# BONUS: What Manufacturers Can Learn from Central Wisconsin's Workforce Strategy (LIVE from Wausau, WI)

- Show: [Manufacturing Happy Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour)
- Published: 2026-06-05
- Length: 43m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li
- Listen: http://manufacturinghappyhour.com

## Summary

Chris Luecke hosts a live panel with Jim Waldron of Wausau Tile, John Peterson of Schuette Metals, Scott Mattmiller of Greenheck Group, Laura Strek of Imperial Industries, and Tom Felch of J&D Tube Benders to discuss the Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance's (CWIMA) workforce strategy. The leaders explain how they shifted from competing for talent to collaborating with K-12 schools, technical colleges, and each other to solve regional labor shortages through programs like the Heavy Metal Tour and youth apprenticeships. They highlight specific innovations, including AI-driven robotics at Wausau Tile and accessible automation at Schuette Metals, while emphasizing that retention relies on mentorship, flexible scheduling, and strong community ties.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=0) Introduction and Company Overviews
- [7:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=440) CWIMA's Role in Connecting Education and Manufacturing
- [12:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=738) Innovation and Automation in Central Wisconsin
- [17:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=1057) Talent Attraction: The Heavy Metal Tour and Youth Apprenticeships
- [24:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=1471) Retention Strategies: Mentorship, Culture, and Benefits
- [31:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=1882) Lessons from Other Regions and the Importance of Alignment
- [37:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li#t=2278) Actionable Advice for Manufacturers and Community Leaders

## Topics

- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Wausau Tile (company)
- Schuette Metals (company)
- Greenheck Group (company)
- Imperial Industries (company)
- J&D Tube Benders (company)
- Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (company)
- Target (company)
- McDonald's (company)
- John Deere (company)
- Caterpillar (company)
- JLG Industries (company)
- U.S. Postal Service (company)
- NTC (North Technical College) (company)
- AWS (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Inside Conexus Indiana: The Industry Network Driving Manufacturing Tech and Talent | Ep. 46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-31-inside-conexus-indiana-the-industry-network-driving-manufacturing-tech-and-talen) (Lights Out)
- [Starting Young: The Next Generation of Manufacturing & Engineering Talent w/ Meaghan Ziemba](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-10-26-starting-young-the-next-generation-of-manufacturing-engineering-talent-w-meaghan) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Doing the Dirty Work: How to Find Qualified, Consistent Labor w/ Gary Konarska](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2020-09-15-doing-the-dirty-work-how-to-find-qualified-consistent-labor-w-gary-konarska) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Forwardskilling: Technical Training for the Existing Workforce w/ Bill Berrien](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-01-21-forwardskilling-technical-training-for-the-existing-workforce-w-bill-berrien) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Mastering Operational Excellence and Customer Partnerships in EMS with Worthington Assembly CTO Chris Denney](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-04-14-mastering-operational-excellence-and-customer-partnerships-in-ems-with-worthingt) (EMS@C-LEVEL)

## Citing this page

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