Wisconsin Defense Industry Council

Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC)

Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC) is a joint effort between Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) to strengthen and support Wisconsin’s defense industry through collaborative advocacy, information sharing and networking.

WDIC is hosting a Summit on June 24, 2024, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The event will include a national security update, a panel discussion on defense contracting and procurement, a keynote presentation, and more.

In Partnership

WDIC

About Us

AN ADVOCATE

Wisconsin is routinely ranked as the most manufacturing intensive state in the country measured on a per capita basis. The industry employs nearly half a million people and creates roughly $70 billion in economic output each year. However, according to a 2022 Department of Defense report, Wisconsin ranks 30th in total U.S. defense contract spending. To narrow that gap, WDIC will serve as the public voice for manufacturers and the defense industry to showcase why the Badger State is primed and ready to better support the U.S. military and our country’s national security interests.

A RESOURCE

WDIC aims to provide educational programming and other resources to create a well-prepared network of manufacturers in – and in support of – the defense industry in Wisconsin. This will include multiple major events throughout the year that will bring in experts on national security, procurement, industry needs and more. The organization will also provide members with timely news updates via digital communications and additional virtual programs.

A NETWORK

Building a robust network of manufacturers and other companies is critical to increasing Wisconsin’s ability to fully support our national security interests. Through in-person and virtual programming, WDIC will bring together employers of all sizes to ensure Wisconsin has the capacity to deliver products critical to the nation’s defense.

GEORGE WHITTIER - CHAIR

CEO, Fairbanks Morse Defense

George Whittier has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Fairbanks Morse Defense in Beloit since January 2020. Whittier served as President of the Fairbanks Morse division from 2009-2012. He returned to the company after successful growth-oriented leadership positions at Precision Castparts Corporation, Regal Beloit Corporation, and The Morey Corporation. He earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati, and soon after joined what was known at the time as Coltec Industries prior to it becoming EnPro Industries.

BILL BERRIEN - VICE CHAIR

CEO, Pindel Global Precision

Bill Berrien is owner and CEO of Pindel Global Precision, an ISO 9001:2015-certified contract manufacturer of precision machined components. In an earlier career, Bill served for 9 years as an officer in the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Teams where he commanded SEAL platoons and other special operations units on missions globally. Bill is a graduate of US Army Ranger School and the SEAL Sniper School. Bill also received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and masters degrees from Harvard Business School and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Get Involved

WDIC hosts events and other programming to build its network and advocacy reach. For more information about upcoming events, contact Nick Novak at nnovak@wmc.org or 608-258-3400.