Manufacturing Excellence Summit May 28 Spotlights Innovations

May 26, 2015

From Thermo Fisher Scientific’s zero carbon footprint manufacturing to the world’s first GE Aviation factory to produce space-age jet engine components for the new LEAP engine, Asheville companies are constantly pioneering better and more cost effective practices.

From Thermo Fisher Scientific’s zero carbon footprint manufacturing to the world’s first GE Aviation factory to produce space-age jet engine components for the new LEAP engine, Asheville companies are constantly pioneering better and more cost effective practices. On May 28, local, regional and national thought leaders will gather at the 2015 Manufacturing Excellence Summit in Asheville, N.C., to present new and innovative practices that are quickly changing the modern world of advanced manufacturing. Presented by CarePartners, the Summit will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park at 43 Town Square Blvd. 

The 2015 Manufacturing Excellence Summit will feature case studies of national significance that reflect the emerging trends and high-tech nature of advanced manufacturing going through a resurgence in the southern United States. Topics of discussion range from shaping company culture and innovating on the manufacturing floor to cost-saving logistics, finance, talent acquisition, and more. The speakers will discuss valuable lessons from a variety of industries, such as outdoor gear, apparel, craft brewing, and healthcare.

The summit’s keynote presentation at noon-1 p.m. will shed light on the revival of American manufacturing today. Speaker Eric Henry, President of TS Designs, explains how local sourcing and sustainability is fueling the U.S. reshoring of manufacturing for apparel and other goods. A certified B Corporation, TS Designs supports over 500 jobs within 600 miles related to the cotton industry, and every shirt can be traced through the entire supply chain.

See the full list of speakers at the Summit.

“These issues impact the daily operations of our manufacturing industries. We’re creating a forum for people to share and learn from these forward-thinking practices,” commented Tim Lampkin, Director of Business Retention & Expansion at the Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County.

The half-day summit will consist of short, fast-paced presentations by industry leading experts across multiple disciplines. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable items that can be implemented to spur greater innovation and efficiency in their business. The summit is designed for mid-level and senior manufacturing management, from HR to operations, to convene, network, learn, debate and share best practices. Tickets are on sale now for $20 and include a registration fee, breakfast and lunch. Register on the Asheville Chamber’s website.

Home to recently expanded companies with global brands like GE Aviation, Linamar, New Belgium Brewing and BorgWarner Turbo Systems, the Asheville area has seen robust, steady growth in manufacturing employment since the recession.

“Today’s advanced nature of manufacturing requires a higher level of skill and training than ever before. To stay relevant in the marketplace, companies need to hire people with the right talent and critical thinking skills, provide effective on-demand training, and cultivate a culture of innovation,” said Taylor Foss, SVP, Organizational Transformation at Mission Health and EDC Chair.

Steve Linton, President of Deltec Homes, added, “With rapidly evolving technology and increasing demand for sustainability, manufacturers must remain competitive by becoming leaders in environmental responsibility and innovation.”

The 2015 Manufacturing Excellence Summit is sponsored by: CarePartners, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, Asheville Citizen-Times Publishing Company, ERC Broadband, Plasticard-Locktech International, and Signarama of Asheville.

The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions.  The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, high growth entrepreneurship, research, and recruitment.  The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center that welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. To get active in the Chamber, visit www.ashevillechamber.org.

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