Advanced manufacturing, supply chain focus of governor’s summit

NH manufacturers to gather for 13th annual statewide event

The author of a recent manufacturing study in New England and the director of supply chain operations for Raytheon will headline the 13th annual Governor’s Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology Summit, to be held Oct. 9 in Manchester.

The event, which is expected to bring together over 200 people representing manufacturing plants and high-tech companies from the around the state, culminates Manufacturing Week.

Once again this year, dozens of manufacturers and education centers open their doors to high school students for a look into New Hampshire’s top industry and the career opportunities it offers.

“Manufacturing is alive and well in New Hampshire,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Rose of the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, who added that the manufacturing sector employs some 68,000 people and “drives our economic engine.”

The conference he said, “brings together hundreds of people who work hard to ensure manufacturing remains healthy and robust.”

Keynote speaker Alison Land, senior manager for Deloitte’s strategy and operations practice, is a co-author and editor of the New England Council Advanced to Advantageous report. Published in April, the report’s findings noted “New England as a region enjoys a competitively advantaged position with respect to advanced manufacturing, stemming from an intricate network of cross-sector relationships (industry, government, and education) that have evolved over time.”

In addition, Neil Perry, director of supply chain operations integrated defense systems at Raytheon Co., will speak about “Supply Chain Transformation.”

Raytheon, he said, uses “data analytics, collaborative technology and partnership on initiatives with our suppliers” to reduce costs.

The summit will also feature four workshops that will consider the challenges facing manufacturing – workforce development, implementing and using lean principles and embracing change.

“There is a lot packed into this one-day summit, but each part of it is vital to keeping our manufacturing industry strong,” said Zenagui Brahim, president of the NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

The summit takes place at the Center of New Hampshire, Manchester, and the cost for the day’s program is $95. Tickets are available biaofnh.com.