automation Systems), Marc Smeyers (GHSP), Shawn O’Farrell (DISHER)
“There were many light bulb moments during today’s discussion,” said Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage. “What was evident to me, is that any perceived resistance to automation is not about the fear of technology, it’s about the fear of change. We need to equip our leaders with the skills to bring their team along on the journey.”
Discussion centered on ways for manufacturers to evaluate their operations and decide which elements are suited for automation or smart technology to help them run lean. Panelists also discussed the impact of adopting new technologies on workplace culture.
Panelists included:
- Marc Smeyers, Chief Technology Officer at GHSP, a leading global supplier of mechanical and electromechanical systems to the automotive, transportation, and appliance industry
- Eric Davis, Governance Lead and Analyst at Automation Alley, home to the World Economic Forum’s US Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
- Brandon Couture, Sales and Marketing Manager at Koops Automation Systems, an automated solutions provider to the automotive, aerospace, energy, construction, consumer goods, and life science industries
The panel was moderated by Shawn O’Farrell, Area Lead of Manufacturing Technical Services and Automation at DISHER.
“Custom automation can go into environments that people can’t or don’t want to go into” said Brandon Couture of Koops Automation Systems.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is promoting smart manufacturing technologies through investments and grants to regional economic developers and organizations that support Michigan manufacturers, such as Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West and Automation Alley. Both organizations offer resources to help Michigan businesses adopt advanced technologies. MEDC’s Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant can provide 50% reimbursement for qualifying smart manufacturing technology costs up to $25,000.
Ryan Lillibridge (Mission Design and Automation)
The Talent Learning Series is an event series for Lakeshore Advantage investors. To learn more about becoming an investor visit lakeshoreadvantage.com/our-investors or contact Beth.Blanton@lakeshoreadvantage.com.