MFG IP Spring Forum

MFG IP Spring Forum
Join the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance MFG Industry Partnership as it hosts a Spring MFG Forum. The morning will feature engaging discussions on key topics shaping the future of manufacturing, including automation, digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies, current workforce trends, and financing opportunities to support expansion, innovation, and growth.

Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an optional tour of the new Innovation Academy, offering a firsthand look at how the next generation is being prepared for careers in advanced manufacturing.


Presentation: Automation Trends in the Manufacturing Industry
This presentation will provide a brief overview of Omnitech, including its capabilities, the types of automation solutions it develops, and the customers it serves. It will then highlight key trends in manufacturing automation in the United States and the growing demand for these technologies. Finally, the presentation will discuss when and how manufacturers can leverage automation, including common applications, cost considerations and how to get started.

Fred D. Hafer, Jr | Omnitech Automation, Inc.

Fred D. Hafer, Jr. is President and Owner of Omnitech Automation, Inc., a Kutztown, PA based manufacturer of automated robotic systems and equipment. He purchased the company in 2005 and has led its growth serving both regional manufacturers and global companies including GE Aerospace, Stanley Black & Decker, Nokia, East Penn Manufacturing, Lutron and Grafika Print.

Prior to Omnitech, Hafer spent 17 years at Arrow International, where he held several roles in product management, product development and marketing, ultimately serving as Director of Global Marketing.

Hafer holds a B.S. in Physics from Kutztown University and an MBA from Saint Joseph's University. Over his 40-year career he has developed broad experience across sales, marketing, engineering, manufacturing and finance, and holds two patents. 

Presentation: Fueling Manufacturing Success Through Strategic Financing
This presentation will provide an overview of the Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and Berks County's only Certified Economic Development Organization. Attendees will learn how GBDF supports local businesses by connecting them to critical financing resources through DCED and other partners. The session will highlight key programs, including the PIDA loan program and the Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund, along with examples showcasing local companies and demonstrating how strategic financing has supported their growth in Berks County.
 
Kayla Hayick | Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Kayla is the Director of Lending & Business Outreach for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. Prior to joining the organization, she spent seven years in lending and underwriting at Mortgage America, Inc. in Wyomissing, PA. Hayick holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts & Sciences from Penn State Berks. 

Presentation: Building Tomorrow's Workforce: Learn how the new Reading High School STEM-focused Innovation Academy is designing career pathways that align with workforce needs.
Experience the future of education at the Reading High School Innovation Academy. This innovative STEM campus is preparing students for success through hands-on learning, university partnerships, and real-world experience. See how the next generation is building the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce—join us and experience it firsthand.

Presentation: From Classroom to Factory Floor: How the MILL at Penn State Berks Strengthens Our Manufacturing Ecosystem.

Learn how the Manufacturing Innovation & Learning Lab (MILL) was established to bridge critical gaps between education and the manufacturing sector. We will discuss the lab’s origins, its goals of strengthening advanced manufacturing skills, supporting implementation of digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies, and several partnership projects that demonstrate how local companies and the MILL are working together to support innovation.

Terry Speicher | Penn State University
Terry Speicher is a teaching professor of engineering in the Engineering, Business, and Computing Division at Penn State Berks, where he has served since 2000. He is the program chair for the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (EMET) degree and Pennsylvania’s Affiliate Professor for Project Lead the Way. He also serves on multiple advisory councils and university committees.

Before entering academia, Professor Speicher spent 21 years in engineering roles in aerospace and wireless communications. A licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and former Project Management Professional, his teaching focuses on engineering design, graphics, project management, and ethics. He has received several awards for advising, service, and leadership at Penn State Berks.