Last Thursday, NAATBatt revived its Member Site Visit Programs (now called PowerTrips) with a visit to the headquarters of Platinum member Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At PowerTrip programs, a NAATBatt member firm opens a manufacturing facility for tour by other NAATBatt members. During the tour, NAATBatt members have the opportunity to see exactly what the host member does and learn about its expertise.
Of course, networking is a big part of PowerTrips programs. Each PowerTrip features a networking lunch or dinner sponsored by the host member. These meals and breaks during the program allow attendees to get to know the host’s personnel and the personnel of other attendees and explore areas of common business interest. There is something about meeting industry colleagues during a hands-on manufacturing demonstration that spurs a lot more productive discussion than what occurs at a trade show exhibit booth. An amazing amount of business gets done during NAATBatt PowerTrip programs, both among attendees and the host and among attendees themselves.
The Rockwell PowerTrip program set a high bar for NAATBatt’s relaunch of the PowerTrip series. More than 40 NAATBatt member attendees toured several demonstration manufacturing lines and learned how Rockwell Automation technology improves the speed and efficiency of manufacturing processes. Attendees also heard presentations by senior Rockwell executives, including Rockwell Chairman and CEO, Blake Moret. The executive presentations covered a wide range of Rockwell interests from emerging manufacturing technology to workforce training. It was a very interesting and productive day.
Other highlights of the tour included a visit to Rockwell’s 71,800 square foot green roof and a reception atop Rockwell’s landmark Clock Tower, with a truly stunning view of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. The reception was punctuated by what appeared to me to be numerous discussions and new business deals being formulated among NAATBatt member attendees.
The success and productivity of the Rockwell PowerTrip virtually ensures that NAATBatt will continue this program. If you did not join us in Milwaukee, you really missed something special. Don’t miss the next one.
If you are a Platinum level NAATBatt member and are interested in hosting a NAATBatt PowerTrip program, please contact Paula Szyper or Jim Greenberger. We hope to announce the next PowerTrip meeting soon.