Leveraging Existing Resources to Implement Domestic Supply Chain Resilience, Digitalization, and Sustainability Initiatives
Annual Conference Breakout Session
Thursday, June 9, 12:45pm – 1:45pm CT
Large manufacturing companies are looking to improve their supply chains to reduce risk and increase resilience. While a challenge, reshoring also presents an opportunity to build new ecosystems of partners that can deliver not only increased operation resilience but also strengthen innovation and help companies achieve digitalization and sustainability goals. This session will explore a key but little-known resource in conducting domestic supplier scouting (the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership); opportunities for R&D to leverage supply chain resilience initiatives to enhance external innovation; and how to make sure reshoring efforts take advantage of opportunities to achieve sustainability goals, including decarbonization and circular economy-related goals.
Speakers
Steve McManus is an Innovation Advisor with RTI International. Before joining RTI, Mr. McManus held the General Manager position with CS Medical LLC, a small medical device manufacturer, where he managed sales, marketing, product development, and operations. Prior to his tenure at CS Medical, he worked in business development roles with BP Amoco Fabrics and Fibers (later Propex) and Lord Corporation (now Parker Lord) to commercialize self-reinforced composites and magnetorheological fluids, respectively. Since joining RTI in 2012, Mr. McManus has led the implementation of Technology-Driven Market Intelligence and Technology Scouting services for the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Mr. McManus also leads business development for the Chemical & Materials sectors.