Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector E19
Made in Arizona. It’s a phrase that is becoming more familiar as the state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and add a rapidly increasing number of manufacturing jobs. Between the development of technologies improving efficiency and reducing costs, automation of manufacturing processes and a business-friendly climate, Arizona’s manufacturing landscape is being recognized on a national stage.
In the Arizona Technology Council’s October 2021 episode of AZTechCast, Mike Buseman, EVP and chief operating officer at Benchmark; Brett Dooley, technical sales engineer at In-Position Technologies; and Mike McCormack, president and CEO at CP North America joined Phoenix Business RadioX owner and president, Karen Nowicki, to discuss the rapid evolution and development of Arizona’s manufacturing sector.
Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of experts explored the various factors that have contributed to Arizona’s rise in manufacturing over the past decade, the newest technologies manufacturers are utilizing to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the automation being implemented to compete with foreign sources and the largest manufacturing challenges they are facing in a post-COVID world, particularly around supply chain and talent acquisition and retention.
Benchmark provides comprehensive solutions across the entire product life cycle; leading through its innovative technology and engineering design services; leveraging its optimized global supply chain; and delivering world-class manufacturing services in the following industries: commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation telecommunications, medical, complex industrials, and semiconductor capital equipment.
Benchmark’s global operations include facilities in seven countries and its common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE.
Mike Buseman serves as Benchmark’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for all worldwide manufacturing operations. Mike is an accomplished executive with broad experience in operations, quality and customer relationship management. He has an extensive background in EMS and related industries.
Mike served as Chief Global Logistics and Operations Officer of Avnet, Inc., a global electronics components company, and was Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing Operations at Plexus Corp., having served as their Vice President of Global Technology, Quality and Facilities previously.
Additionally, Mike served as Vice President and General Manager of Operations of Celestica, Inc., as well as their Director of Operations, Engineering, and Technology. Mike began his career in 1983 with Unisys, Inc., holding positions of increasing responsibility, including Principal Process Engineer and Director of Advanced Design Manufacturing Services.
Mike holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota.
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn and follow Benchmark on Facebook and Twitter.
In-Position Technologies is a robotic automation company who partners with both suppliers and customers to deliver automation. Their charter is to be a value-added partner in the automation process.
They do this by supplying products coupled with training, and integration resources coupled with know-how.
With offices located throughout the Western United States, In-Position Technologies has been helping both end users and original equipment manufacturers automate for more than 20 years.
Brett Dooley is a mechanical engineer with In-Position Technologies. He collaborates with business owners and engineers to develop targeted solutions for motion control and automation challenges.
He can assist in a broad range of applications, including autonomous mobile robotics and logistics, machine tending, vision, laser marking, laboratory automation, as well as OEM product development.
He uses his wide experience in business development, industrial repair, and a decade as an electronics tech in the US Navy submarine force to ensure delivery of an effective and robust automation system.
Connect with Brett on Instagram, Twittter and LinkedIn and follow In-Position Technologies on Facebook.
CP North America is an independently operated U.S.-based company, encompassing a family of brands including CP Technologies, CP Systems and CP Aeronautics.
CP Technologies is a U.S. designer and vertically integrated manufacturer of rugged and custom computing solutions for defense applications. 
CP Systems is a U.S. designer and vertically integrated manufacturer of custom and rugged, high-performance computing solutions serving the industrial, commercial, and agriculture markets.
Focused on cost-effective unmanned combat-proven ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions, CP Aeronautics provides integrated turnkey systems and subsystems based on platforms, payloads, communications, and ground control stations for defense and civil applications.
Mike McCormack is the President and CEO of CP North America. To this role, he brings Extensive general management and leadership experience, full profit and loss experience, and the management of Sales, Distribution, and Manufacturing organizations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
This has included an understanding of managing businesses across cultures and geographies that has led to double-digit growth in challenging environments. He attended the University of California, San Diego, and earned an MBA in International Business at The Open University.
Follow CP North America on LinkedIn.
About AZ TechCast
AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.
Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
