Patrick Adams

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 This live, two-day online course is offered through Interdisciplinary Professional Programs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and focuses on how manufacturing organizations move from improvement initiatives to sustained operational results. Participants explore how operational excellence principles translate into daily leadership behaviors, management systems, and integrated operating practices across functions and value streams. The course emphasizes aligning people, process, and technology to support consistent execution and long-term performance improvement. The program is designed for experienced manufacturing professionals who want to advance beyond foundational Lean or Six Sigma training and strengthen their operational leadership and systems-thinking capabilities. 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟱 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gK2DdExr #OperationalExcellence #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ManufacturingOperations #ProfessionalDevelopment #UWMadison

43

3 Comments

Midwestern Grit Meets Modern Leadership ⚙️ In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, hosts Andy Olrich and Shayne Daughenbaugh sit down with Marine Corps veteran and Nebraska’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Jason Jackson to explore the rise of the Silicon Prairie and the leadership principles driving public sector transformation. Jason shares how a blend of grit, agility, and self-awareness helped Nebraska’s Center of Operational Excellence foster a resilient culture of improvement—especially during the challenges of the pandemic. 💡💪 From HR systems to statewide innovation, this conversation is a powerful look at what happens when servant leadership meets continuous improvement in the heartland. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or via the link in the comments. #LeanSolutionsPodcast #ModernLeadership #PublicSectorInnovation #SiliconPrairie #ContinuousImprovement #ServantLeadership #MidwesternGrit #GovernmentTransformation

14

1 Comment

Honored to be part of this conversation. We talked about the human side of performance in manufacturing — how meaningful work, realistic optimism, and strong relationships aren’t “nice to have”… they’re what make results sustainable. #MOREIsBetter Lisa Sansom Jay Fishel

4

Robotic Systems Enterprise | Manufacturing-Ready Talent in Action I would like to share with my LinkedIn associates the Robotic Systems Enterprise (RSE) team at Michigan Technological University. As I have been talking with sponsors I know that many of you are looking for the developed skills and ready to use in industry knowledge that our teams develop in their members. Our students join industry after gaining several years experience from being a part of our Enterprise Teams. Robotic Systems Enterprise develops engineers who understand how robotic and automated systems behave in the real world—not just on paper. They also have already learned what it takes to be part of a multidisciplinary team that is accountable to timelines, budgets and results! RSE students design, build, program, and validate complete robotic systems with strong emphasis on: Controls engineering (PLC, embedded controls, feedback systems) Automation and system integration Sensors, vision, and perception Mechanical design and fabrication Software–hardware interaction Testing, troubleshooting, and validation This is applied engineering in a sponsor-driven environment. Students work with real requirements, real constraints, and real expectations—learning how manufacturability, reliability, safety, and timelines shape engineering decisions. 🏭 Why sponsors engage with Robotic Systems Enterprise Students think in systems and controls, not isolated components Teams work cross-functionally across mechanical, electrical, software, and controls Sponsors gain early insight into automation concepts, process improvements, and talent Graduates arrive job-ready with experience solving open-ended manufacturing problems. For companies in manufacturing, automation, robotics, mobility, sensing, or advanced systems, RSE offers a practical way to explore ideas, de-risk innovation, and build a pipeline of engineers who already understand how complex systems behave on the shop floor. 🤖Learn more about the Robotic Systems Enterprise: https://lnkd.in/gFue7Hiq Let’s talk now about a 2026 project—and see how a Robotic Systems Enterprise team or any of our 27 Enterprise teams can support you: https://lnkd.in/gp2nvKfX Join us at Design Expo 2026 to see these systems—and see these student projects—in action. https://lnkd.in/grpY9CU6 Reach out: Jeff Stone Associate Director - Enterprise Program | Industry Relations  MSE Alumni | jeffrest@mtu.edu Schedule 30 minutes #MichiganTech #EnterpriseProgram #Manufacturing #Automation #ControlsEngineering #Robotics #SystemsEngineering #IndustryPartnerships #DesignExpo2026 #STEM #CSR #Vistage #Philanthrophy #ExperientialLearning #CorporateGiving #Recruiting

3

I spoke last week at the Manufacturing Momentum Summit in Detroit. Here is a synopsis of my talk. It is no secret that we need to invest in the manufacturing workforce to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry. We have defined the problem. Lack of K-12 programs, lack of industry awareness, lack of hope. We are really good at developing solutions. Too good, I would say. We have too many solutions to solve the challenges. Too fragmented, too isolated, too many silos. We are driving impact, but not at scale. So, we have solutions. But we need to collaborate and coordinate efforts. The real problem is inspiring people to take advantage of our solutions to our workforce challenges. How do we increase engagement and get people into manufacturing pathways? We must..... 1. Inspire the Next Generation 2. Reach Underserved Communities 3. Upskill and Reskill our Manufacturing Talent Welcome to the University of New Haven and the Center for Innovation and Applied Technology. We are charging ahead, building the bridges between industry and academia that will lead to increasing opportunities for people to have life changing manufacturing careers. Power On. It's what we do at UNH. Want to learn more? Want to build pathways to your company from our student population? If you say you can't find engineers, let me know. We will make them for you. Power On. #MakeItHere #manufacturing #unhleads

71

2 Comments

Toyota’s $1.8 billion K-Flex transformation at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant isn’t just a factory upgrade — it’s a strategic leap in automotive manufacturing. The reimagined Line 1 can now build sedans, SUVs, minivans, and EVs on the same line, on demand, adapting instantly to market shifts. What makes this extraordinary is not just the cutting-edge automation and autonomous logistics, but how deeply rooted it remains in the Toyota Production System (TPS): 🔹 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐈𝐧-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝟒.𝟎 — Autonomous robots and mobile skillets deliver the right part, at the right time, to the right station. 🔹 𝐉𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐤𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 — Smart systems detect issues, self-correct, and stop when needed, ensuring quality at every step. 🔹 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 — This decade-long transformation happened without stopping production or laying off workers. 🔹 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 — Improved lighting, ventilation, and ergonomics uplift morale while automation supports—not replaces—human effort. 🔹 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 — Toyota now has true level-loaded, mixed-model, multi-drivetrain capability across a single line. In a volatile market defined by shifting consumer preferences, regulatory demands, and drivetrain uncertainty, K-Flex gives Toyota a decisive edge: the ability to build what the market wants, when it wants it, with no downtime, no sunk costs, and no compromise on quality. This is real-time agility at scale — a manufacturing capability that few, if any, global competitors can match. #Toyota #LeanManufacturing #SmartFactory #ToyotaProductionSystem #JustInTime #Kaizen #Jidoka #DigitalTransformation #EVs #FutureOfWork #Industry40 #ManufacturingInnovation #OperationalExcellence #ResilientManufacturing https://lnkd.in/dJbHY_m2

18

1 Comment

Nearly half a million manufacturing jobs are open in the U.S., but too many will go unfilled due to skills gaps and perception challenges. At The Manufacturing Institute - MI, we are committed to changing that— with initiatives that expand apprenticeships and support veterans, convening industry leaders, and conducting solution-driven research. Earlier this year, McKinsey & Company and the MI spent eight weeks working together on a strategic growth plan to help us expand our reach and impact. I’m especially grateful to Tyler Freeman and Hannah Kitzmiller for their leadership on this effort. Their partnership is helping us chart a path for the MI to grow stronger and serve more workers, employers, and communities across the country. This work with McKinsey will help the MI scale our efforts so we can connect more people with rewarding careers and provide manufacturers with the skilled talent they need to thrive.    https://lnkd.in/eHNxei5C 

58

Why aren’t people speaking up — even in a Lean management effort? I’m honored to be speaking at the Global Lean Summit (Sept 23–25, Bloomington, IN), hosted by Jared Thatcher and his team. This year’s theme is Building a Lean Organization. Highlights include: ✅ Day 2 at the Toyota Material Handling Plant ✅ Pre-summit workshops (Sept 22) ✅ Actionable takeaways to build your Lean roadmap My session: “Why Aren’t People Speaking Up? What Every Lean Leader Must Know” So, why aren’t people speaking up—even in organizations that have invested heavily in Lean tools and methods? In many cases, it's not a lack of knowledge or a resistance to improvement. It's fear. Fear of being blamed. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of retaliation. That’s why I emphasize the importance of psychological safety—a shared belief that it’s safe to speak up, ask questions, offer ideas, and yes, even make mistakes. Without that foundation, even the best Lean tools will fall flat. If we want a culture of continuous improvement, we need to create conditions where people feel safe to continuously improve. That’s not just a Lean principle—it’s a human one. Join us for three days of learning, networking, and practical insights. Details here: www.globalleansummit.com #Lean #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement #GLS25

36

6 Comments

The connection between lean manufacturing and optimism...one of a few topics we cover as we dive into Kathy Miller, MAPP, MBA, ACC's new book "MORE Is Better" in one of our recent episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour. Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty

15

2 Comments

Concluding Lean Product Development in The Innovation PROCESS Book. Lean PD helps to streamline heavyweight systems and let project management teams make the decisions where they have the most information.

1

One month ago today, funding for Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, including MAGNET, was pulled without notice. Sadly, there’s still no reversal or resolution. But what has happened over the past month is an extraordinary show of support for Ohio manufacturing. In 24 hours, more than 700 leaders, including 350 Ohio manufacturers, signed a letter urging Secretary Lutnick and Ohio’s federal delegation to restore MEP funding. Governor DeWine sent a formal letter to Secretary Lutnick seeking answers. We understand the volume of calls to the Governor's office on this issue was so high that voicemail systems were completely filled. Ohio’s Republican congressional delegation sent a joint letter. Ohio’s Democratic House delegation sent a separate letter demanding answers on the frozen MEP funding. The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association issued a public statement of support. Ohio’s six largest business and industry associations jointly urged the Governor to release state MEP funding. Manufacturer Jack Schron published a powerful op-ed calling for MEP funding to be restored. And every Metro Chamber of Commerce across Ohio sent a joint letter to the Governor. Beyond the letters and statements, MAGNET has received hundreds of calls and messages from manufacturers, workers, suppliers, and community partners across the state. That level of support matters. It speaks to the important role MAGNET plays—not just in helping companies grow, but in supporting workers and sustaining manufacturing capability across Ohio. There’s still no solution yet, and as each day goes by, one feels less likely in the short term. So our focus is clear: stabilizing MAGNET, continuing to support manufacturers and workers, and reinventing the organization so it emerges stronger, more resilient, and less dependent on government funding sources. Manufacturing has always been a story of reinvention. When times get tough, manufacturers adapt, rebuild, and keep going. They don't give up and neither do we. Manufacturers need support, and we will be there to help them and our economy. #ProtectOhioManufacturing #OhioMEP #Manufacturing #MadeInOhio #EconomicDevelopment MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

297

17 Comments

Illinois' Manufacturing Training Academy program is showing how to actually bridge the skills gap. Since 2019, they've funded four academies that partner directly with manufacturers - Rivian working with Heartland Community College on EV training, Southwestern Illinois College focusing on tool and die work that local shops desperately need. Now they're expanding with $24M more, targeting downstate regions where manufacturers often struggle to find skilled workers. The state also just added tax credits for companies investing $10M+ in manufacturing. They're building complete support for manufacturing growth. #Manufacturing #SkillsGap #ManufacturingJobs

2

There’s a quiet momentum building across West Michigan manufacturing, and it’s exciting to see. Through the Going PRO Talent Fund, more companies are investing in leadership development and Lean Green Belt training. On the Industry 4.0 side, companies are wrapping up implementation projects and shifting their focus toward big data and analytics. These trends show a clear response to the current economic climate. Manufacturers are strengthening operations and preparing to diversify their markets. It’s encouraging to see this kind of strategic movement across the region.

30

1 Comment