Winston 3A: Transforming the Shop Floor with Digital Twins and Lean Thinking

Geoffrey Cook – Director of Engineering, Parameter Generation & Control and Casey Olson, Improvement Specialist, NC State IES

Digital twin technology is now an accessible tool for manufacturers to visualize operations and accelerate lean transformations by making hidden inefficiencies visible. This session demonstrates how scalable virtual modeling optimizes floor space and drives smarter, data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how digital twins can drive continuous improvement in process flow and facility layout.
• Understand how digital twin technology is now accessible and scalable for manufacturers of all sizes.
• Explore practical applications of digital twins across different manufacturing environments.

Winston 3B: Partnering for Production: Maintaining Quality and Excellence Through Outsourcing

Paul Riley – President, Southeastern Felt & Supply Corp.

This session explores how Southeastern Felt & Supply successfully transitioned to a collaborative fabrication partnership to overcome rising costs and labor constraints without compromising quality. Attendees will receive a practical roadmap for identifying reliable partners, managing equipment transfers and maintaining ISO compliance through robust accountability frameworks.

Key Takeaways:

• Case study: Southeastern Felt’s transition from in-house production to a Mutual Services Agreement.
• How to maintain quality and compliance (ISO, PPAP, FMEAs, control plans) when outsourcing.
• Building robust inspection and documentation systems to ensure customer confidence.
• Practical framework for evaluating outsourcing opportunities and vendor accountability.
• Lessons for small/mid-sized manufacturers balancing lean operations and growth.

Winston 3A: Real World Applications of AI for Small & Midsized Manufacturers

Mason Whitaker – President, Volt Technologies Inc.

AI isn’t just for enterprise giants with massive budgets. In this session, Mason Whitaker, President & Founder of Volt Technologies, breaks down how small and midsized manufacturers are already using AI to drive real results on the shop floor, in the back office, and across their supply chains. Through real world case studies, Mason showcases practical AI applications that manufacturers can implement now, from intelligent demand forecasting and automated quality inspection to AI powered ERP workflows and predictive maintenance. No theory. No hype. Just proven use cases, lessons learned, and a clear playbook for getting started. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or looking to scale what’s already working, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas you can put to work immediately.

Winston 3B: Modernizing a Baby-Boomer Machine Shop: Culture, Systems & Leadership Through EOS

Luke Taylor – Owner, Omni Mold & Die

This session shares the authentic leadership journey of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) within a legacy machine shop to transition from tribal knowledge to a culture of structured accountability. Attendees will gain a realistic roadmap for modernizing traditional manufacturing environments by empowering new leaders and building trust across generations without losing the company’s “soul.”

Key Takeaways:

• How to successfully implement EOS in a legacy job-shop environment — including practical adaptations to L10s, accountability charts, scorecards, and core values for a multi-generation workforce.
• Strategies to bridge generational differences in manufacturing teams — earning buy-in from long-tenured experts while empowering emerging leaders and apprentices.
• A framework for turning tribal knowledge into scalable systems — without losing craftsmanship, quality, or team identity.
• Real lessons from the shop floor — what worked, what didn’t, and how to create cultural change in a way that protects history while building for the future.

Winston 3A: Trade and Tariffs in a Changing Economy: What North Carolina Manufacturers Need to Know

Paul Rosenthal – Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP

Melissa Brewer – Special Counsel, Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP

H.O. Woltz III – Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

This session examines how recent shifts in U.S. trade policy and tariffs are reshaping global supply chains and impacting North Carolina’s manufacturing competitive landscape. Panelists will provide practical strategies for mitigating risks and building resilient supply chains amid the rapid pace of federal policy changes.

Key Takeaways:

• A review of tariff actions taken by the Trump Administration and distinguishing between various actions (301 tariffs, 232 tariffs, IEEPA tariffs, reciprocal tariffs)
• Understanding what trade policy shifts and tariff fluctuations could mean for your bottom line
• Reviewing tariffs volatility and the impact on sourcing, pricing, and manufacturing strategy
• How companies- large and small- can navigate ongoing uncertainty and adjust their risk appetite?
• Best practices for companies for managing global operations across jurisdictions to avoid tariffs
• Assessing what legal and regulatory teams should be doing right now to stay agile in a shifting environment

Sponsored by:

Winston 3B: How Pit Crews Manufacture Pit Stops using Kata and Lean Principles

Trent Schanen – Director of Event Logistics & Welding School Operations

Ben Cook – Director of Programming & Pit Crew Recruiting, Pit Instruction and Training

Jeff Narron – Industrial Engineer/Continuous Improvement Coordinator, 3C Store Fixtures

This session reveals how NASCAR pit crews achieve elite eight-second performance by applying standardized operational procedures, rigorous preparation, and clear communication. Attendees will discover how to translate high-speed racing tactics—such as organization and leadership—into actionable manufacturing strategies for “quick turn” excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• Education
• Preparation
• Organization
• Communication
• Leadership