303: Made in Iowa: Ag Equipment, Butter Braids, and Women in Manufacturing (WiM)

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 22 Sept 2026 · 36m

What this episode covers

Dominique Hain and Cami Schaefer of Women in Manufacturing Iowa discuss the state's strong manufacturing ecosystem, while Denny Williams of Co-Line Manufacturing and Denise Hill of Weiler explain how automation and agricultural roots drive their success. The group highlights surprising products made in Iowa, including Winnebago RVs, butter braids, and Gushers, and details how Co-Line uses cobots to supplement labor shortages. They also trace the lineage of Iowa manufacturing back to farmers solving local problems, citing Vermeer and Weiler as examples of this entrepreneurial pipeline.

Mentioned

Companies
Women in Manufacturing Iowa, Co-Line Manufacturing, Weiler, Winnebago, Vermeer, John Deere, Cargill, General Mills, Pella Corp, Fathom, Asset Watch, Maintain X, PTC
Products
Goal Setter, Butter Braid, Gushers, Blue Bunny, 0 turn round baler

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