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 manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution companies across North Carolina. Before joining the We Pack Team, Clifton served as the lead trainer and curriculum developer for Dial Ventures LLC, where he provided customized leadership and continuous improvement training to over 100 industries across the state.