Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership

10/21/2026

Your top performer is ready for a promotion. But are they ready to lead?

Technical skills and leadership skills aren’t always the same. In our latest blog, Purdue MEP’s Stalin Encarnación shares why developing leadership skills before an employee moves into a supervisory role can set both the employee and their team up for greater success.

Read the article: The Hidden Cost of Promoting Your Best Employee Into a Leadership Role https://mep.purdue.edu/news-folder/hidden-cost-of-promoting-your-best-employee/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

10/21/2026

Build your Microsoft Excel skills and work smarter, not harder!

Excel is one of the most powerful tools for organizing data, performing calculations, and supporting better decision-making. Purdue MEP’s hands-on Excel workshops are designed to help you strengthen your skills, boost efficiency, and gain confidence, whether you’re just starting out or ready to advance.

👇 Choose the workshop that fits your level:

Basic Excel Skills – November 19 in LaGrange
Click here >>> https://mep.purdue.edu/workshops-and-events/workshop-catalog-detail/?id=a3d0L000000uS1OQAU&eventid=a3QRd0000043qvpMAA&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

Intermediate Excel Skills – December 10 in LaGrange
Click here >>> https://mep.purdue.edu/workshops-and-events/workshop-catalog-detail/?id=a3d0L000000uS3yQAE&eventid=a3QRd0000043odvMAA&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

Training hosted by LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation

10/07/2026

Join us on November 5 at the Digital Manufacturing Technology Center (DMTC) in Carmel, IN!

We’re hosting a full day of hands-on demos, tech exploration, and expert-led innovation sessions designed for manufacturers looking to modernize operations and accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption.

Morning Innovation Sessions Focused on AI
• “Getting Started with AI in Everyday Tasks” presented by Purdue MEP
• “AI Under the Hood: What You Should Actually Know About LLMs” presented by E-gineering, Inc.

Afternoon Open House + Live Demos = See real solutions in action, including:
• AI Vision Inspection
• Machine Tending (featuring OnRobot D:PLOY)
• Palletizing
• Robotic Welding
• AMR + Cobot Systems
• End of Arm Tooling
• Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing
• Machine Monitoring Systems
…and more!

Mix & match your experience:

Learning sessions • Complimentary lunch by E-gineering • Live demos
(Attend one—or enjoy all three!)

📅 Thursday, November 5
🕘 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM ET
📍 DMTC (inside Telamon), Carmel, IN
💥 Free event—registration required.
Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot!

🔗 https://mep.purdue.edu/workshops-and-events/workshop-catalog-detail/?id=a3dRd00000001iTIAQ&eventid=a3QRd000003jFfVMAU&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

Hosted by Purdue MEP, Telabotics and E-gineering

10/05/2026

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Christie on her new role as Director of Manufacturing Services at Purdue MEP! 🎉

Since joining our team in March 2024, Jennifer has brought extensive experience as a process improvement leader, helping Indiana manufacturers achieve their Lean and Six Sigma project goals.

In her new role, Jennifer will lead Purdue MEP’s manufacturing services, including training, consulting, new product development, and quality systems.

We’re excited to have Jennifer stepping into this leadership role. Congratulations, Jennifer! 💛🖤

10/01/2026

🔦 Made in Indiana Spotlight: Dajac Automation

Based in Sheridan, Dajac Automation develops innovative automation and testing solutions that bring together hardware, software, and data to help manufacturers improve efficiency, precision, and process visibility.

From machine vision, barcodes and RFID to industrial lighting testing technology, Dajac brings hardware, software, and data together to create integrated solutions for complex manufacturing applications.

Learn more about Dajac Automation and the innovative products and capabilities being manufactured right here in Indiana through Purdue MEP’s Made in Indiana program.
👉 Learn more about their offerings: https://mep.purdue.edu/made-in-indiana/company/dajac-automation/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post
The Made in Indiana program celebrates the vital role manufacturers play in powering Indiana’s economy.

Want to be featured? Get your free profile: https://mep.purdue.edu/made-in-indiana/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

09/29/2026

The ISO 9001 Standard is changing. Are you ready?

Stay ahead of the upcoming changes to the ISO 9001:2026 Standard. This interactive, 4-hour workshop will review key updates and practical applications for your organization.

Click to register >>> https://mep.purdue.edu/workshops-and-events/workshop-catalog-detail/?id=a3dRd000000lJ41IAE&eventid=a3QRd000003jG6vMAE&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

The August & September online sessions filled to capacity early. Don’t wait to register for the October training!

09/23/2026

As artificial intelligence, automation, and other emerging technologies continue to reshape manufacturing, one thing remains constant: the value of people.

In the article, "The Value of the Human Mind in Lean Problem Solving," Purdue MEP's Jason Lipscomb explores why investing in workforce development is just as important as investing in technology. While advanced tools can help identify patterns, analyze data, and suggest solutions, human curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills remain essential for continuous improvement.

As manufacturers prepare for the future, the most successful organizations will be those that combine the capabilities of new technology with the knowledge, creativity, and expertise of their people.

Read the full article: Value of the Human Mind in Lean Problem Solving >>> https://mep.purdue.edu/news-folder/value-of-the-human-mind-in-lean-problem-solving/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

09/17/2026

🎉 We're excited to welcome John Coupe and Stephanie Vrshek to the Purdue MEP team.

➡️ 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗲, 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁
John brings extensive experience in quality management, Lean Six Sigma, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. His career has included leadership roles across the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors, helping organizations strengthen quality systems, improve processes, and achieve measurable results.

As a Quality Specialist, John will work directly with Indiana manufacturers to enhance quality management systems, prepare for audits and certifications, solve complex challenges, and build organizational capability through consulting, training, and hands-on support.

➡️ 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗩𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗸, 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
Stephanie joins Purdue MEP with a strong background in marketing, event coordination, operations, communications, and client support. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset will help ensure the successful delivery of Purdue MEP's workshops, training programs, and client engagements.

In her role, Stephanie supports event logistics, training administration, marketing initiatives, and operational processes that contribute to a high-quality experience for our clients and participants.

John and Stephanie each bring valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to helping Indiana manufacturers succeed. We are excited to welcome them and look forward to the impact they will make with our clients and team.

Please join us in welcoming John and Stephanie to Purdue MEP! 💛🖤
Learn more about John and Stephanie:
- John Coupe: https://mep.purdue.edu/about-us/staff/john-coupe/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post
- Stephanie Vrshek: https://mep.purdue.edu/about-us/staff/stephanie-vrshek/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

09/16/2026

There's still time to sign up!

AI is quickly becoming a valuable tool in quality and manufacturing. This upcoming training is a great opportunity for professionals looking to learn how to use it in practical, responsible ways.

AI: A Game Changer for Quality Professionals

This introductory course will focus on real world AI applications that can be used in day to day quality operations, without requiring advanced programming or AI development experience.

📅 October 1
⏰ 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
📍 Auburn, IN
💰 $200 per attendee

Register by September 17 to avoid the rush registration fee. Registration closes September 24 and space is limited.

Learn more and register: https://purdue.ws/AIQualityOct10

09/14/2026

Curt Anderson of B2Btail is hosting another free webinar geared toward our marketing friends in manufacturing! On September 24, Curt and Holly Jobe of protocol 80 will explore how busy manufacturers can focus on what matters within their marketing goals.

You can't miss this session!
Thursday, September 24 at 12 pm ET.
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dV_AYIzFSYmBqqIJOZUHAw?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social_post

Mark your calendar today!