The world of manufacturing is moving quickly. Technology continues to evolve, customer needs are changing, and businesses are finding it harder to recruit and retain people with the right skills. In Michigan, this challenge is especially important. Our state has a proud manufacturing history, but our future success depends on building a strong, skilled, and motivated workforce.
That is why the MMA Workforce Solutions Summit 2025 matters so much. Taking place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the L.V. Eberhard Center at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, this event is designed to bring together manufacturers, educators, workforce professionals, and community leaders. The aim is to share knowledge, explore solutions, and strengthen the foundation of Michigan’s workforce.
As proud sponsors, Om Raj Tech is excited to be part of this event and invite you to join us. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Workforce Solutions Summit?
The Summit is a one-day event created by the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). Its purpose is to focus completely on workforce challenges and opportunities. Every part of the agenda—from the keynote talks to the breakout sessions—has been designed to give you practical knowledge you can take back to your company.
The event focuses on three main goals:
- Talent Pipelines – helping manufacturers find the right workers.
- Collaborative Networks – building partnerships between businesses, schools, and communities.
- Thriving Workforce Ecosystem – creating long-term systems that make Michigan a great place to work and grow.
Om Raj Tech at the MMA Workforce Summit – Sept 18, 2025 | Grand Rapids, MI
Om Raj Tech is proud to be part of this year’s Michigan Manufacturers’ Association Workforce Summit. As a trusted CETEC ERP integration partner and manufacturer’s representative for Michigan-based manufacturers, we help companies modernize their operations, streamline production, and strengthen supply chain visibility.
With deep expertise in ERP implementation tailored for small to mid-sized manufacturers, we enable businesses to reduce manual inefficiencies, improve real-time data access, and scale confidently. Our partnerships with Michigan plastics, thermoforming, and fiberglass manufacturers ensure we bring both technology and industry experience to every engagement.
If you’re attending the Summit, let’s connect to explore how digital tools and strong local manufacturing partnerships can drive smarter, faster, and more resilient operations.
When and Where
- Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Location: L.V. Eberhard Center, Grand Valley State University, Pew Campus, Grand Rapids, MI
- Time: Registration and breakfast open at 8:00 AM
For those traveling in, MMA has arranged a special room block at the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown with discounted rates.
Registration and Pricing
The Summit is designed to be accessible to all members of the manufacturing community.
- $175 per person – for MMA Industry and Associate Members
- $275 per person – for MMA Insurance Members and non-members
- Group Discount: If three or more people from the same company register together, each saves $25
Use our special sponsor discount code SPONSOR25 when you register to save an additional $25.
What the Agenda Looks Like
The day is full of powerful sessions. Here’s a look at what you can expect:
- Morning Keynote
Inside the Manufacturing Mind: Shifts Impacting Workforce Readiness by Ryan Pohl, Founder of Praeco Skills - Breakout Sessions 1
- Reconnecting Students to the Trades: The Case for Shop Class
- Workforce Without Limits: Building a Talent Strategy that Works
- Talent 4.0: Building a Connected Worker Ecosystem
- Reconnecting Students to the Trades: The Case for Shop Class
- Breakout Sessions 2 and 3
Covering topics like:
- Customized apprenticeship programs
- The childcare gap and its effect on workforce stability
- Community partnerships with manufacturers
- Training leadership to become mentors and trainers
- Customized apprenticeship programs
- Breakout Session 4
- Attracting, engaging, and retaining talent
- Legal pathways for global talent integration
- Mapping your workforce ecosystem
- Attracting, engaging, and retaining talent
The day closes around 4:15 PM with final remarks.
Why Should You Attend?
The Workforce Solutions Summit is not just another industry conference. It’s a practical, results-driven event that directly addresses the challenges manufacturers face today.
You should attend if you want to:
- Learn What Works – Hear real-life examples of workforce solutions.
- Expand Your Network – Meet peers, experts, and partners who can support your talent strategy.
- Find New Perspectives – From childcare to apprenticeships to global talent.
- Invest in the Future – Take back actionable tools to strengthen your business.
Who Should Attend?
Perfect for:
- CEOs, executives, and owners of manufacturing businesses
- HR professionals and recruitment leaders
- Training and apprenticeship coordinators
- Community leaders and workforce organizations
- Educators and technical school representatives
If you shape Michigan’s workforce, this Summit is for you.
What You’ll Take Back
By the end of the day, you will leave with:
- A list of new ideas to recruit and retain employees
- Tools for developing leaders and mentors
- Knowledge of partnerships with schools, communities, and state programs
- A plan for addressing skills gaps in your business
- Fresh inspiration to take action
Why Om Raj Tech Is Proud to Sponsor
At Om Raj Tech, we believe the workforce is the heart of manufacturing. Machines, technology, and processes are important, but none of them work without skilled people. By sponsoring this event, we want to support a brighter future for Michigan’s injection molding manufacturing and help every business thrive.
That’s why we’re excited to not only support the Summit but also connect with manufacturers to share how ERP integration and digital transformation can play a direct role in solving workforce challenges.
How to Register
You can register in three ways:
- Online at mimfg.org/workforcesummit
- By phone: 517-487-8542
- By email:- maciejewski@mimfg.org
Don’t forget: Use code SPONSOR25 for $25 off your ticket.
Final Thoughts
The MMA Workforce Solutions Summit 2025 is more than just a gathering—it’s a chance to strengthen the future of manufacturing in Michigan. With challenges like skills shortages, workforce gaps, and changing expectations, no company can afford to face these issues alone.
By coming together, sharing strategies, and building partnerships, we can make Michigan’s manufacturing sector stronger than ever.
We invite you to join us—and connect with Om Raj Tech—on September 18, 2025, in Grand Rapids. Let’s learn, collaborate, and build solutions together.
