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Preparing for the Next Chapter – Succession Planning that Works– June 4th
After a tour of Sahd Metal Recycling—where materials reach the end of one lifecycle and often become the starting point for something new—the conversation will turn to a similar reality inside your organization. Preparing for the Next Chapter: Succession Planning that Works explores how key roles follow that same cycle. Leaders retire, responsibilities shift, and without a plan, critical knowledge can be lost.
What are you doing now to prepare your business for the next chapter whether it’s ownership or a key leadership position? Many business owners are so busy running their business day to day that it’s hard for them to imagine anyone else someday taking over or they think they have a transition plan and plenty of time until “Plan A” suddenly doesn’t work out.
This one-hour session will explore what effective succession planning really involves for business owners and leaders. We’ll cover both ownership transition and leadership succession, why starting earlier creates better options, and why every business needs more than one path forward. Topics will include the common reasons leaders avoid succession planning, the risks of single points of failure, how to build leadership depth and a stronger bench, and how to involve the right people in the process at the right time.
Through practical insights and real-world examples, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to prepare their business for a successful transition—whether planned, delayed, or unexpected—and what steps they should begin taking now to protect the future of the business.
Agenda:
8:00-9:30 – Breakfast and Plant Tour
The series kicks off with a hearty breakfast, providing a casual setting for networking and relationship-building among local manufacturers and peers.
The event transitions into an engaging plant tour. Hosted by a local manufacturer, this guided exploration will provide an up-close look at the processes, technologies, and innovations driving their facility’s success. Participants will gain firsthand experience and witness the application of discussed topics in a real-world setting and the company’s history and impact on the central PA region and globally.
9:30-10:30 – Topic Presentation
Upon return from the plant tour, you’ll be treated to a presentation on manufacturing issues. Expert speakers will share valuable insights, drawing from their experiences to shed light on challenges and opportunities within the industry.
Following the presentation, the floor will open for a dynamic question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to interact directly with the presenters. This exchange of ideas and knowledge will contribute to a collaborative atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among manufacturing professionals.
Next Manufacturing Matters
Manufacturing Matters: Preparing for the Next Chapter – Succession Planning that Works
Date: June 5th, 2026
Time: 8:00-9:30 – Breakfast and Topic Presentation, 9:30-10:30 – Plant Tour
Location: Sahd Metal Recycling, 1045 Lancaster Ave, Columbia, PA 17512
Guest Speaker: Bruce Neilson
Past Manufacturing Matters
Key Takeaways:
In-Depth Understanding: Delve into the intricacies of key manufacturing issues through expert presentations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of challenges and solutions.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals during the breakfast session, fostering relationships that extend beyond the event and contribute to a supportive local manufacturing community.
Real-world Application: Witness the concepts discussed in the presentation come to life during the plant tour, providing practical insights that can be applied in your manufacturing endeavors.
Regional Relevance: The series is strategically hosted across MANTEC’s nine-county region, ensuring that the content is tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities present in the local manufacturing landscape.
Conclusion:
Manufacturing Matters’ Breakfast and Issues series promises to be a transformative experience for participants, offering a blend of education, collaboration, and hands-on exploration. Mark your calendars for our next Manufacturing Matters event and join us in unraveling the complexities of manufacturing while building lasting connections within the vibrant MANTEC community.
If you have questions about Manufacturing Matters contact Evan Bates.
Guest Speaker: Bruce Neilson
Bruce is a Certified Management Consultant with a reputation for helping his clients set and reach their goals by having a sound strategy and solid leadership. He has more than 35 years’ experience working with more than 300 organizations in a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, food processing, commercial construction, engineering, as well as many nonprofit organizations. He has guided many business owners and executives in their succession planning and leadership transitions.
Host Manufacturer: Sahd Metal Recycling
Sahd Metal Recycling works closely with manufacturers across the region to handle and process scrap metal in a way that fits into day-to-day operations. Rather than just picking up material, they help companies organize scrap streams, manage containers on-site, and ensure materials are sorted and processed efficiently. Their work supports cleaner shop floors, safer environments, and more consistent handling of production byproducts, all while helping manufacturers recover value from their scrap. With decades of experience, they understand the realities of the shop floor and operate in a way that aligns with how manufacturing facilities actually run.