WMC’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications Nick Novak joined Jason Fechner on Spectrum News’ In Focus program to discuss a new group seeking to grow defense manufacturing in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC) was formed by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) to put a focus on the defense industry here in Wisconsin. Novak said WDIC’s goal is to help connect the private sector with government contracting opportunities.
Although Wisconsin is a top manufacturing state, it ranks 30th in defense spending. Part of the problem, he argued, is that defense manufacturing in Wisconsin is currently decentralized. WDIC hopes the organization can create efficiencies, provide further opportunities, support the supply chain, and bring more manufacturers into the arena.
WDIC also works with manufacturers to provide the education on securing defense contracts, including training on how to navigate regulatory hurdles and other compliance issues.
“We want to grow the defense sector here in Wisconsin because we have such a strong heritage for manufacturing,” Novak said. “We have great workers in our state; we have so many good companies that have these capabilities. Now we just need to implement those.”
Even amid ongoing economic concerns, the defense budget is steadily growing. This could provide secure opportunities for Wisconsin manufacturers to bolster the industry.
