WM ManufacturingNEXT Event: Rethinking Lean

Rethinking Lean: Building Resiliency into Lean Management Programs

The pandemic and its effects, causing labor shortages, quality impacts, import delays, transportation challenges and an overall volatile supply chain has companies investing in warehousing and increased inventories. Does this mean the end of lean? Does this mean the end of 'just-in-time'? How are companies balancing lean management and supply chain challenges? What can manufacturing companies do to maintain efficiency in the face of so much disruption and variability in supply and demand?

In October 2021, we talked about the supply the chain disruptions and what companies are doing to mitigate and solve those challenges. Join us for a panel discussion with West Michigan leaders in manufacturing to discuss the downstream impacts into manufacturing, their experiences, challenges, their perspective on the future of lean, and how they are building resiliency into their lean management programs to maintain efficiencies in materials management and manufacturing flow.

Speakers

Patrick Adams, CEO, Executive Lean Coach, Patrick Adams Consulting

Patrick Adams is the author of the best selling book “Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap.” He is an international speaker, coach, and consultant. Patrick has been delivering bottom-line results through specialized process improvement solutions for over 20 years. He's worked with all types of businesses from private, non-profits, government, and manufacturing ranging from small business to billion dollar corporations. Patrick is a proven leader and highly experienced consultant with specific niche focus on organizational strategy and leadership development which brings a unique human approach to sound team-building practices; creating consensus and enabling empowerment. He motivates, inspires, and drives the right results at all points in business processes.  

Stacy Calcatera, Director of Procurement, Steelcase

Stacy spent the last 14 years at Steelcase, primarily in procurement and new product development roles. Currently she is the Director of Procurement for Direct Materials, North America. Prior to Steelcase she spent 10 years in automotive in roles ranging from engineering to supplier development and procurement. Stacy has a degree in Plastics Engineering for Ferris State. She lives in East GR, with her husband Eric and her 15-year-old daughter Gwen +Hank the dog. In Stacy’s spare time (pre covid) she taught various yoga classes across the GR community.

Tina Pietrangelo, Plant Manager, Pliant Plastics

Tina is the Plant Manager at Pliant Plastics overseeing Manufacturing Operations. Pilant is a Plastics Injection Molding company and employs 120 members. She has lived in the Holland area for over 30 years and is currently on the board of Escape Ministries and formerly has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland and Ready for School. Prior to joining Pliant, Tina held positions as Plant Manager within the office furniture industry and has held Human Resources positions for a recycling company and automotive interior company. She is also an owner/investor of some restaurants in West Michigan.

Moderator

Angie Paauwe

Angie Paauwe, who recently retired after working 35 years in Operations, was most recently VP of Operations at Flow-rite Controls.  Prior to Flow-rite, Angie spent 32 years at Steelcase Inc, where she held positions in Engineering, Procurement, Global Operations, Mergers & Acquisitions and leadership positions in Engineering, Quality, Operations, New Product Development and Supply Chain.  Angie is currently the Chair for Inforum’s West Michigan Regional Council.  She has been a member of Inforum for 15 years and on the Regional Council for 9 of those years.  Angie is passionate about supporting women in leadership and in STEM fields.  She mentors young professionals and is also on the Board for the (ASTEM) Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Advisory Council, which is part of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Innovation Central.  Angie loves the MSU Spartans and in her spare time, she likes to golf.

Tickets:

Inforum Members- $25

Nonmembers/Guests- $35

Table sponsorhsip- $350 (8 tickets)

CI Gratis tickets may be used for this event

Wish to attend virtually? Click here to purchase a virtual ticket.

All attendees will be required to verify COVID-19 vaccination through a website called CrowdPass. Details will be sent to registrants.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Premier Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Leadership Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

Mentorship Sponsor