Made Local: The Manufacturing Event Series

Automation isn’t just about increasing efficiency, it’s also about supporting employees, attracting talent, and helping Vermont businesses thrive.

Join Rigorous Technology, in partnership with Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, for a hands‑on showcase exploring how automation can strengthen workplace culture, support workforce development, and help Vermont businesses grow, while staying true to people‑centered values. You’ll experience manufacturing technologies up close in a mini trade‑show environment and hear directly from local leaders who are putting automation to work in meaningful ways, including iAutomation and Rigorous Technology.

We will hear from Birnn Chocolates of Vermont about how automation has supported its people-first workplace while fueling business growth, followed by insights from the UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences on how advanced manufacturing technologies can help attract, develop, and retain Vermont’s workforce.

If you think automation is only for large manufacturers, you may be surprised by how accessible and affordable today’s solutions have become!

Whether you’re already investing in automation or simply curious about what’s possible, you’ll leave with practical examples, local connections, and a better understanding of how new technologies can align with your business values.

Speakers

Julia Birnn Fields

Julia is the President, fourth-generation owner, and first woman to lead Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, a wholesale manufacturer of premium European-style chocolate truffles based in South Burlington. Under her leadership, Birnn serves customers in all 50 states, manufacturing truffles for retailers, chocolatiers, and specialty food brands with a focus on quality, consistency, and partnerships. As the company has grown, she has embraced automation to improve efficiency and capacity, using technology to support people, not replace them.

Keith Epstein

With decades of industry experience in a wide variety of fields, Keith has worked on teams designing racecars, sensors, wind turbines, solar tracking systems, sports equipment, machinery, and more. He loves introducing students to the engineering design process: developing, building, testing, and redesigning to continuously improve the project.

Diane Abruzzini

Diane is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Rigorous Technology. Rigorous was founded to make robotics more accessible to small and medium-size manufacturers by leveraging modern software. Diane runs business operations and holds an MBA from UVM's Sustainable Innovation MBA program. Diane serves on the boards of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and the Vermont Seed Capital Fund.

Part 1

Automation and Workplace Culture

Hear from Julia Birnn Fields, President of Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, about how her company
has embraced automation while maintaining a people-first workplace culture.

Part 2 Strengthening Vermont’s Workforce

Learn from the UVM College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences about how automation
can strengthen recruitment and retention, create meaningful career opportunities, and help
address workforce challenges as experienced employees retire.

Part 3 Automation Showcase

Explore a mini trade show featuring live demonstrations of automation systems, including a Rigorous robot and
safety system from iAutomation. Ask questions, engage with the systems and learn how these technologies are transforming manufacturing today.