If any company knows how to handle twists and turns, it’s Nercon, this month’s cover feature. Associate Editor Kate Bruns has gotten to know the company, with operations in both Neenah and Oconto, through her work on this story and the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast. If you are unfamiliar with Nercon, I am extremely pleased to make this introduction.
Nercon produces conveyor systems primarily for manufacturers in the food, beverage and household products industries. These conveyors are custom-designed to fit not only the physical space, but also the complex production needs of major clients which include the likes of Kellogg’s and Mars. They have even contributed to the product-perfecting innovation of some pretty impressive consumables, including the Hot Pocket.
Read more about Nercon and its engineering prowess starting on page 20 of this issue. And if you missed it, Nercon’s Fabrication Manager Jim Eckes was featured on the Nov. 14 episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Head to insightonbusiness.com/podcasts for another perspective on this New North gem.
Elsewhere in this issue, you will find many more examples of exciting movement in our region. On page 42, Insight contributor Nikki Kallio provides an in-depth look at some of the New North’s key commercial real estate trends and what developers are expecting to see in 2025. This month’s economic development feature on page 18 offers an update on a long-awaited infrastructure project in Brown County and the development opportunities it is creating, particularly in the city of De Pere and towns of Ledgeview and Lawrence.
In Insight event news, we have two important nomination deadlines approaching: Feb. 14 is the deadline for 40 Under 40 nominations, and March 14 is the deadline for Women of Influence nominations. Your thoughtful nominations are a big reason for the success of these recognition events, so please take a moment to submit your candidates at insightonbusiness.com/insightevents. Then mark your calendars for May 29 and July 29 for our 40 Under 40 and Women of Influence award ceremonies, respectively. I hope to see you there.
Thank you for being a part of our Insight community. Your input is extremely valuable, so please share your feedback with me at awolff@insightonbusiness.com. Whether it’s a comment on something you read or something you’d like to see more of, I’m constantly learning from this community and welcome your ideas.
Happy reading
