January 2020
Q: What do manufacturers need to do to remain
ahead of the curve in a changing industry?
Phil Sponsler: Manufacturers are a resilient
breed who can weather almost any storm.
Those who work hard to minimize future
worries through solid countermeasures will
come out ahead. They need to invest in their
people, products and processes. It’s also
important they stay aware of risks relating to
cyber security and locating the right people.
This will remain a top concern in the next
decade and both can be offset by investing in
your security and culture.
Jeff Daniel: We need trained resources to build
the product, implement the technology and drive
our companies into the future. I worry about
our company culture and employees the most. At
PVS, we focus on how to engage our employees,
attract and hire the best talent, and clearly
communicate the company’s goals and initiatives.
I firmly believe we need a highly trained team
of engaged employees to implement and take
advantage of all the exciting new technology.
Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to
help manufacturers be ready for the next
decade of manufacturing?
Mike LaBrake: Be able to offer top notch service
for your products. It can be the feature that
differentiates you from your competitors.
Jon DeWys: Focus on an employee’s overall
well-being; physical is important but more
important is their mental well-being. There is
a lot of strife in our world and people need to
know that we truly care about their personal,
professional, financial and mental well-being.
Phil Sponsler: There is a shortage of great servant
leaders. The next generation of manufacturers
will demand leadership that is competent,
consistent, value-based and able to inspire a
shared vision. Understanding your people and
being able to elevate their shortcomings is
paramount to making your team a lifelong team.
Jeff Daniel: Change is going to happen and
there is no stopping the recent trends. Learn to
encourage change and engage your employees
at all levels. The future is all about having the
resources and a company culture that will embrace
technology and drive change.
MiMfg Magazine
15
Orbitform LLC
City
Jackson
Website
www.orbitform.com
Member Since
December 2007
Jacob Sponsler
Phil Sponsler
General Manager
President
PVS Chemicals Inc.
City
Detroit
Website
www.pvschemicals.com
Jeff Daniel
Member Since
July 1991
CFO
Next Steps for Your Business
There’s a lot to be excited about as the next
decade begins, but challenges still remain. It’s
essential that small and mid-sized manufacturers
maximize investments into new technologies and
talent development, improve efforts to obtain a
winning culture and keep an eye on concerns like
cyber security and emerging global competitors. Are
you ready for the next decade of manufacturing?
Go online to mimfg.org for resources, advocacy
assistance, educational opportunities and strategic
business services, or contact MMA’s Elizabeth
Maciejewski, at [email protected] or
517-487-8542, with questions.
6
Brett Gerrish is MMA’s communications coordinator.
He may be reached at [email protected] or
517-487-8533.