Manufacturing Roundtable: Capital, Credits & Incentives

Manufacturing Roundtable: Making AI Make Sense

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 8:00-10:00 AM

S. Dale High Leadership Center
1861 William Penn Way
Lancaster, PA 17601 United States
Parking is onsite at the location. Enter through the main entrance.

AI can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. Join MANTEC for a practical conversation on how manufacturers are using Artificial Intelligence across their organizations. Chad Yiengst will provide a high-level overview of AI, exploring both the opportunities and the risks of using—and not using—AI, along with practical strategies for mitigating those risks through effective prompting and responsible AI use. Evan Bates will share real-world use cases for AI in sales and marketing, demonstrating how manufacturers are leveraging AI to improve communication, content creation, customer engagement, and business development. Don Bolton will highlight practical applications of AI on the shop floor, including vision systems, tribal knowledge capture, predictive maintenance, and other operational improvements. The session will wrap up with a peer roundtable discussion where attendees can share the tools they’re using, lessons learned, and ideas they want to explore next.

Meet The Panelist!

Panelist: Chad Yiengst, Managing Director, Ledge Inc

Chad Yiengst is Managing Director at Ledge Inc., a quality consulting firm that helps manufacturers build practical, audit-ready management systems. Chad works with small and mid-sized manufacturers across industries including aerospace, defense, medical device, automotive, and food manufacturing, supporting implementation, internal auditing, third-party audit preparation, corrective action, and process improvement.

In addition to his consulting work, Chad is actively involved in developing AI-enabled tools for manufacturers, including applications for quality management, contract review, work instructions, and office process improvement. He focuses on using AI in practical, low-risk ways to reduce administrative burden, improve consistency, and help teams spend more time solving problems instead of managing paperwork.

Panelist: Evan Bates, Business Advisor, MANTEC

Evan Bates joined MANTEC in 2021 and serves as a Business Advisor specializing in Sales & Marketing. He works closely with manufacturers across South Central Pennsylvania to strengthen their sales strategies, marketing efforts, and business development initiatives. Before joining MANTEC, Evan earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing and spent five years as an international sales representative for a boutique manufacturing firm in Carlisle, partnering with customers throughout East Asia and supporting them directly in their facilities. He also owned and operated a successful small business in New Cumberland for three years, giving him firsthand experience in entrepreneurship and business growth.

Drawing on his background in international sales, marketing, and small business ownership, Evan helps manufacturers identify new opportunities, build stronger customer relationships, and develop strategies that drive sustainable growth. Outside of work, he enjoys rock climbing, traveling, and spending quality time outdoors with his family.

Panelist: Don Bolton, Business Advisor, MANTEC

Don Bolton joined MANTEC in 2020 as a Business Advisor specializing in Manufacturing Technology. He brings extensive experience in manufacturing, automation, and advanced technologies, having previously worked as a design and process engineer serving clients including General Motors, Chrysler, KUKA, and Comau. Before transitioning into engineering, Don spent 12 years as a welder and fabricator supporting organizations such as TTX, Cannon Truck Equipment, and the U.S. Department of Defense. At MANTEC, he partners with manufacturers to assess technology needs and implement practical solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

Originally from Michigan, Don relocated to South Central Pennsylvania in 2020 and has embraced everything the region has to offer. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, exploring Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes, tinkering in the garage, and—true to his passion for manufacturing technology—anything involving robots.