Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1510063
Insight magazine will feature a special sponsored content section focused on innovation and highlighting the signifi cance of innovation throughout our region – Champions of Innovation. This special edition appearing with the June 2024 issue of Insight on Business magazine allows businesses and organizations to share their innovation journeys in their own words and provides businesses that work with innovative companies an opportunity to share their clients' stories. Each article will feature the story, one to four photos, company logo and website information. The Champions of Innovation articles will also be uploaded on insightonbusiness.com. Choose from several options: TELL YOUR INNOVATION STORY 2024 A S P E C I A L S E C T I O N B Y Contact your account representative or call our o€ ce at 920-882-0491. C H A M P I O N S O F I N N OVAT I O N C H A M P I O N S O F I N N OVAT I O N 2-page Spread Full-page Option Half-page Option Space deadline April 15, 2024 April 25, 2024 Materials deadline 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N | A S P E C I A L S E C T I O N B Y — S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T — C H A M P I O N S P O N S O R S 2023: CELEBRATING INNOVATION Whether you're a startup or a legacy company, innovation is at the heart of what makes businesses succeed. Champions of Innovation allows businesses to share their own stories of how they developed new products and processes that allowed their companies to grow. This special sponsored content section will inspire you as your business travels its own innovation journey. 2023_Champions-of-Innovation.indd 1 5/19/23 4:05 PM 2-page spread example 2-page spread example 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N | 9 8 | 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N who spend all day in their vehicles, essentially their offices, need to be comfortable and productive. A great example of close customer collaboration was the development of the purpose-built Pierce ® Volterra ™ Electric Fire Truck. Our team of engineers spent countless hours with firefighters to understand what was most important to them in the development of this new vehicle. The number one priority for them was that we preserve vehicle configuration and performance, keeping everything in the same place as a conventional fire fighting vehicle. And the Pierce Volterra does just that. Embracing disruptive technology Looking at the megatrends affecting the world and the needs of our customers, we focus on five key technology areas: electrification, autonomy and active safety, intelligent and connected products, advanced analytics and digital manufacturing. Electrification Driven by climate change, the need to reduce emissions and new regulation in some states, electrification is a technology that our customers need and our communities want. With nearly 30 years of electrification experience, we're applying that knowledge in the development of electric, zero emission, purpose-built vehicles and equipment. We've launched electric products in almost all our end markets. They include the Pierce Volterra and Oshkosh Airport Products Volterra Electric Fire Fighting vehicles, the USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV), the DaVinci all-electric scissor lift and, most recently, the Fully Integrated Electric Refuse Collection Vehicle. Autonomy and active safety The productivity imperative and labor challenges faced by many can be addressed through autonomy and active safety. Across many of our applications these technologies provide benefits from advanced driver safety, simplification and automation of complex vehicle operations, enhanced productivity and a solution to the labor shortage. A great example of this is the addition of active safety technology in the USPS NGDV. The new vehicle comes with collision warning systems, automatic braking, 360-degree camera and low speed radar, as well as bumper sensors — helping keep people safe and improving productivity. Intelligent and connected products Digital transformation and the productivity imperative mean the products that we design and build need to be intelligent. Our products are inherently intelligent, with embedded controls, software and electronics. As an example, Oshkosh Airport Products Airport Rescue Firefighting Vehicle (ARFF) has about 30 electronic control units on it. Using telematics, we collect data from connected products around the world and provide insight to our customers. This technology has tremendous benefits in driving productivity and improving total cost of ownership for our customers. Advanced analytics Not only is digital transformation important in our products, it's also critical within our own business. We're applying digital technologies to continuously reimagine our business. Using advanced analytics and AI, we're partnering with our internal business teams to increase productivity while providing greater business intelligence to decision- makers and delivering operational excellence on behalf of our customers. Digital manufacturing We're connecting people, equipment and processes with real-time data, using automation to replace mundane and repetitive tasks so our team members can focus on more value- added work. We're also leveraging augmented reality to train the next generation workforce on a technology they're familiar with and one that creates a risk-free environment enabling real-time feedback. The world is changing faster than ever. So are the needs of people, communities and customers. Developing an agile innovation approach that has a strong foundation in people and capabilities, being open to new and different ways to innovate, working closely with your customers and focusing on the right technology that matters will be key to navigating the technology imperative successfully. How Oshkosh Corporation is driving innovative, disruptive technology The technology imperative is here, and it's driven by megatrends affecting all of us, including climate change and resource scarcity, the sharing economy, digital transformation, the global marketplace and the productivity imperative. It's more important than ever that companies develop innovation strategies that can drive advanced technology to market faster, provide economies of scale and product acceptance. We've been continuously evolving our technology capabilities and development approach to match the needs of customers and the megatrends affecting the world around us. Our approach to innovation has evolved further with the addition of Jay Iyengar to Oshkosh as chief technology and strategic sourcing officer in January 2022. Jay brought with her a broad portfolio of experience from roles in automotive, aerospace and heavy- duty industrial vehicles. We understand the importance of thinking differently about how we develop and deliver innovation in this technology imperative era, and Jay has been influential in advancing our approach. Our innovation and strategic framework contain four key building blocks: world-class capabilities and a highly talented engineering team, accelerating impact through open innovation, collaborating closely with customers and embracing disruptive technology. This framework gives Oshkosh the ability to advance technology effectively and efficiently. World class capabilities and a highly talented engineering team As an industrial technology company, one of our core strengths is our people. We have a depth of engineering horsepower with expertise across key disciplines like advanced modeling and simulation, systems engineering, software and controls, IoT, electronics, material sciences, data sciences and many more — all of which are an important foundation of our strong innovation strategy. Having the right comprehensive end-to-end product development capabilities enables us to get designs right the first time, which improves speed to market. We achieve this by focusing on requirements for management, digital engineering, design and product validation as well as lifecycle management. Accelerating impact through open innovation The second tenant of our strategy is accelerating impact with open innovation. We don't just innovate within the four walls of the company. Great ideas can come from anywhere. Oshkosh has built an ecosystem of technology partners such as start-ups, universities, suppliers and customers to leverage their strengths and extend our own research and development reach. As an example, Carnegie Melon University and Robotic Research are premier research institutions in autonomy. Not only are we partnering with them on the development of autonomous technology, we're also opening a technology center for the development of autonomous solutions in Pittsburgh. Recently we also invested in a LiDAR technology company, Baraja Pty, Ltd., an Australian-based startup that develops differentiated LiDAR solutions that will further support our technology development in autonomy. By combining our internal capabilities with this open innovation approach, we can reduce the time required to bring new, disruptive technologies to market. Collaborating closely with customers One of our strengths is the relationships we develop with those who rely on Oshkosh products to do their difficult jobs every day. We work very closely to understand their pain points and challenges. For instance, firefighters need their vehicles to be fully capable and ready to go at the instant they receive a call. Soldiers on dangerous, complex missions rely on our vehicle mobility and protection. Construction operators working at height need to feel safe. Environmental and mail carriers Oshkosh's five key technology focus areas Jay Iyengar, Chief Technology and Strategic Sourcing Officer for Oshkosh Corporation, speaks to an audience at the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Summit in April. Company: Oshkosh Corporation Innovation: Innovative technology oshkoshcorp.com C H A M P I O N S O F I N N OVAT I O N Full-page example Half-page examples Full-page example 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N | 15 | 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N In December 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 was signed into law, appropriating $1.6 billion to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for fiscal year 2023 programming. The appropriation includes $500 million for launching the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) program. This will identify and support innovative centers in key U.S. regions, accelerate a region's evolution into a global leader in an industry of the future, and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness within critical technologies. Receiving the designation for this program is extremely competitive, and only 20 hubs are anticipated across the nation. However, Wisconsin has a strong story to tell with its long tradition of business- government-academic collaboration. The competitive process will include opportunities for Tech Hub designation, funding for strategy development, planning and capacity building, and awards for strategy implementation. Our statewide application will demonstrate assets we currently have to drive technology and innovative centric growth that leverages our R&D strengths. We will also demonstrate how we catalyze the creation of good jobs for American workers at all skill levels equitably and inclusively. Our New North region will be part of that narrative, with our rich history of manufacturing and technology- based innovation, increased venture capital, research commercialization, distinct urban and rural assets, cultural diversity and sustainable business models. With the highest concentration of manufacturing in Wisconsin, the New North region continually demonstrates that manufacturing is nothing like it was five years ago. Our manufacturing base also includes food production, packaging and food safety, all important in feeding America. Advancements in technology, capital upgrades and automation have supported significant business expansion, job creation and productivity. This has contributed to the competitiveness and growth of domestic suppliers. The New North region also fosters a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting startups and the commercialization of new technologies, as well as creation of technology-driven businesses and high-skilled, well-paying jobs of the future. New North created the NEW Launch Alliance three years ago to support business discoveries and idea creators in Northeast Wisconsin. Through this entity, we collaborate frequently with the Milwaukee and Madison regions, sometimes referred to as the Innovation Triangle, or "Cheese Wedge." TitletownTech, formed out of a partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft to build and fund early-stage, high-growth startups, is a model that other states are trying to emulate. Many of the companies and higher educational institutions in the New North have also addressed climate change through environmentally sustainable developments, which have increased U.S. exports and foreign direct investment. From engineering, design and implementation of renewable energy and stronger microgrids, many of our companies are leading the way in emerging technology for cleaner, more efficient use of resources. New North is excited to be a collaborator in Wisconsin's Tech Hub submittal to support critical, new technologies, accelerate economic growth and ensure that the industries of the future start, grow and remain in our region, in Wisconsin and in the United States. It is Wisconsin's time to be identified as a leader in innovation, and the New North is here to help support that narrative. New North regional assets important to statewide tech hub federal application C H A M P I O N S O F I N N OVAT I O N Company: New North, Inc. Innovation: NEW Launch Alliance thenewnorth.com How can a company with proven marketplace demand and ambitious plans for growth achieve its goals in a tight labor market? Go Fast, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of industry-leading pallet and sawmill equipment, knew automation was key. To help ensure success, Go Fast partnered with WMEP, the Wisconsin arm of the MEP National Network, a public- private partnership that advances manufacturing in the U.S. Start with a profit/risk analysis to identify high potential interventions Step No. 1 was a PRA, WMEP's Profit Risk Assessment. This structured assessment confirmed Go Fast's belief that automation could be a game changer. Next up: Decide what to automate WMEP conducted an Automation- Advisor assessment. WMEP worked with Go Fast to evaluate any process that required physical labor, then provided a prioritized list of processes to automate, ranked by their likely return on investment (ROI). One option quickly rose to the top: replacing an outdated plasma table with a laser cutter. "We had already identified that as a place to automate," said Dan Berken, president of Go Fast. "It was helpful to have WMEP's confirmation." WMEP appreciated the hands-on approach Go Fast took during the assessment. "When we work together, the output is always better," said Colin Wilson, senior consultant for automation at WMEP. Ensure employee buy-in Although employees often saw automation as a threat in the past, today it has a more positive reputation. Automation eliminates jobs that are dull, dirty and dangerous, and helps position companies as forward thinking and innovative, which ultimately leads to more growth and opportunities for companies. "Wisconsin simply doesn't have the people we need to fill the jobs," stressed George Bureau, vice president consulting at WMEP. "The more we automate, the more we create opportunity and higher paying jobs. It's a win for Wisconsin manufacturers and employees." To drive acceptance, Go Fast worked with employees to show how the new equipment would improve their jobs. "Everybody in our facility could see this would help make our product better and easier to produce," said Dennis Berken, Go Fast managing member. Innovation drives impressive results Go Fast installed the laser cutter in late 2022, and the benefits were evident immediately. • Equipment payback in less than a year. The equipment is designed to run two shifts; the company achieved fast payback running just one. Go Fast will save even more as production ramps up. • Increased manufacturing speeds. While the old system ran up to 400 inches a minute, the new one runs up to 4,000. • Enhanced product accuracy and safety. Internal control helps drive improvements in both areas. • Increased employee efficiency. Go Fast was able to re-deploy half a full-time employee. • Savings in outsourcing costs. Go Fast brought a sizeable portion of work back in house. • Improved control of the R&D process. Go Fast slashed lead times and improved product quality. "During COVID, outsourced work had lead times of three to 10 weeks," said Dan. "In-house we can handle things in hours." • Insights into product improvements. "We're learning from this installation, and I think we'll see new products and better processes coming out it," said Dennis. An innovative approach to getting automation right WMEP helps Go Fast Manufacturing meet growing demand Company: Go Fast Manufacturing Innovation: WMEP's Profit Risk Assessment gofastmfg.com Dan Berken your account representative Half-page examples Full-page example Half-page examples In December 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 was signed into law, appropriating $1.6 billion to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for fiscal year 2023 programming. The appropriation includes $500 million for launching the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) program. This will identify and support innovative centers in key U.S. regions, accelerate a region's evolution into a global leader in an industry of the future, and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness within critical technologies. Receiving the designation for this program is extremely competitive, and only 20 hubs are anticipated across the nation. However, Wisconsin has a strong story to tell with its long tradition of business- government-academic collaboration. The competitive process will include opportunities for Tech Hub designation, funding for strategy development, planning and capacity building, and awards for strategy implementation. Our statewide application will demonstrate assets we currently have to drive technology and innovative centric growth that leverages our R&D strengths. We will also demonstrate how we catalyze the creation of good jobs for American workers at all skill levels equitably and inclusively. Our New North region will be part of that narrative, with our rich history of manufacturing and technology- based innovation, increased venture capital, research commercialization, distinct urban and rural assets, cultural diversity and sustainable business models. With the highest concentration of manufacturing in Wisconsin, the New North region continually demonstrates that manufacturing is nothing like it was five years ago. Our manufacturing base also includes food production, packaging New North regional assets important to statewide tech hub federal application 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N | 18 | 2 0 2 3 C H A M P I O N S O F I N N O VAT I O N The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for building owners to reduce waste and climate harm out of the built environment. It directs $386 billion to clean energy spending and tax incentives, making it the largest investment ever made by the federal government to support projects that will positively impact our environment. Throughout its 87-year history, Bassett Mechanical has helped its customers achieve their sustainability goals. We are well positioned to help companies in Wisconsin and around the country benefit from opportunities within the IRA and other regulatory changes promoting green energy. Using natural refrigerants, Bassett Mechanical has established itself as a national leader in designing, fabricating, installing and maintaining large industrial refrigeration systems. Natural refrigerant advantages are well known, as they do not destroy atmospheric ozone and do not contribute to climate change. For more than eight decades, Bassett Mechanical has primarily used ammonia as its natural refrigerant solution. Ammonia is a very efficient refrigerant, enabling food, beverage and cold storage facilities to operate in a sustainable and energy-efficient manner. However, in smaller refrigeration systems, synthetic refrigerants have been applied as a low-cost alternative. Unfortunately, synthetic refrigerants have brought an array of unintended environmental consequences. As such, the EPA has enacted regulations to phase down complex synthetic refrigerants, opening more opportunities for natural refrigerants such as ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2). Leveraging its expertise in ammonia refrigeration, Bassett Mechanical has a dedicated team of engineers, technicians and control experts developing best practices for CO2 applications. In addition to CO2's efficiency as a refrigerant, it is also a component of the air we breathe and is used by plants — along with sunlight and water — to create oxygen. Whether ammonia or the emerging use of CO2, natural refrigerants require skills and knowledge for their safe and efficient use. This skill and knowledge are proficiencies that the Bassett Mechanical team shares with its customers. Building a sustainable future with natural refrigeration Company: Bassett Mechanical bassettmechanical.com Innovation: Natural refrigerants for industrial refrigeration systems Whenever an organization or individual introduces a new service or product that simplifies a particular task for people, it is known as innovation. When the founders came together to establish Legacy Private Trust Company, they innovated private wealth and asset management through personalized service and customized portfolios. Legacy offers a wide range of wealth management and trust solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families. In the early 2000s, the trust and financial services industry experienced a significant shift due to mergers and consolidations, resulting in many local trust offices relocating out of Wisconsin and into large metropolitan areas. Clients faced a decline in personalized service and an increase in employee turnover. The founders of Legacy Private Trust Company, Michael Mahlik and Joseph McGrane, recognized this as an opportunity to create something extraordinary. They founded Legacy Private Trust Company, an independent fiduciary that prioritizes providing exceptional service and customized solutions while always putting their clients' needs first. Full array of value-added solutions maximize client success At the heart of Legacy's methodology lies a dedication to individualized wealth management solutions that include trust services, investment management, charitable giving, retirement, estate, financial and tax planning. These services aim to assist clients in growing and safeguarding their wealth over an extended period, ensuring their economic well-being across multiple generations. The firm's seasoned experts devote considerable time to understanding each client's distinct financial aspirations and objectives, collaborating closely with them to devise a tailor-made wealth plan and corresponding investment strategy. Legacy's Managing Director of Trust Investments Greg Hansen states: "Investment management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each client has unique financial goals and objectives and requires a tailored investment strategy. The investment team at Legacy continually monitors market conditions, analyzing new investment options and opportunities as they arise." By closely monitoring the markets and being proactive in their investment approach, Legacy ensures that clients are well-positioned to take advantage of market trends and capitalize on investment opportunities as they emerge. Innovation leads to a holistic team approach Their holistic team approach is a key differentiator setting Legacy apart from its competitors. When clients partner with Legacy, they work with more than just a single advisor — they work with a team of experts across multiple disciplines. All Legacy clients have access to experts in tax law, investment management, estate planning, retirement planning, financial planning and charitable giving, all working together to develop a comprehensive plan for their unique needs and objectives. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive the best possible advice and guidance, with each team member bringing their unique perspective and expertise. Legacy has carved out a niche as a frontrunner in financial services by emphasizing tailored wealth management solutions and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service. With its deep expertise in trust services, investment management and other financial offerings, Legacy has emerged as a trusted source of financial solutions for high-net- worth individuals and families. As Legacy continues to grow and prosper, its unwavering dedication to exceptional service and innovative financial solutions ensures it will remain at the forefront of the financial services industry. Company: Legacy Private Trust Co. Innovation: Personalized wealth management Innovating personalized wealth management and exceptional service for long-term success LPTrust.com Joseph McGrane Michael Mahlik Established in 1884, Seaway Printing has evolved into an industry leader renowned for its expert craftsmanship, service and reliability. Owned by Lynn and Kevin Heslin, the company has solidified its position as an innovative print partner for publishers nationwide. Seaway continues to foster a work culture that strives for ongoing improvement. The unwavering loyalty, dedication and hard work of its employees have played a vital role in supporting the company's growth and expanding opportunities. The company recently marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its new headquarters, a 57,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate new press acquisitions. Among these innovative machines is the Heidelberg XL 106 8-color perfector with Cut Star. This press is uniquely configured for autonomous manufacturing with continuous quality inspection and removal of bad sheets, along with automated printing plate and finished product logistics. Additionally, Seaway Printing is incorporating the HP A2200 Inkjet Web with the Sigma finishing line. With the flexibility for future expansion, this new facility ensures that Seaway Printing remains at the forefront of the print industry, poised to continue its remarkable progress. "We are a reliable supplier, and our clients know that we always deliver on our promises," said Kevin Heslin. Seaway Printing's commitment to innovation and dependability has earned it a reputation as a leading innovator in the print industry. With a legacy spanning over a century and a relentless pursuit of innovation, Seaway Printing is poised to shape the future of the print industry, maintaining its position as a trailblazer committed to delivering outstanding results for its clients. Print industry leader expands state-of-the-art facility, updates press technology Company: Seaway Printing Company Innovation: Press technology updates seawayprinting.com