Sukup Manufacturing is proving that innovation can thrive in rural Iowa. In this episode of Made In Iowa, Leisa Fox sits down with Emily Schmitt, chief administrative officer, general counsel and third-generation member of the Sukup family, to talk about the company’s history, culture and vision for the future.

From robotics and automation to child care, health care, engineering and software, Sukup has taken a unique approach to growing a global manufacturing company while keeping Sheffield, Iowa, at the center of its operation.

Emily explains how Sukup competes for talent in rural Iowa, why the company invested in a child care center and on-site health clinic, and how automation has helped the company expand rather than eliminate jobs.

The conversation also explores Sukup’s Sync technology, its expansion into Ames, the acquisition of Ramco, international growth and the company’s focus on building for the next generation.

Plus, Emily shares the story behind the Sukup Safe T Home, a remarkable example of how an idea born from the company’s manufacturing expertise has helped provide shelter in disaster-prone areas around the world.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪ Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa⁠

Manufacturing is now the most-hacked industry, and the risks extend far beyond office computers. Leisa Fox talks with Sheldon Speers, president and founder of Tenax Solutions, about protecting operational technology, or OT, including the systems and equipment that keep production lines running. With 61 percent of attacks involving a third party such as a vendor, supplier or service provider, manufacturers must consider the security of every organization connected to their operations. Cyber insurance companies are also requiring stronger protections, but as Sheldon explains, cybersecurity is more than a compliance exercise. It is simply the right thing to do to protect employees, customers, production and the future of the business.

Artificial intelligence is making cyberattacks faster and easier to execute, giving criminals the ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities at unprecedented speed. That makes regular patching, system monitoring and advance planning more critical than ever. Sheldon examines the ransomware attack on Asahi Group, which disrupted production and contributed to an estimated $61 million loss, as a powerful example of how a technology failure can quickly become an operational and financial crisis. This conversation gives Iowa manufacturers a clear message: protecting operational technology is essential to keeping production moving and the business resilient.

In this panel discussion, recorded live from the QCBJ Manufacturing Conference, Leisa Fox is joined by Christine Caves of Grow Quad Cities, George Brancato of FANUC and Faisal Mehrban of Motoniq to explore what automation really looks like inside today’s manufacturing operations. The conversation moves beyond robots replacing people to examine workforce pressures, productivity, process variability and the valuable knowledge experienced employees carry in their heads. From traditional robotics to intelligent systems that can learn from human adjustments, the panel considers how manufacturers can capture that knowledge and apply automation where it will make people safer, more productive and more valuable.

The panel also gets honest about what happens when automation meets the real world. A memorable example from an Iowa manufacturer involved an employee using a broom handle to free a stuck sanding robot, illustrating the difference between installing technology and making it work reliably. Manufacturers are challenged to examine the tasks they believe “can’t be automated,” understand the exceptions and desired outcomes, and choose the right starting point. The takeaway is clear: successful automation is not about removing the human. It is about combining human judgment with technology to improve quality, capacity, safety, retention, and long-term competitiveness.

NOTE: We were unable to capture video at this event.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Leisa Fox sits down with Wendy Mihm-Herold of iJAG to talk about how the organization is connecting Iowa students with businesses, careers and real-world experiences while helping employers build the workforce of the future. Wendy shares examples of students learning about skilled trades and leadership, putting their skills to work alongside employers like MidAmerican and participating in iJAG’s Career Development Conference, which brings together more than 600 students from across Iowa for competitions, workshops and direct interaction with businesses. Wendy also discusses the importance of giving young people meaningful exposure to career opportunities while helping Iowa employers better understand, attract and develop Gen Z talent. She expresses appreciation to the Iowa Legislature and Governor Kim Reynolds for their support of iJAG and its work across the state.

Wendy also introduces an important new resource for Iowa employers: the Work-Based Learning Business Playbook, available September 1, 2026. Designed as a practical guide for businesses, the Playbook walks employers through using work-based learning as a talent development strategy, Iowa’s WBL framework, connecting with learners at every stage, designing a WBL strategy and creating high-quality experiences. It also tackles practical issues employers need to understand, including liability and hazardous occupations for students under 18 and Iowa’s Career and Technical Education system. The goal is to help businesses address workforce shortages, develop the next generation of talent, strengthen their communities and achieve measurable ROI from work-based learning. Employers interested in the Playbook or partnering with iJAG can contact Wendy Mihm-Herold directly at [email protected].

Presenting sponsor: ⁨Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Debby Hudson with Meals from the Heartland joins the Made in Iowa Podcast to share how the organization turns volunteer power into millions of meals for people in Iowa and around the world. Much of its work mirrors manufacturing: teams of 10 volunteers, carefully selected ingredients, efficient packaging lines, quality standards and distribution partnerships—including Convoy of Hope.

These meals are designed to do more than fill a belly. Their nutritional content helps children grow, learn and thrive—feeding minds as well as bodies. Debby also shares how listeners can join the mission by signing up for Meals from the Heartland’s volunteer events coming up in September.

Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

As Iowa manufacturers confront evolving economic dynamics and technological growth, a successful future relies on adaptation in all aspects of the organization. A focus on reinvention and being proactive across workforce, automation and succession strategies are key to keeping pace with the industry. After the Business Record’s annual Manufacturing Forecast event, we asked our panelists to stick around to go deeper on the themes and stories they shared during the live event. Watch the full Manufacturing Forecast webinar now.

Guests:

• Daniel Doderer, economist and senior consultant, ITR Economics

• Brad Jungling, vice president of operations, LDJ Manufacturing Inc.

• Lori Mason, president, Seneca Foundry Co.

• Ton Stam, co-founder, Chocolaterie Stam

Presenting sponsor: ⁨Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Universal Printing is a rare success story in American manufacturing—a third-generation family business that has continued to evolve rather than rely on past success. Brian and Sarah Springer shared how thoughtful decision-making, a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, and a commitment to continuous improvement have helped the company remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. They discussed the unique dynamics of leading a family business, honoring the legacy built by previous generations while making the difficult decisions necessary to position the company for the future.

Throughout the conversation, one theme rose above all others: an unwavering focus on the customer. Whether investing in new equipment, embracing emerging technologies, streamlining operations, or expanding capabilities, every decision is filtered through a single question—how does this better serve the customer? Rather than viewing technology as a replacement for people, Universal Printing sees it as a way to deliver greater quality, faster turnaround, and more innovative solutions. Their story is a reminder that longevity isn't achieved by resisting change, but by continually reinventing your business while staying true to the relationships and values that built it in the first place.

Presenting Sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Percival Scientific’s story is one of legacy, evolution and continued excellence. Gary Wheelock led the Perry-based company for nearly 50 years, building a remarkable foundation and establishing Percival as a trusted manufacturer of environmental growth chambers used in research, science and agriculture around the world. His legacy is deeply woven into the company, and today Percival is continuing to evolve while building on the strength, reputation and values established over decades.

In this episode, Leisa talks with Jake Oakland about how his 16 years at John Deere helped shape his leadership perspective, from developing people to learning and applying worldwide best practices in pursuit of a best-in-class team in Perry. There is a powerful parallel between Jake’s own evolution as a leader and Percival’s evolution as a company. Percival is flourishing because of the foundation Gary Wheelock built and the fresh perspective Jake brings to its next chapter, showing how legacy and new leadership can work together to strengthen culture, drive performance and position an Iowa manufacturer for the future.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Before automation, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling was facing serious challenges in its warehouse operations. Dan McNutt, Senior Director of Warehouse Operations, shares how repetitive-motion injuries, employee burnout, picking errors and a staggering 120% turnover rate were affecting both the workforce and the customer experience. The company knew it needed more than an incremental fix. After studying operations in Hartford and Indianapolis, the team selected the Vertique semi-automated picking system, and the results have transformed the operation.

But this conversation is about much more than technology. Dan talks about the importance of communication, employee input and bringing people along when a major operational change reshapes how work gets done. We explore how the system has reduced physical strain, improved picking accuracy, strengthened the customer experience and dramatically impacted turnover. It is a compelling look at what happens when an Iowa company pairs automation with thoughtful change management, using technology not simply to increase efficiency, but to create a safer, more sustainable workplace and a stronger operation for the future.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

At LDJ Manufacturing, culture isn't a slogan—it's a competitive advantage. President Ben Cox and Brad Jungling share how the company's commitment to promoting from within has created leaders who understand every level of the operation. Rather than simply filling positions, the team invests in people, cross-training employees so they can step into multiple roles while also building redundancy into their equipment and manufacturing processes. That strategy recently proved invaluable when unexpected challenges arose, allowing production to continue with minimal disruption. Their thoughtful approach to automation is equally intentional. Instead of replacing people, LDJ automates the repetitive jobs most likely to cause employee turnover, workplace injuries, and customer dissatisfaction, allowing team members to focus on higher-value work while improving quality and consistency.

That same customer-first mindset is evident in Thunder Creek Equipment. Built by listening closely to contractors, farmers, and fleet operators, Thunder Creek has continually evolved to solve real-world challenges in the field. As customer needs changed, so did the company—expanding from innovative fuel and service trailers into truck-mounted solutions that bring even greater flexibility to job sites. Throughout the conversation, one theme rises above all others: technical skills can be taught, but character cannot. Ben and Brad explain why they prioritize culture fit before skill fit, believing the right people—those who embrace the company's values and purpose—are the foundation for innovation, exceptional customer service, and long-term success.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Register for Manufacturing Forecast event: https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event