Buildings and Sites
AI, automation shift equation for Barron County manufacturers
20 Jan 2026
News
Workforce numbers, child care and housing have long been challenges facing manufacturers in Barron County, but the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation has been altering the equation.
State Rep. Dave Armstrong, R-Rice Lake, brought together several area legislators, including Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, education leaders and economic development specialists at Northwood Technical College on Friday. Their mission was to collaborate with the manufacturers who also sat at the table to discover how government agencies can help their businesses grow.
Armstrong is a leading proponent of economic development in Madison, particularly when it comes to affordable housing. On Friday he called on the manufacturers to add their voices to his as he tries to persuade the legislature to adopt pro-business legislation.
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