Lippert / Taylor Made Plant Tour and Seminar
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Manufacturing professionals gathered on February 19, 2026, for the Lippert / Taylor Made Plant Tour and Seminar in Bradenton. The afternoon began with an in-depth tour of Plant 113-A, a key facility within Lippert’s marine division. Attendees saw firsthand how the team manufactures marine furniture and SureShade retractable shade systems, including cut-and-sew operations and assembly processes that produce comfort-focused seating and sun protection solutions for boats and watercraft. The tour highlighted the plant’s strong emphasis on craftsmanship, durability, innovation, and its role in delivering high-quality products to OEM partners and aftermarket customers across the United States.
Following the tour, Marc Simms, Founder of Right Performance Management and a preferred partner of Florida Makes, led the “Manufacturing Labor Disrupted” seminar. His presentation explored the impact of the “Silver Tsunami” as Baby Boomers reach peak retirement age, and what it means for the future of manufacturing. Attendees gained insight into the challenges ahead—including the loss of institutional knowledge, increased competition for skilled talent, and the growing role of AI and automation—as well as practical strategies to prepare their organizations for workforce disruption in 2030 and beyond.
The event concluded with networking at Motorworks Brewery, where participants continued conversations, shared ideas, and built valuable industry connection.
