In 2014, after more than a decade of overseas production, Kent International Chairman and CEO Arnold Kamler brought his bicycle business back to the United States, opening a plant in South Carolina.
Several strategic moves and advanced manufacturing processes made the return home possible. In fact, re-shoring became the best way to grow Kent’s business.
Kamler will share his company’s story when he gives the keynote presentation, “The Challenge of Re-shoring Bicycle Production in the USA,” at this year’s Advanced Manufacturing Forum.
“The Advanced Manufacturing Forum 2016 — Journey to Excellence: Stories from Best Plant Winners” will be held Friday, Sept. 23, at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center, 7794 Peach St., Erie, Pennsylvania. The program is co-sponsored by the School of Engineering and the Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend.
Advanced manufacturing can dramatically improve companies’ operations — reducing defects, increasing productivity, speeding production and improving safety. In addition to Kent, forum attendees will hear from several IndustryWeek Best Plant winners who have applied advanced manufacturing principles to their plants.
Additional presentations include:
- “Survival of the Fittest”
- Carlos Delgadillo, operational excellence manager, Johnson & Johnson’s Orthopedic Joints Division
- “Great Promise Partnership: A Public-Private Partnership Designed to Help Students at Risk of not Graduating Complete their High School Education while Gaining Real-World Job Experience and Training”
- Lori Heemann, executive director, Great Promise Partnership
- “Seeking Operational Excellence through Lean Transformation”
- Steve Pattison, director, Erie Plant Operations, LORD Corporation
- “Engaging the Next Generation”
- Michael Papp, general manager, North Berwick Parts Center, Pratt & Whitney
The cost of the program is $195 per person. Companies choosing to send three or more individuals qualify for the discounted rate of $150 per person. The forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m. A breakfast buffet and lunch are provided.
For more information on the Advanced Manufacturing Forum or to register, visit behrend.psu.edu/amf.