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Learn how small manufacturers can combine lean principles and automation through May manufacturing symposium at NWTC

Combining lean and automation can assist small, mid-size manufacturers: Learn how
National experts speak live at five Wisconsin Technical Colleges

There is a common misconception that lean manufacturers have no real need for automation and robotics. Similarly, automation and robotic systems integrators often give little consideration to lean fundamentals such as one-piece flow, product pull, rapid changeovers, etc.

An upcoming seminar will help all small- and mid-sized manufacturers - whether you're currently using lean or not - gain an understanding of how to successfully apply automation and robotics, complete with the business case to support such an investment.

Leveraging Lean through Automation and Robotics
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
$50 registration
Continental breakfast & registration: 7:15 a.m. Program: 8:00 a.m.-noon

The symposium will be simulcast at five WTCS locations, allowing you to attend the site nearest you. Regardless of which site you choose, you'll hear the speaker presentations live and be able to ask questions to help you leverage lean in your organization.

The Case for Automation
Presented by Dr. Henrik Christensen,
KUKA Chair of Robotics and Professor of Computing with Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Christensen was trained in mechanical engineering and subsequently worked with MAN B&W Diesel. He earned M.Sc. and Ph.D. EE degrees from Aalborg University. He has held positions at Aalborg University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Royal Institute of Technology before joining Georgia Tech. He currently serves as the director of the Center for Robotics and Intelligent Machines.

Dr. Christensen conducts research on robotics with an emphasis on optimizing value streams. He suggests that solutions must have a strong theoretical basis, a corresponding well-defined implementation and be in concert with lean manufacturing philosophies. His research has involved collaborations with ABB, Electrolux, Daimler-Chrysler, KUKA, iRobot, WEDA, Apple, Partek Forest, Volvo, SkogForsk, SAIC and others.

Practical Applications for Automation & Robotics
Presented by Jody Zepnick, Owner of Zepnick Solutions, Inc.

Mr. Zepnick has 20 years of experience as a leader in the industrial automation industry. He has an electrical engineering degree from Marquette University and his Wisconsin P.E. certification. Jody formed Zepnick Solutions, Inc. in 2000 to provide specialized solutions to manufacturers with technologies such as robotics and vision systems as well as traditional automation. His clients include Fortune 100 companies to privately-owned firms.

This presentation focuses on practical ways to increase workplace productivity with automation and robotics. There are old problems that can only be solved with new technology, yet there are new problems that can be solved with older existing technology. Learn how the appropriate utilization of new and existing technology, combined with engineering principles, can provide solutions that meet the productivity, reliability, flexibility and ROI requirements of your business.

How to Finance Automation & Robotics
Presented by Norm Roller, Principal at Suby, Von Haden & Associates, S.C.

As a specialist in manufacturing and distribution industries, Mr. Roller has over 20 years of industry experience that includes sales and operations planning, budgeting, variable and fixed cost analysis, product costing, long-range business planning, inventory planning and control, and automated manufacturing systems implementation. He also is a general business advisor, serving as an advisory board member to a number of his clients.

Norm graduated from Marquette University in 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in accounting and received his Certified Public Accountant certification in 1982. He is a member of both the Wisconsin and Illinois Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is active in the Manufacturing Services Association, serving as an officer and a member of the education committee.

Local and Regional Manufacturers Roundtable

Area manufacturers discuss how their companies leverage lean through automation and robotics.

Symposium will be presented live and simulcast in the following locations. Register online at the location you wish to attend.

Green Bay:

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 2740 West Mason Street, Green Bay

Student Center Building Lecture Hall

To register:

http://wls.nwtc.edu/mfgsymposium

Questions: (800) 422-6982, ext. 6971

Appleton:

Fox Valley Technical College

www.fvtc.edu/leveraginglean