EP 6 - Manufacturers Respond to COVID-19, Shifts in Demand for Medical Industry | Ahlstrom-Munksjo | Kaukauna, Wisconsin

“Beyond just the manufacturing platform, I think what we’ve learned as we service our customers was an awful lot about creativity and various ways to do things.” – Robyn Buss | Executive Vice President of Food Packaging & Technical Solutions | Ahlstrom-Munksj?

In our latest episode of “Wisconsin Made. The Podcast.” we feature Ahlstrom-Munksj? based in Kaukauna, Wisconsin who is the leading global and North American manufacturer of specialty paper products. From medical tapes that keep IVs in place and base papers for face masks and gowns to fast food carryout bags and nonperishable and frozen food packaging, we learn how Ahlstrom-Munksj? kept up with demand to ensure others could respond as needed to the pandemic.

Our guest joining us this week is Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Food Packaging & Technical Solutions of Ahlstrom-Munksj? who is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience. Robyn has a track record of leading teams, attracting top talent and developing individuals to their highest potential. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about how Ahlstrom-Munksj? responded to the shifting demands in the medical industry and how Robyn sees the future of manufacturing in Wisconsin moving forward.

In this episode we answer:

Tell us a little bit about Ahlstrom-Munksj? and how you resounded to COVID-19. (2:22)

How were you able to respond so quickly to the shifts in demand within the medical industry in response to the pandemic? (4:44)

What did it mean to your employees to know that they were really a critical part of the COVID-19 response? (8:45)

How is Ahlstrom-Munksj? planning for the rest of 2021 and beyond with all the changes happening? (11:00)

Reflecting on the past year plus, do you think that this showed that the manufacturing industry is more resilient than ever and has a bright future? What’s your interpretation of the long-term plan for the manufacturing industry? (13:45)

What are some solutions that you and the team at Ahlstrom-Munksj? doing to address the workforce shortage and fill the needed positions for your business? (18:20)

Next week, we are excited to be joined by Jim Kerlin, President & CEO at Beyond Vision out of Milwaukee. We will share another perspective from an innovative company in Wisconsin and how they were able to continue to protect front-line workers, their employees and community.

If you found value in this episode or want to hear the stories from Wisconsin manufacturers, please hit that subscribe button and share it with your peers. We really want to showcase all the good news stories of how manufacturing was critical in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Wisconsin Made. The Podcast.” is brought to you by Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year, a premier annual awards program celebrating excellence in manufacturing in the state of Wisconsin. Thank you to our program sponsors Baker Tilly, Michael Best and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC).