News & Media

Iredell EDC’s Existing Industry Manager Attends MFGCON 2026

Todd Black, Iredell EDC’s Existing Industry Manager, recently attended the MFGCON 2026 in Winston Salem North Carolina.

MFGCON 2026 serves as a vital hub for North Carolina’s industrial sector to address the dual challenges of labor shortages and rapid technological shifts. This conference focused on using advanced technologies to address critical labor and operational challenges.
The event’s agenda was anchored by sessions on workforce development, highlighting successful apprenticeship models and leadership training through the newly launched Emerging Leaders program. Keynote speakers included notable executives, such as Jim Reichard, Managing Director and Market Investment Executive at Bank of America, whose economic outlook provided a strategic backdrop for local manufacturers looking to navigate market volatility and scale their operations in the coming year.

Technological innovation was a primary focus, with dedicated tracks on AI integration, cybersecurity, and Digital Twin modeling designed to help small and mid-sized factories modernize. A major highlight was the celebration of the State Manufacturing Leadership Awards, which recognized companies like Moog Inc. and Kempower for their excellence in production scaling and sustainability. By combining high-level networking with practical case studies from industry leaders like GE Aerospace, the conference provided a clear roadmap for achieving operational excellence in a digital-first manufacturing landscape.

Breakout Highlights:

  • Digital Transformation: A major session led by Geoffrey Cook and Casey Olson explored Digital Twin technology, demonstrating how scalable virtual modeling can optimize floor layouts for manufacturers of all sizes.
  • Workforce Solutions: Sessions featured successful apprenticeship models from companies like Machine Specialties and Lexington Home Brands to combat skilled labor shortages.
  • Operational Excellence: Teijin Automotive and GE Aerospace shared case studies on achieving manufacturing excellence through consensus-based learning and lean principles.
  • AI, not just for enterprise giants: Volt Technologies discussed how AI is not just for large companies with massive budgets and dedicated data science teams. Small and mid-sized manufacturers are already using AI to drive tangible results on the shop floor, in the back office, and across their supply chains.