The WMEP Sets Date for 2013 Manufacturing Matters! Conference

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Manufacturing Matters!, the signature event of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, will be held Feb. 28, 2013 at a new location – the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee.

“Ariens Company is a global leader in its category and has been a major Wisconsin employer for generations.”

For the first time, the day-long event will be held on the same day as the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) awards banquet, scheduled for the evening of February 28^th at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. The MOTY program recognizes companies in a variety of categories for manufacturing excellence. It is sponsored by Baker Tilly, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Michael Best and Friedrich.

Dan Ariens, president and chief executive officer of Ariens Co., will serve as keynote speaker for WMEP’s 16^th annual Manufacturing Matters! conference, which promotes performance excellence for the state’s small and mid-size manufacturers. “We're very excited to have Dan Ariens, one of Wisconsin’s premier business leaders, keynote the 16^th annual Manufacturing Matters! conference,” said Buckley Brinkman, CEO/Executive Director of the WMEP. “Ariens Company is a global leader in its category and has been a major Wisconsin employer for generations.”

Ariens joined the Brillion-based outdoor power equipment manufacturer in 1983 and became president and CEO in 1998. Products manufactured by Ariens include outdoor power equipment for snow removal, residential mowing, yard maintenance, commercial mowing, and professional grounds maintenance.

A strong proponent of lean manufacturing principles, Ariens has created a culture of continuous improvement that has resulted in the creation of world-class manufacturing facilities by lean standards. He was recognized in 2007 with the Eli Whitney Productivity Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and frequently is tapped as a mentor by organizations promoting lean leadership.

Ariens has served on the board of directors of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute since 2000, including two terms as board chairman. He also serves on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Authority Board, as well as the boards of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and New North. He also holds a position on the executive committee of the Green Bay Packers’ board of directors.

“This year, we’re offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of Wisconsin manufacturing in one day,” said Brinkman. “Manufacturing Matters! is known for exceptional learning and networking opportunities, and the MOTY awards celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of Wisconsin manufacturers. We’re extremely excited to offer manufacturers this winning combination.”

More details about Manufacturing Matters! will be released in the coming weeks.

ABOUT WMEP

The WMEP is a private, nonprofit organization committed to the growth and success of Wisconsin manufacturers. The WMEP receives financial support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The WMEP also partners with many public and private organizations to serve Wisconsin manufacturers. Since 1996, The WMEP has helped more than 1,300 Wisconsin manufacturers make nearly $400 million in improvements in technology, productivity and profits; helping to generate $2.0 billion in economic impact and creating or saving over 14,000 manufacturing jobs.