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August Retech Tour & Networking at Frankie Primos

August Retech Tour & Networking at Frankie Primos


BNMA Event Recap

Inside Retech: Innovation, Leadership & Connection

BNMA members and guests came together in Tonawanda for an exclusive look inside Retech Systems, followed by an evening of networking and a conversation about preparing the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

August 11, 2026 Retech Systems LLC • Tonawanda, NY BNMA Manufacturing Tour

A Look Inside Advanced Manufacturing in WNY

BNMA had the opportunity to bring members and guests behind the scenes at Retech Systems LLC for an up-close look at the people, technology, and capabilities supporting advanced manufacturing from right here in Western New York.

The tour gave attendees a chance to step onto the manufacturing floor, learn more about Retech's operations, and see firsthand the level of engineering and innovation happening within our region.

BNMA members touring Retech Systems in Tonawanda
Behind the Scenes

Touring Retech

Manufacturing tours are one of the best ways to connect our community and share ideas. Attendees were able to see Retech's operation firsthand, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the work taking place inside one of Western New York's advanced manufacturing facilities.

More importantly, the tour created opportunities for manufacturers from across the region to learn from one another and make connections that extend well beyond the event itself.

Leadership Conversation

Solving the Leadership Readiness Gap

Joan Graci
President, APA Solutions

Following the Retech tour, attendees gathered at Frankie Primo's for networking, food, and an engaging discussion with Joan Graci, President of APA Solutions.

Joan shared insights surrounding the leadership readiness gap and the importance of identifying, developing, and preparing emerging leaders before organizations find themselves with critical positions to fill and no one ready to step into them.

The conversation gave manufacturers practical food for thought around workforce development, succession planning, and creating stronger leadership pipelines throughout their organizations.

BNMA members networking following the Retech tour
Building Connections

Continuing the Conversation

After the facility tour, the group headed to Frankie Primo's in North Tonawanda where members and guests had the opportunity to continue conversations, meet new contacts, and strengthen relationships across Western New York's manufacturing community.

Events like this bring together what BNMA is all about: learning from local manufacturers, sharing knowledge, and building meaningful connections.

Thank You for Joining Us

A special thank you to the team at Retech Systems for welcoming BNMA into their facility, to Joan Graci and APA Solutions for sharing valuable leadership insights, and to every member and guest who joined us.