Midwest manufacturers invited to free supply chain conference in Sheboygan

GKM WI Global Supply Chain will host a free 2026 Supply Chain Conference on Oct. 27 at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay’s Sheboygan campus and online. The event will focus on inventory flow, tariffs, bonded facilities and other tactics Midwest manufacturers can use to improve supply-chain visibility and cost control.

Why it matters: - Midwest manufacturers, importers, exporters and distributors are facing the same freight and port pressures as Wisconsin companies. - The conference is designed to share operational tactics that could improve visibility, manage tariffs and reduce logistics costs. - Interest is coming from outside Wisconsin, including states tied to Chicago cargo flows and broader central U.S. supply chains.

What happened: - GKM WI Global Supply Chain, LLC will host the 2026 Supply Chain Conference on Oct. 27. - The event will be held in person at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, and virtually. - The conference is free and open to manufacturers, importers, exporters and distributors across the Midwest. - Executives from The Vollrath Company, School Specialty LLC and other companies with international freight experience are scheduled to speak.

The details: - Presenters will discuss tariffs, bonded facilities, deconsolidation, inventory flow, transportation modeling and alternatives to traditional private fleets. - The agenda also includes strategies for managing TEUs through deconsolidation, flow analysis and direct-to-inventory placement when products arrive in Sheboygan. - Other topics include the use of algorithms, analytics and linear cost models to help determine outcomes. - GKM says the event will focus on information sharing rather than sales discussions. - Registration is available here. - GKM WI Global Supply Chain says its methods have been used by Wisconsin manufacturers for more than 10 years. - The company says it has expanded the platform to include TEU flow analytics, management and transload services for companies in KS, MI, MO, IA, IN, KY, MN, OH and TN.

Between the lines: - The conference reflects growing regional interest in supply-chain strategies built around the Port of Chicago and related rail and trucking networks. - GKM is using the event to position its Wisconsin model as a template for manufacturers in neighboring states. - The company’s emphasis on bonded facilities and hybrid fleet models points to a broader push to control landed costs and reduce dependency on traditional logistics structures.

What's next: - GKM expects some attendees to come from outside Wisconsin. - The October event will give participants a chance to compare approaches and consider whether Wisconsin-style supply-chain tools fit their own operations. - More information about the WI TEU Intermodal Platform and client testimonials is available on GKM's site.

The bottom line: - GKM is turning its annual conference into a regional forum for manufacturers looking for practical ways to improve freight visibility, inventory management and cost control.