PRESS RELEASE: New Industry 4.0 Program for West Michigan Manufacturers

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West, DISHER, and Feyen Zylstra join forces to launch new Industry 4.0 transformation team

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (April 13, 2021) – The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West (The Center-West), Feyen Zylstra, and DISHER recently announced the formation of a new Preferred Smart Manufacturing Partnership program for West Michigan manufacturers. The program is designed to guide manufacturers through creating sustainable change as they learn about and implement Industry 4.0 technology in their business.

The Preferred Smart Manufacturing Partnership program is built on a systematic approach that acknowledges a manufacturer’s current state, desired future state, and the steps need to bridge the gap. The program builds on each organization’s strengths in manufacturing operational excellence, engineering know-how, and advanced manufacturing technology integration.

“While Industry 4.0 and IIoT are widely accepted concepts on the plant floor, many manufacturers have yet to understand and harness the benefits and competitive advantage that they provide. By partnering with the Right Place and The Center-West on the Preferred Smart Manufacturing Partner Program, we’ve accelerated access to digital transformation and smart manufacturing technologies for manufacturers across West Michigan,” said Ryan Cahalane, President of Industrial Technology, Feyen Zylstra.

This Partnership provides a system-wide approach to improvement and adoption of proven manufacturing principles and implementation of the correct industry 4.0 technologies to advance a company’s vision. The program delivers transformation as a service that allows manufacturers to become more efficient and better able to respond to increasing international competition.

“DISHER has had the privilege of coming alongside numerous clients of The Center-West on a variety of projects over the years, and we’re looking forward to acting as a Smart Manufacturing Partner where we can leverage our Industry 4.0 Engineering experience and industry partnerships,” said Kevin Pinner. “Given West Michigan’s strong manufacturing presence, there is great potential for productivity and quality gains with smaller to mid-sized companies through applying facets of Industry 4.0 to their operations.”

By engaging the Center-West and our Preferred Smart Manufacturing Partners, and using the free Industry 4.0 Assessment, a manufacturer will be able to:

+ Understand their current state

+ Understand the steps needed to sustainably introduce Industry 4.0 technologies to their best benefit

+ See a potential Return on Investment this transformational change can provide

+ Develop a timeline for the implementation of the best-served technologies for their business.

+ Have the services of our implementation team to guide their transformation into a better, more competitive business.

In the future, West Michigan companies need to be stronger, even more globally relevant/competitive, and profitable. Simultaneously, manufacturers must address workforce shortages, talent skill gaps, and the image problem that has long driven capable individuals away from a career in manufacturing.

To schedule a complimentary Opportunity Assessment, call the MMTC at 616.301.6247

About The Right Place, Inc.

The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. The Right Place drives current and long-term economic prosperity in West Michigan through the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to retain, expand, and attract businesses. This includes connecting area businesses to national and international resources, identifying emerging growth opportunities, strengthening the competitiveness of area firms, and marketing the region globally. The International Economic Development Council has designated The Right Place as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Find out more by visiting www.rightplace.org, liking us on facebook.com, and following us on Twitter @TheRightPlaceGR.

About The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West (The Center-West)

Since 1991 the Center-west as a regional office of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has acted as trusted advisors to West Michigan’s small to medium manufactures. As part of the MEP national network a unique public-private network that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to US manufacturers.  As part of The Right Place, Inc. the tailored solutions offered by The Center-West are critical components of the economic development process the Right Place offers to our region.

About Feyen Zylstra

Feyen Zylstra, LLC is an Industrial Technology and Electrical Services firm, committed to the ongoing growth of its business through strategies that build upon its reputation as an innovative problem solver and an employer of choice. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI with offices in Nashville, TN; Charleston, SC; Cleveland, OH; Charlotte, NC; Traverse City, MI; and Kalamazoo, MI, FZ’s nearly 600 employees are focused on serving the most complex industrial and institutional clients nationwide.

About DISHER

DISHER delivers innovative solutions in engineering, manufacturing technology, automation, and technical recruiting through a nationally-recognized team of cross-functional experts. Since 2000, DISHER has partnered with hundreds of Fortune 500 companies, suppliers, and organizations from a diverse set of industries including automotive, furniture, medical, consumer goods, mobility, industrial, pharma, agribusiness, alternative energy, and aerospace. DISHER’s experienced team is focused on helping customers solve complex challenges from the fuzzy-front-end of new-product ideation, product design and development, and electronics—all the way to connected IoT solutions, manufacturing processes, machine design, and launches. Helping clients reach higher levels of performance with their products, processes, and people is DISHER’s sweet spot. With offices in Zeeland, Michigan and Indianapolis, Indiana, DISHER is Making a Positive Difference alongside our clients locally, nationally, and around the globe.