Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing

In this episode of "Clocking In, Forces of NC Manufacturing," host Phil Mintz, director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), interviews John Weir, the founder and CEO of I2E Group ( I2E stands for "Innovation to Execution”). Based in High Point, North Carolina, the I2E Group specializes in the design, development, and production of a variety of electronic assemblies, including printed circuit boards, electromechanical assemblies, cable assemblies, and harness assemblies. Weir founded his first company, Nimbus Technologies, in 1993, which was a contract manufacturing business. He later started the I2E Group to offer a more comprehensive service, ranging from early-stage innovation to final execution and manufacturing. Listeners will gain insights into the status of the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, how I2E Group has succeeded by focusing on "high contact" projects, where they can protect customers' intellectual property and meet stringent quality standards for industries like medical, aerospace, and defense, the challenges of sourcing raw components, and the continued growth of domestic manufacturing. LINKS NCMEP | IES | I2E Group ABOUT The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably. NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions provides services that help manufacturers to: Dr. Phil Mintz Dr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions. John Weir John Weir is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of i2E Group, LLC, based in High Point, North Carolina. With a career in manufacturing that began in 1993, he brings more than three decades of expertise in engineering, product development, and executive leadership. John earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and his Master of Business Administration from Cornell University, a foundation that has shaped his approach to innovative problem-solving and scalable manufacturing. Under his leadership, i2E Group has established itself as a trusted partner, supporting product design, prototyping, and low- to mid-volume electronics equipment production across diverse industries including aviation, life sciences, telecommunications, and defense.

From Classroom to Continuous Improvement: Clifton Dial’s Journey in Manufacturing Leadership. In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Clifton Dial, Operations Manager at WePack Logistics in Laurinburg, North Carolina. From a start in biology and education to a leadership role in manufacturing, Dr. Dial shares his unconventional career path and how his passion for leadership development and continuous improvement ultimately led him to WePack. WePack Logistics, a 2025 NC Manufacturing Leadership Award winner for Continuous Improvement, specializes in contract packaging, display assembly, and co-manufacturing services for major brands like Campbell’s. Clifton discusses how his background in teaching and consulting shaped his leadership style, the challenges and opportunities of working in a seasonal operation, and how WePack is building a culture of efficiency and standardization to support long-term growth. Listeners will gain insights into leadership strategies, lean manufacturing practices, and the importance of investing in people and processes for sustainable manufacturing success. LINKS: NCMEP | We Pack Logistics ABOUT: The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles. to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NCMEP provides solutions and services that help manufacturers to: › Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships › Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap › Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology › Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity › Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities › Increase Sales and Profits › Create and Retain Jobs › Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market Dr. Phil Mintz Dr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions. Dr. Clifton Dial Dr. Clifton Dial is Operations Manager at We Pack Logistics, located in Scotland County, North Carolina. Dial’s primary focus at We Pack Logistics is to improve efficiencies and build a culture of continuous improvement through training and development of people and processes. Dial has earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and holds several certifications in lean manufacturing and leadership development. As an organizational consultant, Dial has over 12 years of experience in training and development, focusing on leadership and continuous improvement, specifically in...

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