June Toolbox Talk: Precision Performance with AI & Automation

Future‑Ready Precision: AI, Automation, and Simple Wins That Boost Performance

Toolbox Talk Panel & Happy Hour 

The event is hosted at:
MDI
3501 Broadway St, NE #100
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Join us for a three-part panel moderated by MPMA President, Steve Kalina, featuring industry experts discussing AI, digital twins, and practical low-tech strategies to improve shop efficiency. Panelists will share firsthand experiences with AI adoption and highlight opportunities to strengthen operations and grow your business. 

Featured speakers include:

• • Matt Timm, founder of Magnetic North, who will share his company’s AI journey, provide guidance on identifying and segmenting use cases, and explain the significant growth opportunities AI offers manufacturers.
  • Vivek Saxena, President of FactoryTwin, who will discuss how data-driven manufacturing – from simple analytics to AI and digital twins – can unlock measurable improvements for shops of any size or technical maturity.
  • Rod Gramse, President of MRG Tool and Die, will engage in a conversation with Steve Kalina to explore the implementation and impact of multiple AI applications at MRG.

Presenters will include:
Matt Timm - Magnetic North 
Vivek Saxena - FactoryTwin
Steve Kalina & Rod Gramse - MRG Tool & Die

Agenda:
1:30 pm - Check-in
1:45 pm - Welcome, Steve Kalina - MPMA 
1:50 pm - Welcome MDI
1:55 pm - Presentation, Matt Timm - Magnetic North
2:20 pm - Discussion, Steve Kalina + Rod Gramse
2:40 pm - Presentation, Vivek Saxena - FactoryTwin
3:05 pm - Panel Q&A - All
3:25 pm - Closing Remarks
3:30 pm - Adjourn 
3:30 pm - Happy Hour at TwinCities 400 Tavern

Happy Hour Details (one free drink ticket is included with registration)
TwinCities 400 Tavern
1330 Industrial Blvd NE, Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Why Should I Attend?

This experienced panel will help attendees gain insight into how digital twins are being used to simulate processes, reduce errors, and optimize workflows and learn how AI can support process improvement, quality, and predictive decision‑making. This TBT panel will provide some practical examples of low‑tech, high‑impact shop‑floor ideas that improve efficiency without major capital investment and hopefully provide some take away actionable ideas you can implement immediately to improve daily operations.

Who Should Attend?

Manufacture owners, operations and plant managers, engineers and process engineers, continuous improvement professionals, and those looking for new ways to improve the efficiency of their shop floor and/or any other all level of their business. 

Questions about this event? Contact Christina at events@mpma.com 

Thank you to our host facility MDI - Minnesota Diversified Industries.