Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/543722
Chain of connection W hen Oshkosh Corp. suddenly faced defense spending cutbacks in 2013, hundreds of workers were laid off. e ripple effects — how Oshkosh's suppliers were impacted — were less visible. For some of those companies, Oshkosh Corp. was their primary source of business. So when the producer of defense industry vehicles no longer needed their supplies, it hit them hard. A Department of Defense grant has been helping those suppliers diversify into other markets, and now New North Inc. has recognized the potential to take that program a step further. e organization is launching an initiative to help build a region-wide, diversified supply chain. e program will help any manufacturer that wants to be a part of the new marketplace. "is has morphed into something better than I expected it to be," says Dave iel, executive director of the Waupaca County Economic Development Corp. and a member of the advisory committee for New North's Defense Industry Supply Chain initiative. "What New North has decided is, 'Let's see how we can use this opportunity and make it work for us long term.'" New North leverages strengths of manufacturers with launch of robust database B Y N I K K I K A L L I O