Wisconsin Defense Industry Council

Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC)

Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC) is a joint effort between Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) to strengthen and support Wisconsin’s defense industry through collaborative advocacy, information sharing and networking.

WDIC hosts regular summits and events throughout the year with featured speakers, networking opportunities, and more.

In Partnership

WDIC

About Us

AN ADVOCATE

Wisconsin is routinely ranked as the most manufacturing intensive state in the country measured on a per capita basis. The industry employs nearly half a million people and creates roughly $70 billion in economic output each year. However, according to a 2022 Department of Defense report, Wisconsin ranks 30th in total U.S. defense contract spending. To narrow that gap, WDIC will serve as the public voice for manufacturers and the defense industry to showcase why the Badger State is primed and ready to better support the U.S. military and our country’s national security interests.

A RESOURCE

WDIC aims to provide educational programming and other resources to create a well-prepared network of manufacturers in – and in support of – the defense industry in Wisconsin. This will include multiple major events throughout the year that will bring in experts on national security, procurement, industry needs and more.
The organization will also provide members with timely news updates via digital communications and additional virtual programs.

A NETWORK

Building a robust network of manufacturers and other companies is critical to increasing Wisconsin’s ability to fully support our national security interests.
Through in-person and virtual programming, WDIC will bring together employers of all sizes to ensure Wisconsin has the capacity to deliver products critical to the nation’s defense.

ERNIE LITYNSKI – CHAIR

President, RBP Chemical

In addition to serving as president of RBP Chemical, Ernie Litynski has a long history of leadership at General Electric, Master Lock and his own personal distribution and Lean Six Sigma consulting business. He also served as a Major General in the U.S. Army Reserves as Commanding General for the 76th Operational Command, overseeing 6,000 soldiers and civilians throughout the U.S. He served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the Bronze Star Medal.

JIM KORNFELD – VICE CHAIR

President & CEO, Strohwig

James Kornfeld is president and CEO of Strohwig, a manufacturing company that specializes in machining, injection molds and die cast dies. Kornfeld has more than 30 years of management and executive experience in the manufacturing, service, and private equity segments. Before joining Strohwig, Kornfeld served as president and CEO of PAX Holdings, president and CEO of Sucor LLC and president and CEO of Sharp Packaging Systems. Kornfeld serves on various corporate and community boards, with emphasis on strategic development, analytics, and diversity. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University.

Get Involved

WDIC hosts events and other programming to build its network and advocacy reach. For more information about upcoming events, contact Kurt Bauer at kbauer@wmc.org.