West Michigan Manufacturers Round Table Focuses on Workforce Training and Industry Challenges

Dynamic Conveyor was proud to host a recent Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) Manufacturers Round Table, bringing together local manufacturing leaders for a morning of meaningful discussion, shared insights, and facility exploration.

The event created an open forum for manufacturers across West Michigan to connect, learn more about Dynamic Conveyor’s custom conveyor solutions, and—most importantly—talk candidly about the challenges and opportunities shaping the manufacturing industry today.

Collaboration Around Common Challenges

A few key themes quickly emerged throughout the discussion:

• Talent, staffing, and retention continue to be top concerns across the board.
• Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty is influencing planning, forecasting, and investment decisions.
• Q1 business performance varied, but many attendees noted cautious optimism moving forward.

While these topics sparked valuable dialogue, one area stood out as a clear opportunity for collaboration: workforce training.

A Shared Focus on Training

The conversation around training was both energetic and solution oriented. Manufacturers expressed a strong need for training that is:

• Customized to real-world applications
• High-quality and relevant to modern manufacturing environments
• Affordable and accessible for companies of all sizes

There was particular interest in developing talent for high-demand technical roles such as controls technicians and controls engineers — positions that are critical to keeping advanced manufacturing operations running efficiently.

Right Training, Right Person, Right Time

One of the most impactful takeaways from the session was a shared vision: delivering the right training, to the right person, at the right time.

Rather than each company tackling training challenges independently, attendees discussed the potential for a more collaborative approach—pooling resources, aligning needs, and creating scalable training solutions that benefit the broader manufacturing community.

This kind of regional collaboration could help close skill gaps faster while strengthening the overall talent pipeline in West Michigan.

Inside Dynamic Conveyor

In addition to the round table discussion, attendees toured Dynamic Conveyor’s facility, getting an up-close look at how custom conveyor systems are designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of manufacturing, food processing, packaging, and automation.

The tour provided a practical backdrop to the day’s conversations—highlighting how innovation, engineering expertise, and skilled talent all come together on the production floor.

Looking Ahead

Events like the GMED Manufacturers Round Table reinforce the value of bringing industry peers together. By sharing challenges and working toward collective solutions—especially in areas like training and workforce development—manufacturers can build a stronger, more resilient future.

Dynamic Conveyor is grateful to have hosted such an engaged and forward-thinking group and looks forward to continuing the conversation at future GMED roundtable events.

Contact Us for custom conveyor solutions.

Images from GMED Round Table at Dynamic Conveyor