Manufacturing Summit A Huge Success for Manufacturers in Kansas

TOPEKA – More than one hundred manufacturing professionals from across the state came together to hear advice from industry leaders, network, and learn about the newest innovations in Kansas manufacturing at an event held by the Department of Commerce last week.

There were presentations on a wide range of topics all throughout the day. Lectures either involved one speaker or a panel of several experts.

Speakers for the event included several professionals from various sectors of the manufacturing industry. Paul Jonas, Director of Technology Development for National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), gave a presentation on new 3D technology that will impact Kansas manufacturing, including augmented reality, additive manufacturing (commonly referred to as 3D Printing), and robotic automation.

“The Summit was a great success,” Darin Greseth, CEO, President and Chairman for BG Products, Inc., said. “The level of expertise on several unique topics was excellent. The information shared inspired each attendee to further evaluate their businesses for future growth, productivity and workforce development. I look forward to the next Summit for even more insight.”

Later in the day, there was a panel on cyber security. Samuel Alva, Director of Business Development for Tricorps Security, told several stories of ways in which businesses could become compromised. He gave advice on how to keep a company safe, which included knowing your employees, being on the lookout for phishing emails, and even being more careful about where you leave your business cards.

There were several exhibits on display from local Kansas businesses and manufacturing groups, including representatives from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Principal Financial, The Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC), KANSASWORKS, and Rocking M Media.

The event was made possible by several Kansas businesses who sponsored the event. These include:

Platinum Level Sponsors

• Cox Communications
• Kansas Gas Service
• Koch Industries
• NextEra Energy
• Rocking M Media

Gold Level Sponsors

• AT&T
• Blue Cross Blue Shield KS
• BKD
• Holly Frontier
• ITC

Silver Level Sponsors

• Baker Tilly
• Principal018