From the opening welcome by Rick Carfagna (Senior VP of Government Affairs, Ohio Chamber of Commerce) and Samira Zimmerly (President & CEO, Wooster Area Chamber), the tone was clear: the future of Ohio manufacturing hinges on strong partnerships and bold innovation.
One of the informative panel sessions was“Leveraging Smart Automation in Manufacturing,” moderated by Mike O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of Consulting at MAGNET. Panelists included leaders from across the manufacturing and tech space: Joseph Waina, Senior Innovation Principal at Verizon; Steve Gillock, Director of Cybersecurity and Operational Excellence at TechSolve; Tim Stuart, President of Visual Decisions; Brittany Watson, Engineering Leader at PepsiCo
The session tackled one of the most pressing questions for today’s manufacturers: how to implement automation that doesn’t just cut costs but actually strengthens operations and competitiveness. Mike opened the session with a critical question: How do manufacturers prioritize ROI when making investments in smart automation? This led to dialogue about balancing short-term efficiency with long-term capability building. Panelists shared how small and midsize firms can strategically scale automation without overextending resources.
The panel explored the barriers to scaling smart manufacturing, such as system integration, change management, and workforce adaptation. Panelists unpacked these challenges and offered practical strategies for overcoming them, ranging from piloting projects in phases to investing in employee upskilling alongside automation.
The discussion shifted to the power of real-time data analytics, and the conversation emphasized that fostering a culture that embraces data at every level—from engineers to executives—is essential for success.
Further questions spotlighted emerging innovations like AI, machine learning, and digital twins. Panelists from Verizon and PepsiCo shared real-world examples of how these tools are currently reshaping predictive maintenance, training, and quality control on the factory floor. The discussion also touched on how these technologies can build a more agile and resilient manufacturing sector.
When asked to look five years into the future and describe what manufacturers should be preparing for now, a shared vision emerged: a future where data, adaptability, and workforce integration are just as important as the machines themselves.
The Summit also featured significant participation from Ohio policymakers committed to strengthening the state's manufacturing sector. During the "Policy Meets Industry" panel, attendees heard directly from:
Representative Meredith Craig (District 77)
Representative Matt Kishman (District 50)
Senator Al Landis (District 31)
Their discussion centered on strategies to incentivize innovation, support small manufacturers, and expand regional supply chains. Earlier in the day, Rep. Craig also helped kick off the event, reinforcing the importance of collaborative growth.
Other sessions throughout the day explored nearshoring, diversification, and workforce development—highlighting how partnerships between schools, businesses, and nonprofits are bridging the talent gap. The event closed with renewed energy and a shared goal—driving Ohio manufacturing to a smarter, stronger future. At MAGNET, we’re proud to be at the forefront of that journey.