NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry announces the full schedule and keynote speaker for the inaugural Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference, held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2019 in Indianapolis, IN. This event will teach commercial truck manufacturers, upfitters, distributors and body builders of all sizes how to improve manufacturing efficiency and business results using the latest techniques and technology.
The Work Truck Show runs March 5–8, 2019 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference, Fleet Technical Congress and Green Truck Summit kick off March 5. The Work Truck Show exhibit hall is open March 6–8.
Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference begins March 5 at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks, followed by a keynote address at 8:45 a.m. by Stan Stanford, General Manager of Parker Hannifin.
“Stanford has extensive experience and will provide insights from the practical side of using principles to develop a world-class lean manufacturing environment focused on continuous improvement,” says Doyle Sumrall, NTEA Managing Director. “He will share how productivity practices and training can be used by work truck industry organizations of all sizes to benefit workers and the bottom line.”
Stanford served as business unit manager for Parker Hannifin’s hydraulic valve and gear pump divisions and division manager of lean manufacturing before becoming general manager of the Chelsea Products division in 2018. Prior to joining Parker Hannifin, Stanford held plant manager and engineering and quality manager positions at Danaher. He earned a master’s in business administration from Auburn University and a bachelor’s from Athens State University.
Following the keynote address, attendees can participate in a variety of general sessions covering topics such as welding as a core competency, using government programs to improve productivity, building a culture of mentoring, using a lean approach to foster an innovative environment, and developing a process to attract and train workers. Each session will include time for questions and group discussion.
Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference general sessions
Attendees of Welding — More than a Piece of Equipment and a Welder will learn how a focus on welding functions and welder support can help an organization achieve higher levels of productivity and customer satisfaction. Presenters Jason Scales, Business Manager Education, Lincoln Electric; and Matt Schroeder, Engineering Manager, Stellar Industries Inc., will discuss how a shift in company-wide thinking and focus on welding functions can drive organizational performance.
During the session How Government, Local MEPs and National Labs are Helping the Shop Across the Street, Gregg Profozich, Director Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, will explain how MEP centers and National Institute of Standards and Technology-supported labs can help manufacturers and fabricators transform businesses through increased profits and operational improvements. Attendees will learn about available resources to help improve processes, work environment and workforce capabilities.
Presenters Jeff Messer, President/Owner, Messer Truck Equipment; Ranae Stewart, Associate Director – Statewide Outreach and Partnerships, Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and Shannan Vlieger, Director of Operational Excellence, Douglas Dynamics, will present Increase Productivity, Quality and Profits with Existing Employees. Attendees will learn key elements that make a significant difference in improving work experience and bottom line, including deployment sequence. Other topics include culture change through introduction of process, leadership focus and organization; and building a culture of mentoring and knowledge transfer.
During Using Lean as a Catalyst for Innovation, Wes Waldo, President, Lean Methods Group, will explain how lean is not the enemy of innovation, but rather, forms the building blocks that allow it to prosper. Attendees will learn how innovation gives companies differentiation needed for long-term success, and how lean organizations create new products and services faster and cheaper while providing more value to customers.
Joe Caldrone, Director of Operations, Somerset Welding and Steel; and Shawn Kaufman, Director of Human Resources, Riggs Industries, will share their marketing tactics, advertising approach and other proven methods for finding and hiring talent during Creating an Environment and Process to Attract and Train New Workers.
For a full schedule of sessions, visit worktruckshow.com/innovationconferenceschedule. Attendees also can choose from dozens of Work Truck Show concurrent educational sessions March 5–7.
