Two3 on the 23rd: October Recap, Made in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a lot to celebrate this October. For starters, the Brewers are headed to the World Series for the first time since 1982, with Game 1 right here at American Family Field on October 23. Yes, the same day this edition of Two3 on the 23rd lands in your inbox. Pretty good timing, if you ask us! 

October has another reason to celebrate the people who keep this part of the country moving: Manufacturing Month. From the shop floor to the shipping dock, there's an incredible amount of work happening behind the products we use every day. And while the Midwest will always have a special place in our hearts, we're lucky to work alongside manufacturers, distributors, and warehouse teams across the country.

Here's a look at what we've been up to, what we're seeing in the industry, and a few people who deserve a shoutout.

Making room for what's being made

Here's a question we hear in a lot of different forms: How do we fit more into the space we've got?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. That's been especially clear in our recent projects.

In Minnesota, one customer replaced old drive-in racking with a combination of pallet flow and selective rack. Because their pallets are stored sideways, getting the forklift clearance right at the pick face was a major part of the application. The flow lanes help support the way pallets move through the operation, while selective rack adds flexibility for other inventory.

We've also been working on some taller rack installations that take advantage of available clear height, along with mezzanine projects that create usable space above the floor. The point isn't that every warehouse needs taller rack or a platform. It's that the right answer depends on what you're storing, how it's handled, and what the building can actually support... sometimes finding more room doesn't mean finding another building. It means taking a closer look at the one you're already in.

Manufacturing keeps moving. So do the challenges.

It's Manufacturing Month, and there's plenty happening across the industry worth talking about.

According to the Institute for Supply Management's September 2026 report, U.S. manufacturing is growing, with a Manufacturing PMI of 54.5. But with the Prices Index at 77.9, costs remain a challenge.

That's where we come in. As manufacturers look to do more without spending more than they need to, we're helping them make better use of their existing space, improve material flow, and find solutions that fit their operations.

We're proud to work alongside the people keeping American manufacturing moving.

Solution Spotlight: Bernie's Book Bank's new MKE Facility

One of our favorite recent projects had nothing to do with making a product. It had everything to do with making room for a mission.

At Bernie's Book Bank in Greater Milwaukee, we helped install 436 pallet positions to support the books moving through their operation and, ultimately, into the hands and homes of local children.

We recently sat down with Brandon Finger, their Operations Manager, to hear about the project and his experience working with our team. Brandon had worked with Two3 before, so when it came time to plan this space, we were one of his first calls.

His conversation covered a lot more than racking: site visits, mapping out layout options, communication, and the work our own Mike Kennedy put into helping the team make the most of the building.

One part of Brandon's story stuck with us: “It was, okay, here's the space. Help me make it great.”

That's the kind of challenge we love. Not because it's easy, but because it's where the planning, problem-solving, and people all come together.

Good people, good work, and a little friendly competition

October wasn't all rack beams and floor plans.

We celebrated five years with Kyle Fritz, who's helped shape the relationships and problem-solving approach that make Two3 what it is. We're also looking for a Project Manager to join the team, because keeping projects moving takes good people on both sides of the jobsite.

And, in case you missed it, the Bears-Packers rivalry made its way into our office. We can agree on warehouse solutions. Football is apparently another story.

Here's to the people who make it happen

Whether you're building something, shipping something, installing something, or figuring out how to make a busy facility work a little better, Manufacturing Month is a good reminder that there's a whole lot of talent behind the scenes.

Thanks to our customers, partners, installation crews, and team for another busy month. We're glad to be part of it.

And to the Crew: bring it home, Milwaukee. ⚾

Got a space challenge on your hands? Let's talk about what could work.

Industry source: ISM Manufacturing PMI, September 2026. World Series schedule: MLB, October 18, 2026.