Stiles Packs in Three Days of Education, Technology, and Networking
Over 200 participants from across North America took part in three days of educational sessions, technology demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
Stiles hosted the second Manufacturing Solutions Seminar of 2019 on November 5, 6, and 7 in their High Point, North Carolina showroom. The event was packed with attendees, industry experts, and solutions, as over 200 participants from across North America took part in three days of educational sessions, technology demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
The mission of the Manufacturing Solutions Seminar is to provide attendees with more than just machine demonstrations, but updates on the state of the industry, ideas on how to retain and train employees, and practical tips on improving efficiency and productivity without having to make an investment in new technology.
Three keynote speakers shared their own unique experiences and ideas at the event. Ankit Sharma, CEO of Kitply Industries and founder of MakeWoodSexy.com shared his vision for the Woodworking Industry of 2030. Patrick Molzahn, founding board member of Woodwork Career Alliance and Director of the Cabinetmaking & Millwork program at Madison College, shared his experience and knowledge on finding, training, and retaining employees. The closing day keynote was delivered by Alan Tenan, President of Forest Millwork and a proven leader with over 38 years of ownership experience in woodworking companies, who shared his first-hand experiences in managing and growing a business.
Building upon the success of previous seminars, Stiles proudly introduced a new component to this event: a “hybrid manufacturing” day, focused on small-to-medium sized businesses who are looking to blend solid wood and panel processing applications within their manufacturing range. Sessions on this day included everything from a showcase of Stiles’ Ironwood range of advanced classical machinery to the display of a fully-operational Production Cell, featuring HOMAG’s industry-first SAWTEQ B-320 HPS flexTec robotic panel saw.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelming positive, with notable remarks on the combination of theoretical and practical applications, as well as, “Seeing the complete process of each cell, rather than just one machine running.”
Planning is currently underway for the 2020 editions of the Manufacturing Solutions Seminar, with dates to be announced in the near future. For more information, visit www.stilesmachinery.com/mss.