Next in Line: How Case Systems is Developing Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Leaders Today

This article appeared in the August 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

In an industry that relies heavily on skilled labor, knowledge transfer and operational excellence, workforce talent development is no longer optional — it’s mission-critical. At Case Systems and BOSTONtec, headquartered in Midland, President Kelly Wehner and the management team are leading a transformative approach to preparing the next generation of talent, ensuring the company is positioned for success well beyond today’s leadership.

“We’re focused on building the next generation of Case Systems and BOSTONtec,” Wehner says. “As people like me eventually transition into the next chapter of our lives, we want to make sure we’ve created a foundation that allows the company to thrive.”

To do this, Wehner and her management team have launched three key workforce initiatives: a rotational development program, a structured training matrix for manufacturing floor employees and a next-gen emerging leaders program — each thoughtfully designed to cultivate knowledge, boost engagement and ensure long-term resilience.

Rotational Development: A 360-Degree View of the Business

At the heart of this strategy is the Rotational Development Program, launched just over a year ago. This 18-month journey immerses participants in every functional area of the company — from operations and supply chain to sales, finance and customer service. The goal is to provide a holistic understanding of how the business operates, how departments interconnect and how the company ultimately delivers value to its customers and community.

Each rotation is carefully designed, with its own curriculum and training schedule, and includes a dedicated executive mentor. Participants spend four to six hours a week in these rotations, and their regular responsibilities are often backfilled by interns — a move that brings fresh energy into the business and creates additional development opportunities.

“The questions that have come out of these rotations have been eye-opening,” Wehner says. “One participant went upstream in the value chain and gained a new appreciation for the challenges their colleagues face. That understanding led to improvements in communication and collaboration. It’s powerful.”

Beyond technical knowledge, the program emphasizes continuous learning and community engagement. Participants are encouraged to join local organizations, read, attend lectures and stay curious. “It’s about more than skill-building — it’s about growing confident, connected leaders,” says Wehner.

Skills Training with Staying Power

To build depth on the factory floor, Case Systems and BOSTONtec partnered with The Luminous Group — with support from MMA — to develop a training matrix tailored for front-line operators. The program standardizes processes, assigns training responsibilities and ensures sustainability through follow-up and verification.

“Training isn’t just about learning how to do the job — it’s about being able to do more over time,” Wehner explains. “When team members gain exposure to different parts of the operation, they become more valuable to the organization and to themselves.”

The initiative includes standard work documentation, trainer accountability and progress tracking. It also provides critical mentorship tools to team leaders. It’s already driving results by increasing skill versatility and retention, while reinforcing the company’s investment in its people.

Empowering Emerging Leaders

The newest initiative is the NextGen Emerging Leaders Program, a grassroots-style effort run by a steering committee made up of early-career employees. The program focuses on peer networking, professional development and fostering a sense of community among future leaders.

Each month, participants come together for a mix of social events, guest speakers, career planning sessions and volunteer opportunities — all aimed at building trust, relationships and leadership capacity.

“We want our next generation to be able to rely on each other when they’re facing difficult decisions,” Wehner says. “Those foundational connections are key to moving the organization forward.”

Impact and Culture

The ripple effects of these programs are already being felt. Employee engagement is up and the company’s culture of growth is stronger than ever.

“It’s not inexpensive to take someone out of their daily role or to build custom training content,” Wehner acknowledges. “But when our team sees that we’re truly investing in them — not just in words but through real action — that builds trust and commitment.”

Wehner notes that this is just the beginning. “We’re committed to continuing our investment in people — both new hires and long-tenured team members who have valuable years ahead of them. The key is to stay open to what this next generation is looking for and to be willing to take calculated risks.”

In an industry facing both talent shortages and technological evolution, Case Systems and BOSTONtec offer a blueprint for proactive leadership development. Through intentional design, internal mentorship and external partnerships, Wehner is cultivating a workforce ready to lead with confidence, connection and clarity of purpose.

“We don’t know exactly what the future holds,” she says. “But we know we want to leave this company stronger than we found it — and that starts with investing in the people who will carry it forward.”