We are very excited to bring you the 12th edition of Central Upstate MFG magazine!

Discussions of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are dominating the news and business conversations. Across Central and Upstate New York, MACNY members are considering if, when, and how to implement automation into their manufacturing processes. In this issue, we spoke to leaders at Bartell Machinery Systems LLC, Byrne Dairy, Inc., Gear Motions, Inc., Schneider Packaging Equipment, and Tessy Plastics to learn more about their use of this incredible technology. It was exciting to hear about the benefits these companies are experiencing, from employee safety and well-being to increased efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Leveraging AI, robots, cobots, and other automation requires significant investment and often a culture shift. While a conversation around this topic frequently concerns replacing employees, these featured leaders have shown us that human employees are essential to using these technologies. Workers are empowered by the new skills, opportunities, and increased job satisfaction they receive. In other stories, we look at efforts to increase our skilled workforce, emphasizing empowering girls and women to pursue STEM studies and careers in manufacturing and implementing a Registered Apprenticeship Program, which Allen Tool Phoenix Inc. has done successfully. We also share some specific actions MACNY and its partner associations take to keep our members’ legislative and regulatory concerns at the forefront of government officials’ minds.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed producing it. And, as always, thank you for making Central and Upstate New York such a great place to live and work!

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