Workforce in Focus

Manufacturers Tapped into Solutions at the MI’s Workforce Summit

By MI NewsroomNovember 14, 2025
Female manufacturing worker in safety gear operating machinery and reviewing plans in a factory sett.
Female worker in safety helmet and vest reviewing plans while operating industrial machinery in a manufacturing plant.

This past October, we were proud to unite more than 300 industry leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, for our annual Workforce Summit. Participants, who came from dozens of manufacturing sectors and many nonprofit and partner organizations, tackled workforce challenges, discussing practical solutions in every session.

Here are some of the big takeaways:

  • Rethink education: ABB’s Jason Green called for earlier tech exposure and reimagined career and technical education rooted in real-world learning. Company-driven apprenticeships can build practical, tailored talent pipelines.

  • Invest in culture: Winton Machine’s Lisa Winton views culture as a small manufacturer’s competitive edge, using local training and two-way, multigenerational mentorship to strengthen her team.

  • Design for flexibility: Amatrol’s Paul Perkins encouraged designing jobs around people. Fluid career paths and fewer barriers can make mobility a key attraction tool.

  • Focus on skills: Walmart.org’s Sean Murphy and the MI’s Sytease Geib championed skills-based strategies to strengthen pipelines, validate learning, and expand career growth.

  • Empowering the frontline: Dozuki’s Jerry Dolinsky and 3M’s Dr. Rebecca Powers Teeters shared how AI-driven tools help frontline workers bridge skills gaps, improve engagement, and drive safer, smarter workflows.

Stay tuned to receive information about upcoming events and to register for next year’s Workforce Summit, taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana October 26-28. Until then, the work to manufacture America’s talent continues!