Woodworking & Construction Machinery Association celebrates successful WoodTech Connect 2026 event
WoodTech Connect 2026 united WCMA members in Green Bay for three days of immersive plant tours, valuable industry insights, and meaningful networking. Featuring seven facility visits, engaging evening programs, and extensive opportunities for collaboration, the event showcased the hands-on learning and peer connections that make the WTC experience unique.
Day 1: Welcome reception
The event kicked off on May 11 with a lively Welcome Reception at The Alley inside Hotel Northland. The venue’s relaxed, social atmosphere set the perfect tone for the days ahead, giving attendees space to reconnect with longtime colleagues, greet new members, and ease into the event with genuine enthusiasm.
Bowling, billiards, and a lively spread of appetizers created an energetic atmosphere where conversations flowed naturally throughout the evening. The blend of relaxed entertainment and professional networking fostered a strong sense of community that carried seamlessly through the entire three-day program.
Day 2: Stop #1 — KI–Bonduel
The day opened at KI’s Bonduel facility, where the employee‑owned company demonstrated why it is a leader in commercial‑grade furnishings for schools, public venues, and workplaces. Attendees observed production of table tops, workbenches, stools, powder‑coating operations, edge‑banding, and more. KI’s commitment to quality, people‑centered values, and responsible manufacturing was evident at every turn.
Stop #2 — Cruiser Yachts, Pulaski
The group then visited Cruisers Yachts for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of luxury yacht production. Attendees explored every stage of the manufacturing process — from hull fabrication and mechanical integration to the custom woodworking shop and final assembly — ending with the opportunity to board a fully completed $3 million yacht awaiting delivery. The remarkable scale, precision, and craftsmanship made this visit one of the event’s most memorable highlights.
Stop #3 — Valley Custom Door & Valley Cabinets, De Pere
The third stop brought attendees to WCMA member Valley Custom Door and Valley Cabinets, where owner Steve Mashl introduced the team and proudly unveiled their brand‑new facility — a project more than two years in the making. Designed with state‑of‑the‑art automation and a layout optimized for efficiency, the plant offered numerous takeaways for attendees, from workflow improvements to advanced equipment integration. Customer focus and market adaptability were discussed along with workforce incentives and engagement.
Stop #4 — Green Bay Packaging
The final stop of the day took the group to Green Bay Packaging, where attendees toured both the Mill Plant and the Container Division. The sheer scale of the operations, combined with sophisticated automation and digital process controls, left a strong impression. GBP’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability was evident throughout the tour.
Following a full day of tours, attendees came together for the WCMA Dinner, offering a chance to relax, reconnect, and reflect on the day’s experiences. Amy Snell opened the evening with remarks emphasizing the strength of the WCMA community and the importance of fostering hands-on learning, collaboration, and industry connections.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Dana Lee Cole, delivered an insightful and timely presentation focused on the current challenges and opportunities within the hardwood industry. She highlighted the Hardwood Federation’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., addressing critical topics such as Farm Bill inclusion, tariffs, housing market fluctuations, and import/export regulations. Cole also stressed the importance of active member involvement, encouraging attendees to engage with elected officials and support industry initiatives aimed at strengthening the wood sector.
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