Today six professionals from the Brookings and Watertown manufacturing community completed the Lean + Leadership for Supervisors program, hosted at Bel Brands in Brookings, and facilitated by South Dakota Manufacturing and Technology Solutions (SDMTS).
Participants attended 12 half-day classes, over a period of 6 months.Modules included Lean Manufacturing Principles, Personal Values, DiSC Profile, Listening Skills, Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Coaching and Influence Skills, Motivation and Delegation, Priority Management, and Handling Difficult Conversations.
The graduation ceremony, held at Bel Brands, consisted of presentations by each participant on their course-long project, which was aligned with both influencing skills and process improvement.The program is aligned with the principles of Lean Manufacturing from the Toyota Product System (TPS).Emphasis here is primarily focused on the Lean principle of Respect for People, and also supports the other two principles of Continuous Improvement and Delivering Value to the Customer.
All six graduates were able to show improvements in cost, quality and delivery in their production operations.
Pictured are Austin Koepke (Bel Brands, Brookings), Koby Pust (Bel Brands, Brookings), Sam Slocum (Newava, Watertown), Chris McElroy (Bel Brands, Brookings), Tim Buterbaugh (Bel Brands, Brookings), Mark Kranz (Spartronics, Watertown), and Stuart Giere (class facilitator and Business Advisor for SDMTS).
https://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/619334892_1514389130694753_5601285283919311303_n.jpg10801080Christy Hunterhttps://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Logo-regular-300x119.pngChristy Hunter2026-01-20 14:26:322026-01-28 14:29:26Lean + Leadership for Supervisors Graduation in Brookings
Here’s the first thing to know about automation in business: It’s not about replacing people’s jobs with robots.
“This is all about allowing people to focus on meaningful, challenging work and allowing machines to do the jobs manufacturers can’t keep staffed,” said Mike Vetter, a career entrepreneur with extensive experience in manufacturing and technology.
“We don’t have enough people to sustain the growth and to fulfill the potential of manufacturing, especially in South Dakota. We have to find a way to give people higher-value jobs.”
Vetter spoke recently on the topic at the annual conference of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and is helping organize a series of events around automation, beginning this month in partnership with South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions.
“I would say in South Dakota we’re still in the early-adopter phase, so there’s a lot of room for businesses to embrace this,” he said.
The realization – driven by supply chain constraints – that overseas manufacturing can present massive challenges also underscores the need to automate.
“The only way we’re going to onshore is by using automation. We simply don’t have enough people to build what we consume in this country,” Vetter said. “But it’s still an awareness issue for a lot of manufacturers, especially because they don’t realize automation is a solution to their workforce problem.”
For instance, consider these three things to know about automation:
It’s about more than robots
While automation does involve robots, it’s also much broader. Take a look:
“There are traditional robots, but it’s also using artificial intelligence and vision to look at things and react to them,” Vetter said. “There’s designing in 3D and even creating VR experiences for training. You can build your whole shop floor in VR, design the product virtually and then build it physically.”
The field also encompasses sensor technology and 3D printing.
“And you also don’t need a team of automation tech wizards on your staff to make it work,” Vetter said. “There are off-the-shelf products now that can do the job, and you’ll be able to learn them.”
It’s likely not cost-prohibitive
If all that sounds like it must require a lot of upfront capital, that’s not necessarily true.
For example: “A robotic welder used to be a $250,000 investment, and now it’s a fraction of the cost,” Vetter said. “Robotic welders are also dramatically more simple to operate – you can train someone to weld with a robot after lunch, and they will be welding the same afternoon. There will be a 400,000-welder shortage in the U.S. by 2024, and using robotic welding is a way to grow our ability to fabricate in the U.S. with the people we already have in the field.”
Most manufacturers can begin by automating simple processes that are “low hanging fruit” – they are easy to automate and tasks that are difficult to staff. South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions, or MTS, targets the return on investment period, or ROI, to be less than two years, and there are virtually always tasks that fit the bill.
“If you’re automating something you’re struggling so much to hire, that’s a good candidate for automation as well,” Vetter said. “And it’s also less expensive than the alternative, which is not taking an order.”
It’s easy to get started
Not sure how to begin tackling your own automation journey? SDMTSwill help your business with a process mapping.
“Effectively, you don’t want to go out and buy a hammer when the thing you need is a screwdriver,” Vetter said.
“So before you pursue automation, SDMTSwill map out the process in detail and identify your biggest bottleneck, the thing that prevents you from getting more product out the door. And if your bottlenecks can be automated, it’s a good use of capital. So that will help prepare you for automation and make sure you don’t accidentally buy equipment that’s not right for your needs.”
There will be a series of Road Shows held this year that also can help you get started. The first one, on May 12 in Yankton, will cover robotic welding, 3D vision in production and additive manufacturing.
Speaker John McElligott of York Exponential will cover “The rise and fall of American manufacturing: How the pandemic, TikTok, robots and artificial intelligence have shaped the future of manufacturing and what you can do about it.”
Business leaders don’t always have the support system they need in their roles. That’s especially true in roles like human resources or being a CEO, where a high level of trust and confidentiality is key.
MTS strives to offer a space for leaders in several different roles to share their experiences, ideas, and feedback with others in similar positions in our peer groups. We have had success with our HR Peer Group and CEO Peer Group and recently launched a CFO Peer Group and a Supply Chain Management Peer Group.
Each peer group has monthly meetings that are facilitated by subject-matter experts and include roundtable discussions driven by member interests. The groups are designed to be small (under 15 people) so members can effectively network with others in similar job roles and foster strong relationships. Peer group members don’t have to be working at manufacturers to be eligible.
Currently, peer group meetings are typically held in Sioux Falls but opportunities for meetings held in other locations arise from time to time. Peer group participants are from a variety of locations including Aberdeen, Mitchell, Watertown, De Smet, Tea, Sioux Falls, and Worthington.
Group Member Attributes
No matter the peer group, we are looking for professionals who:
have challenges in their organization that would like insight from the group
are willing and able to share ideas, knowledge, and feedback
are committed to notable, strategic, and organizational growth
are seeking professional growth opportunities
are willing to address strategy over tactics
have ample experience to contribute to the development of other organizations
Available Peer Groups
Click below for more information on the corresponding peer group that fits your job title. Spots are limited!
Manufacturing Day is the First Friday of Every October!
2022’s Date for MFG day is: Friday, October 7.
Manufacturing is one of South Dakota’s top industries, providing jobs to tens of thousands of people throughout the state. Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is your chance to join manufacturers across the country and tell everyone you’re proud of the contribution you make to people, their families, and communities.
You can show your support by:
Hosting tours/events for your community and area students
Posting banners/signage
Signing proclamations
Creating short videos to highlight your people, your facility, and the exciting world of manufacturing
MFG Day is designed to introduce and expose the next generation of workers to the great careers and rewarding work in manufacturing, and it’s become a national tradition that is celebrated on the first Friday of October every year. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana is excited to share information for manufacturers, economic development organizations, and chambers of commerce around the state to help showcase this important industry that is vital to South Dakota’s economy.
The South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation will also be posting about the industry for Manufacturing Week during October 3-7, 2022.
Want to Host A MFG Day Event?
Here is a link to the Manufacturing Institute’s event TOOLKIT, filled with helpful information you need to host a successful MFG Day event (mock tours, press releases, agendas, and MORE).
Register your event on the national Manufacturing Day website. Your company name and event will appear on their website
https://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MFGDAY-MI-Stacked-e1659025870802.png425600Christy Bevinghttps://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Logo-regular-300x119.pngChristy Beving2025-06-13 19:39:012026-01-28 20:29:43Manufacturing Day Information
Protect your organization and lessen its vulnerability to cybersecurity threats
In this one-day workshop, gain access to insight and cybersecurity expertise to learn steps on how to protect your organization and lessen its vulnerability to overall cybersecurity threats.
If you have government and/or defense customers or are interested in expanding your presence as a supplier in the government and/or defense market, this workshop is especially for you.
Most government and defense contractors must meet stringent cyber security compliance standards. In the foreseeable future, those standards will include the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). However, even the most experienced Information Technology (IT) professionals find it challenging to comply with these cybersecurity controls.
To address these challenges, our presenters will provide hands-on training designed to help companies understand how to interpret the requirements and apply corrective action necessary to gain and maintain compliance.
Topics Covered Include:
The Need for Cybersecurity Resiliency in the US
Risk Mitigation
Compliance Process Planning
Building a Cybersecurity Resilient Environment
Introduction to Gap Analysis and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
A Tools Overview, including a System Security Plan (SSP)
Assistance with Drafting Company Policies and Plans
Checklists for SPRS and DIBNet Portal Registration
The Department of Defense’s mandatory CUI training
Government contractors will improve understanding and spread awareness of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171 and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards to improve compliance within the supply chain.
With the aid of references and guidance provided during this project, government/defense contracting organizations attending the workshop will be able to complete a Cyber Compliance Gap Analysis and Self‐Assessment, generate a draft POA&M, SSP, and a compliance score compatible with SPRS upload in accordance with DFARS 252.204‐7019.
Who Should Attend
IT-related staff and company leadership. This is required to ensure leadership is also engaged and on board with what they need to do. Compliance requires top‐down buy-in and participation to be successful. Our presenters note that compliance efforts fail as a delegated IT task and need involvement from multiple parts of the company.
Presenters
Matt Christmann, Iviry – System Analyst and Cyber Compliance Specialist
Matt has over 15 years of USMC experience working in intelligence fields. He has been certified as a CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP) and has a Security+ CE certification. Matt has spent the last several years providing guided gap analysis sessions to contractor organizations to identify current states of compliance. He also provides detailed planning and project management support for remediation actions and develops tailored policy and plan documentation in support of NIST and CMMC requirements.
Jodie Mjoen, Impact Dakota – CEO/ President
Jodie has 27 years’ experience implementing federal, industry and customer regulatory compliance requirements at manufacturers throughout the United States and abroad. He is a member of the NIST MEP National Network (NN) Cybersecurity Working Group team and the Cyber Program Lead for Impact Dakota. Jodie has been providing midwestern manufacturers with Cybersecurity support services since 2019.
With Manufacturing Day approaching on Friday, October 7, we wanted to take the week to highlight the amazing industry in our state. First up, we have an infographic with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development!
WATERTOWN, SD – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) granted a $3,561,000 cooperative agreement award last week to Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to operate South Dakota’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center. The MEP Center, known as South Dakota Manufacturing and Technology Solutions (MTS), provides manufacturers with resources and services dedicated to helping them prosper and grow by reducing costs, increasing revenue, developing their workforce, and optimizing for automation. LATC will assume oversight of SDMTSon January 1, 2023.
“Lake Area Tech and SDMTShave a long-standing relationship focused on serving South Dakota manufacturers’ needs for skilled employees, particularly the synergism the organizations have in helping industry with new technologies like collaborative robots for automation and 3D metal printing,” LATC President Mike Cartney said. “There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity that lies ahead.”
A majority of South Dakota’s manufacturers have less than 100 employees and 52% have less than 10 employees. According to the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, the state’s manufacturing industry is expected to grow by 8% by 2030. Many of Lake Area Tech’s programs, including Business, Computer Information Systems, Custom Paint & Fabrication, Electronic Systems Technology, Energy, Precision Machining, Robotics, and Welding Technology complement nearly every aspect of manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is one of our state’s largest industries,” SDMTSCenter Director Don Cuperus said. “More than 43,000 South Dakotans are employed in manufacturing businesses across the state. MTS’ work helps create significant, lasting economic impact and job creation in South Dakota.”
MTS began in September 2010 with key support from the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The state’s first cooperative agreement from NIST was awarded in 2013. SDMTShas offices in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Watertown, and provides group training events, one-on-one business consulting, and an annual manufacturing summit.
Lake Area Tech is one of four recipients announced by NIST last week. Others include the University of Louisville Research Foundation, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation. The total of the four cooperative agreement awards is nearly $19.8 million.
https://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/robotics2-2048x1365-1.jpg425600Christy Bevinghttps://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Logo-regular-300x119.pngChristy Beving2025-06-13 19:23:092026-01-28 20:32:24MTS Host Transitioning to Lake Area Technical College in 2023
Quality weighs heavily on a supplier’s purchasing decision. Manufacturers who can demonstrate quality have a powerful selling advantage because if a buyer perceives value, he or she can be persuaded to purchase a product, spend more, or repurchase from the seller.
MTS can serve as a resource for helping manufacturers implement a quality management system or improve their quality standards. Instilling the importance of quality in your people, processes, and products can help manufacturers reduce product variation, warranty charges, and expensive liability claims.
One way to demonstrate dedication to quality is to obtain an ISO Certification. This certification gives your organization a competitive advantage over companies in a similar market. It helps you stand out among your competition by sporting a badge of quality. Many companies now expect their suppliers to be ISO certified because it demonstrates a high standard of quality. Manufacturers without the certification are unlikely to be viewed as strong candidates for new partnerships and business opportunities. It also can limit who they can work with internationally.
There is a high level of discipline necessary to achieve and maintain your ISO Certification. SDMTScan help manufacturers create an environment that upholds strong quality standards and integrates your QMS/EMS objectives into your strategies and business plan.
We also offer the ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Training, which trains employees on how to audit their quality management processes. Through this training, employees learn the basic principles, techniques, and steps for auditing their systems as well as how to measure, maintain, and improve quality standards throughout their business. This training is available to businesses that are not ISO certified but desire to audit and improve their quality program and those businesses that are. We would highly recommend this course for everybody involved in conducting or supporting ISO internal audits.
By using quality controls in your processes, your organization will develop consistency. Even minor changes made to your processes can greatly reduce the variability of your products. For more information on SPC for Leadership, Basic SPC, ISO Consulting or ISO Internal Auditor Training, please contact us!
https://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ISO9001TEASER-1.png425600Christy Bevinghttps://sdmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Logo-regular-300x119.pngChristy Beving2025-06-13 11:46:352026-01-28 20:33:27Why You Should Obtain Your ISO Certification
