Manufacturing Happy Hour

Two podcast hosts walk into a recording studio and explore what it actually takes to get real stories out of robotics pioneers, why humanoids might not need to do everything to be useful, and where the real optimism in automation lies.Brian Heater, Managing Editor at A3 and host of the Automated podcast, joins the show to share what he's learned from candid conversations with industry pioneers like Rodney Brooks and Brad Porter. We discuss why robots don't need to be fully general purpose to be useful, why timing matters when adopting new technology, and why stepping away to return with fresh eyes applies as much to workflows as it does to building anything.The conversation also explores the human side of automation: exoskeletons helping people become mobile again, prosthetics inspired by a childhood encounter in Pakistan, and wearables being developed for Parkinson's patients. These applications (along with aging in place and caregiver shortages) are what give Brian optimism about where robotics is headed.In this episode, find out:Why most robotics journalism misses the mark and what Brian advises new reporters to avoidWhat Amazon-level scale actually looks like compared to everyone elseWhat industry pioneers think about humanoid robots and timing adoptionHow exoskeletons, prosthetics, and Parkinson's solutions are driving real impactWhy knowing when to step away and return with fresh eyes applies to building anythingThe human stories from Automated that show why this technology mattersBrian’s optimism about the future of automationEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I’m hoping that as robotics and automation become a little bit more mainstream, the coverage itself will start to mature. As more journalists enter the field, they’ll hopefully be a little more familiar with the technology.”“I’ve written about what success means in scaling a few times. The jump from pilots and assembly onsite takes a lot, not to mention being able to do so reliably and safely. I’ve spoken to a lot of smart people, and it seems as though we may underestimate what it’s going to take to get there.”“It comes back to the human element. The end goal of a lot of manufacturing is to make people’s lives easier. People who are actively looking for solutions to problems, whether its climate change or aging in place, there are big problems we’re facing that have potentially good technological solutions.”Links & mentions:Automated with Brian Heater, robotics, AI, and automation are rapidly reshaping the world around us; veteran tech journalist Brian Heater digs into stories behind the technologies with the people who built them.Nardwuar, the Human Serviette, a Canadian journalist and musician, well-known for his candid approach to shows and interviews with celebrities and politicians. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Robots are becoming more and more mainstream in manufacturing, but most organizations still think of them with sci-fi imagery rather than everyday tools. The gap isn't in the technology, it's in how we prepare people to work alongside it.Jason Gryszkowiec from St. Onge Company and Ben Perlson from ABB Robotics join us to discuss why successful automation deployments focus on making robotics more digestible for everyday workers.Jason emphasizes that the biggest challenge isn't the technology, it's ensuring supervisors understand both the capabilities and limitations of the systems they're managing, while Ben explores how future developments like AI and voice control could bridge the gap from fixed path programming to more dynamic, adaptive systems.The conversation covers why skipping change management creates bigger problems than the technology solves. Both Jason and Ben share practical approaches to starting with automation, from modular pilots that validate technology and training needs, to understanding how enterprise operations differ from Mom-and-Pop shops who need more hands-on partner support along their automation journey.In this episode, find out:Why shortcuts during implementation create bigger issues for end usersHow operators and supervisors are being upskilled and reskilled to manage new types of automationThe importance of getting high-potential employees involved early as super usersWhy you need a champion at the site who enables automation projects to succeedHow modular implementations helps validate technology and training needs before roll-outThe risk management approach to introducing automation without killing operations with downtimeHow ABB Robotics’ four-level project segmentation helps meet customers where they areEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The biggest hiccup or problem we typically see is a lack of successful change management. What very frequently happens is that shortcuts are taken during the implementation process which makes it less digestible for the people that end up using the system day in day out.” - Jason Gryszkowiec“When we talk about upskilling and reskilling, it’s about making people more comfortable to work alongside automation and to handle basic troubleshooting and fault correction. There’s still going to be different roles for different skillsets, but it’s about bringing people along the automation journey, rather than throwing them in the deep end.” - Ben Perlson“With experimental or new technology, do a pilot. Go out, confirm the concept, bring it in, test it out, and confirm it. This not only gives you a chance to confirm the economic feasibility and validate the technology, but as an organization, you can understand what training and SOPs need to look like before roll-out.” - Jason GryszkowiecLinks & mentions: The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. ABB Robotics, one of the world's leading robotics suppliers offering industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, and intelligent software solutions for industries including automotive, electronics, and logistics.a...

Many manufacturers are taking the wrong approach to artificial intelligence, picking the wrong implementation partners, and in general, not preparing their data effectively.In this interview, Aaron Lober - VP of Marketing at CADDi - is going to share what AI can realistically do for a manufacturing company and how to properly prepare for an AI implementation.

It’s rare to find someone whose career spans 18 years in automotive manufacturing and venture capital, but Charly Mwangi, Partner at Eclipse Ventures, has done exactly that. His journey from the factory floor at Toyota, Nissan, Tesla and Rivian to backing hard tech companies gives him a perspective many VCs don’t have.We sit down with Charly to explore how first principles thinking (questioning assumptions and getting back to root causes) drives real innovation in manufacturing.He walks us through Tesla’s early days when they were asking questions nobody in the automotive industry had thought to ask, like whether robots could be programmed to work faster or if there was a better way to design for manufacturing.The conversation covers what Eclipse looks for in the founders they support, why being scrappy can lead to better manufacturing decisions, and why old manufacturing principles need rethinking as the industry flows in the opposite direction.In this episode, find out:How first principles thinking challenges manufacturing assumptions and unlocks innovationWhy asking “why not?” opens possibilities that “that’s how it’s always been done” closes offThe critical relationship between product design and manufacturability that many companies overlookWhat Charly learned about manufacturing during his time at Toyota and NissanWhy being capital-constrained can force creativity and focus in manufacturingThe questions Tesla asked that nobody in automotive had thought to ask beforeWhat Eclipse Ventures looks for in the founders they back and why that matters for hard tech companiesEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I was ten years into my career when Elon was asking questions that had never been asked in automotive before. By forcing us to think about things from a first principle, we started identifying levers like part consolidation that are now commonplace in manufacturing today.”“Most folks design a factory as just what’s inside the shell, but then you end up with over-built systems that don’t speak to each other. If you design it as one product, like how a vehicle would be designed, there are more synergistic opportunities to simplify the utilities and make them complimentary.”“Manufacturing until recently has always flowed towards low labor costs and consolidation in pursuit of economies of scale. But now it’s flowing in the other direction, so that means you can’t depend on previous principles and how manufacturing has always been designed.”Links & mentions:Eclipse Ventures, partnering with entrepreneurs boldly transforming the essential industries that define and propel economies. Nexiforge, reindustrializing America with AI-Powered factories for contract manufacturing.Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Sustainability goals are everywhere in manufacturing; net-zero by 2030, carbon neutral by 2035. While many manufacturers have set ambitious targets, the gap between goals and execution remains a challenge, especially when sustainability projects compete with production priorities for capital.Eric Spink and Shiva Subramanya from Veregy join the show to talk about energy transition and what it looks like in practice. Energy used to be just another line item and the cost of doing business, now it's tied to resilience, sustainability, and a company's long-term strategy.One key insight from the conversation was how the equipment on the perimeter of your manufacturing floor (think compressed air systems, boilers, refrigeration, and HVAC) consumes 60-80% of your plant's total energy.But manufacturers typically don't have expertise in these support utilities, which is why they get overlooked for efficiency opportunities.We dive into real projects, including a five-plant dairy operation where AI can predict steam demand based on production data. Plus, how performance contracting allows manufacturers to fund these projects using energy savings rather than tying up capital.In this episode, find out:Why energy has evolved from an expense to a strategic priorityHow perimeter equipment consumes 60-80% of plant energy but often receives the least attentionWhy sustainability projects typically compete with production priorities for budgetHow performance contracting uses energy savings to fund improvements without capital investmentThe low-hanging fruit in most plants, such as compressed air leaks, lighting upgrades, and controls optimizationWhat happens when you connect production data with utility systems using AI and advanced controlsReal examples from dairy processing that delivered significant energy savingsEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Traditionally, manufacturing companies have relied on their own capital to implement sustainability projects. But they always compete with productivity goals. With performance contractors, companies can now use the savings from energy reductions and put their capital elsewhere but still implement energy efficiency projects.” - Eric Spink“Upgrading control systems by putting in PLC-based controls, and adding instrumentation and metering really allows all these systems to consume a lot less energy. Historically these have yielded very high paybacks, between one and a half and two years in many cases.” - Eric Spink“Having a sustainability goal is important, but having a sustainability plan is key. The sustainability plan needs to include how the organization is going to implement it and how it’s going to be funded year-on-year.” - Shiva SubramanyaLinks & mentions:Veregy, an award-winning decarbonization company providing turnkey engineering and construction services to reduce energy costs through efficiency upgrades, smart building technology, EV infrastructure, and clean energy solutions.Skillwork, a premier staffing agency providing skilled industrial technicians on a contract basis to augment facility teams across 30+ states for elevated impact and decreased downtime.Fortinet, securing the world's largest enterprises, service...

What's better than a live podcast? I live podcast AND a factory tour. For today's episode, we dove into Fathom Digital Manufacturing's Hartland, WI facility before a discussion with industry experts.

The automotive industry has come a long way from three-piece suits and mechanical production lines. Twenty-five years ago, manufacturers weren't thinking about EVs, tool changers, or the complexity we see today. Those who weathered 2008 will tell you: when the next downturn comes, it won't be your sales pitch that saves you, it'll be whether you were a true partner to your customers.This episode was recorded Oktoberfest-style at RAM Solutions, featuring eight industry leaders discussing what's transforming automotive manufacturing. Mitch Yencha and Scott Hunter share timeless lessons from surviving 2008, while Tanner Boyko and Jim Marlowe highlight the insane amount of innovation happening right now, from the safest cars in history to new EV players entering the space.Paul Otto and Andy Johnson reveal how AI is finally unlocking value from terabytes of welding data generated daily, while John Macdonald and Markus Weckbach from STÄUBLI explain why you need proactive planning with Plans B and C ready. They also cover why technologies like AMRs, AGVs, and gigacasting have finally crossed the adoption threshold.In this episode, find out:How team culture and customer empathy helped manufacturers survive 2008Why automotive has been having the supply chain conversation since Henry Ford's assembly line daysHow AI is analyzing terabytes of welding data daily to optimize qualityWhy cobots, camera programming, and automated forklifts are creating new job opportunitiesWhat gigacasting is and how it's eliminating spot welding by casting car bodies in 3-5 componentsWhy trade roles like maintenance and electricians are seeing a resurgenceThe proactive vs. reactive approach needed when running hundreds of jobs per hourHow RAM Solutions trains hands-on with STÄUBLI equipment to fully support customersEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“You have unbelievable technology coming into the automotive industry. It might be perceived as stagnant but that’s just not true. There’s a wide range of opportunities for anybody with any type of background to participate in this space.” – Scott Hunter“We talk about AI, but you still have to know the basics and know how to work with your hands. You need to know how to weld or operate a robot. You need to know the core foundation principles before you can take the next step.” – Paul Otto“We’ve always had a ton of automative data but the next step has been how to get it into a format so data scientists can use it and draw conclusions from it. Now the number crunchers can use AI tools to drive decision making on the manufacturing’s floor.” – Andy JohnsonLinks & mentions:RAM Solutions, LLC, providing specialized automation solutions and 24/7 technical support across North America, with expertise in robotic tool changers, collision sensors, pneumatic systems, and overhead lifting equipment.STÄUBLI, a global mechatronic solution provider delivering robotics, electrical connectors, fluid connectors, and textile solutions across nearly every industry with long-term support in 28 countries.G.E Schmidt, a global leader in resistance welding solutions providing complete spot, seam, and projection welding systems with proprietary technologies for automotive and industrial manufacturers across the U.S., U.K., and...

Data centers are popping up all over the country, and for good reason. Capacity is doubling every three to four years, equipment is booked years out, and the race for AI computing power is creating opportunities that didn't exist five years ago.Keith Hutchens from Barry-Wehmiller Design Group joins us to discuss how data centers are driving manufacturing activity across the entire supply chain. He compares this moment to building railroads in the 1800s or the oil boom of the 1970s and how we're witnessing transformative infrastructure that's reshaping American industry.The conversation covers why "mission critical" means something different in data centers, with downtime costing millions per hour. Keith explains how modularity is revolutionizing construction timelines, why industrial controls are replacing commercial systems, and how different data center builders each have varying priorities when it comes to speed, cost, and density.Keith also shares BW Design Group's approach to managing massive site teams and their philosophy of "truly human leadership” which has informed how they develop leaders, prevent burnout, and foster collaboration, even with former competitors.In this episode, find out:Why data center growth is creating supply chain strain across all manufacturing sectorsHow modularity enables building before location selection and faster deploymentThe differences between colocation, startup, and hyperscaler data center prioritiesWhy industrial PLCs are replacing commercial DDC controls in mission-critical applicationsHow the Barry-Wehmiller Design Group manages 70-person teams on single sitesThe shift from competition to collaboration in tackling massive projectsWhy leadership development needs the same rigor as engineering trainingEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes:“I consider it almost like building railroads in the 1800s or the oil boom in the 1970s. This is the next transformative infrastructure that's coming to America.”“Mission critical definition is [how] downtime is not an option. Losses can be millions of dollars per hour or just result in, major safety concerns.”“Don’t fear collaboration, even with people you thought were traditional competitors. It’s such a different market that there really is room for everyone and you should be ready to open your mindset to that.”Links & mentions:Connect with Keith Hutchens, Partner at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kthutchens/BW Design Group, partners with manufacturing and technology companies in the food and beverage, life-sciences, advanced-technology, and industrial sectors, delivering fully-integrated strategy, architecture, engineering, construction and system-integration services: https://www.bwdesigngroup.com/Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Patti Nowak is a business leader in tech with stories so inspiring you’ll want to take notes. In this episode of the Manufacturing Happy Hour, we grab a beer with Patti, Owner of Control+M Solutions, to talk about mid-life entrepreneurship, mentoring women in manufacturing, and what it takes to build a thriving tech business. Patti started her career in accounting but quickly found her passion in IT and software, where she discovered a talent for turning complex technology into real business results. That blend of business acumen and tech know-how eventually led her to launch multiple successful companies - all at the age of 50.  Through it all, Patti’s built her career on empathy, mentorship, and level-headed leadership. Whether she’s guiding a client through digital transformation or helping the next generation of women find their voice in manufacturing, Patti shares her advice on how to handle any situation with equal parts confidence, compassion, and common sense.In this episode, find out:How the path to entrepreneurship is not a destination but a journey that, in Patti’s case, started a decade before she opened the door to her first business Why starting a business later in life is an advantageWhy Patti sees ERP as one of the most powerful tools manufacturers can adopt todayWhy mentoring women in the industry matters more now than ever, and why young women need to see other women in leadership positionsThe leadership lessons behind how Patti handles tough conversationsHow the smallest process change can sometimes make the biggest difference on the shop floorEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“You start your business ten years before you open it.” “Technology is just a tool no different than a hammer for a carpenter. Used right, it can build your business. Used wrong, it can cost you a lot of anxiety and money.” “You can never really give anything away. That anything you give to the community, it will give back to you.” “Younger women really need to see older women in a successful position so they know that route exists.” “Great leadership is about trust. If you hired someone for their expertise, let them use it.” Links & mentions: Connect with Patti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-nowak-mba-pmp-45311511/Control+M Solutions, project management, configuration, testing and data conversation assistance for Plex users: https://www.controlm.solutions/Plex by Rockwell Automation, the smart manufacturing platform that connects your people, systems, machines, and supply chains: https://plex.rockwellautomation.com/?utm_source=show+notes&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=manufacturing+happy+hour Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What does it really take to help manufacturers grow? It’s not just about cutting costs or chasing margins. It’s about understanding how capital really moves through your business. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Erik Skie, Jon Hughes, and Aaron Traut from CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) for a roundtable chat over beers (in spirit, if not literally).We talk about why profitability is a decision, how to tell your story through your financials, and what manufacturers can do to attract capital and fuel real growth.We also discuss opportunities like bonus depreciation and the Made in America initiative, giving manufacturers timely insights they can act on right now.In this episode, find out:Why most manufacturers focus on price and cost but overlook capacity, and how filling unused capacity can unlock new profit.How profitability is a decision, not just an outcome, and how daily choices around people, machines, and space shape your results.Why you don’t manage financial statements; you manage the shop floor activities that create strong financials.How staying financially organized builds lender confidence through accurate books and clear storytelling.Why looking inside your business before seeking outside funding can uncover hidden capital in cash flow and working capital.How telling a clear, confident financial story helps your company stand out to banks and investors.And why when you get the fundamentals right, opportunity finds you. Capital naturally flows to disciplined, efficient manufacturers.Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“It’s not just about having the numbers, it’s about understanding the story behind them.” - Jon Hughes“Capital may come just because somebody loves what you’re doing and wants to help you do it for that next expansion.” - Aaron Traut“We don’t manage financial statements. We manage activities on the floor that create good financial results.” – Erik Skie Links & mentions:Connect with Erik Skie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-skie-9599814/Connect with Aaron Traut: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-traut-manufacturing-distribution/Connect with Jon Hughes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonhughescpa/CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), a professional services firm delivering integrated wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, outsourcing, and consulting services.Made in America (madeinamerica.gov), a U.S. government initiative led by the Office of Management and Budget that supports American manufacturing by promoting domestic production, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring federal investments prioritize U.S.-made goods. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

It's been five years since Wendy Covey, CEO and Co-Founder of TREW Marketing, and Joe Sullivan, Founder of Gorilla 76, first joined Manufacturing Happy Hour, back when everyone was scrambling to figure out digital marketing during the pandemic.We sit down with them to explore which marketing fundamentals still deliver results and what new tactics manufacturers can't afford to ignore. The core truth hasn't changed: your best content still comes from extracting knowledge from industry experts. But where that content needs to live? That's completely different.PR is making a comeback, or as Wendy calls it, “the second coming of PR” while Joe shares how manufacturers can build knowledge bases from existing content to feed AI tools the right way.Both agree that becoming the best resource for your audience beats trying to game the system every time. And with showing up in ChatGPT becoming both more important and more challenging, manufacturers need to think beyond their own websites to build credibility across digital platforms.In this episode, find out:Why the best content still comes from extracting knowledge from industry expertsWhich timeless marketing strategies still deliver resultsThe surprising resurgence of PR and why engineers are starting to trust it more than everHow showing up in ChatGPT is getting harder, and what actually worksThe patience problem among industrial marketers and why ROI questions after 3 months miss the pointHow manufacturers are successfully using community-driven marketingWhat to look forward to at the Industrial Marketing Summit 2026 and why attendees keep coming backEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“With generative search, they’re placing more value in third-party placements. So it’s still the idea of being a topical authority, but you can’t just do it on your website. You need to be a topical authority in industry publications, Reddit, YouTube, and all these other sources.” - Wendy Covey“Whether it’s Google or ChatGPT, they’re trying to display the best information and the most helpful possible information. It’s just getting packaged up differently. And how do you make sure you’re part of what shows up? You build credibility for yourself.” - Joe Sullivan“A lot of digital strategies have evolved but are still tried and true. So that’s educating your audience, and publishing content on a regular cadence. Knowing your audience and building a strong value proposition that speaks to their pain points.” - Wendy CoveyLinks & mentions:Industrial Marketing Summit 2026, an annual three-day gathering where manufacturing and industrial marketers connect to share practical insights, learn emerging strategies, and build community with peers facing similar challengesTREW Marketing, partners with B2B technical companies to establish strong marketing foundations, create engaging content strategies, and accelerate growth through research-backed campaigns tailored for engineering audiencesGorilla 76, an industrial marketing agency that helps B2B companies in the manufacturing ecosystem grow through outcome-focused marketing programs built specifically for industrial markets Make sure to visit

This episode is brought to you by RoboBusiness 2025, the preeminent show for learning about the business of robotics and catching up on the latest engineering advancements in the field.Robotics has moved beyond pilots. it’s scaling for real. In this bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Luecke sits down with Sanjay Aggarwal, Partner at F-Prime Capital, to explore the State of Robotics from an investor’s perspective.Sanjay shares where venture capital is flowing in robotics and automation, which technologies are market-ready today, and what’s still on the horizon. He also breaks down what manufacturers can learn from early adopters and what investors look for in robotics founders.If you want to understand where robotics and manufacturing innovation are headed in 2025 - and why now is the time to act - this conversation is for you.Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s been over a year since we’ve talked about cybersecurity on Manufacturing Happy Hour, and with AI changing the game completely, we’re overdue for a refresh. Around 80-85% of the global industry doesn’t have basic defense at the edge of their networks; that’s a sobering statistic.Felipe Sabino Costa, Senior Product Manager for Networking and Cybersecurity at Moxa, joins the show to break down why Operational Technology (OT) security matters more than ever. Manufacturers need to transmit massive amounts of data for AI and predictive analytics, but they’re working with 15–20-year-old infrastructure that wasn’t built for this.The good news is, Felipe shares practical frameworks like NIST and IEC 62443 (which he compares to nutrition labels) that help manufacturers build security into their operations. The key takeaway? There's no silver bullet; it's about building layers of defense and finding the right partners.In this episode, find out:Why OT data has shifted from historical logging to real-time predictive powerThe bandwidth issue hitting intelligent transportation systems and semiconductor manufacturingHow AI enables attackers to adapt their attacks in real-timeWhy 80-85% of global industry lacks protectionFelipe's nutrition label analogy for understanding security certificationsThe difference between thinking your air-gapped and actually being air-gappedWhy defense requires multiple layers of securityFelipe's outlook on the future of OT networksEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“We used to be air-gapped or isolated. And many of the companies, they still think that they are, but they are not anymore. To be really air-gapped, I shouldn't have any way to send data.”“Give and take, 80% of the global industry, including the US, does not have these specific layers of defense. They have some defense, but they have nearly zero protection close to the process itself.”“There is no silver bullet. We are seeing this shift right from how we used to do security. A strategy should be way more sophisticated.”Links & mentions:OT Network Security: Investment & Segmentation Strategies, a webinar that addresses the financial and operational risks posed by cyber threats while offering hands-on guidance for OT network security Futureproof Industrial Networks, a website shares how to design and implement a robust, secure, and efficient network infrastructure that can meet the demands of modern industrial environments and optimize operational processesMoxa, delivering the reliable and secure connectivity foundation that advanced analytics and AI depend on, with solutions in edge connectivity, industrial computing, and network infrastructure  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Before Silicon Valley, there was Pittsburgh in the early 1900s. Young entrepreneurs with serious capital flocked to the city, creating industries from the ground up. Plate glass. Oil drilling. Vulcanized rubber. Steel processes that would literally build America's skyline. But today, something incredible is happening in the Steel City again. The same superstructures tower overhead, but below, you’ll find robots solving automation challenges that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. We sit down with Jay Douglass, COO of the ARM Institute, inside the historic Mill 19 facility. The epic building sits beneath a 1,400-foot steel framework that once stored World War II ammunition. Only now, it houses one of our country’s most advanced robotics labs, and it’s all powered by the largest slope solar array in North America. This story is personal to Jay, too. We learn that his great uncle was the first head of workforce at the steel company that operated on this exact site back in 1883. Four generations later, Jay's tackling a problem as old as time: how do you help American manufacturers scale and stay competitive? In this episode, find out: How 450+ Pittsburgh companies are working together instead of against each other The truth behind America's manufacturing dependence (and why we'd be lost buying only US-made products) Why robotics seems like building the "Starship Enterprise" to small manufacturers, and the practical solutions that overcome this A compelling family story spanning 140 years at the same industrial site, from steel workforce supervisor to robotics leader How proper robotics risk assessments save expensive automation mistakes later down the line His formula for the future of domestic manufacturing: Robots + people = Scalability + skillset The history of the Mill 19 building from 1940, when it was constructed, to now Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes:  “We created the industrial world 130 years ago, and now we're really pushing the robotics industry.” - Jay Douglass “We're not going to buy you a robot. We're gonna help you make a better decision.” - Jay Douglass “Another thing about small businesses; if they're not focused on cost, quality, and time to market, by definition they're going out of business.” - Jay Douglass Links & mentions:  Connect with Jay Douglass, Chief Operating Officer, ARM Institute on LinkedIn. ARM Institute operates as America's manufacturing robotics consortium, where 450+ companies from start-ups to Fortune 500 giants collaborate on automation projects. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Manufacturers know that automation is table stakes in 2025, and yet it’s still a bit of an afterthought for some. You'd think something that can make or break a facility would be everyone’s number one priority. And as you'll hear in this episode, overlooking automation can sometimes have disastrous consequences.  In this episode, we sit down with Cassy Gardner and Chris Schleich from E Tech Group over virtual Pellegrinos to unpack a real-world case study. They were called in to revive a mothballed solar facility where the owners had accidentally destroyed critical automation infrastructure during demolition. Cut wiring, severed connections, damaged systems... all the stuff they didn't realize was essential until it was gone. The two walk us through everything from why Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies matter (even when you're racing against the clock) to how “humble confidence” became their project philosophy. You'll hear about oversized electrical panels, “pit bull” project managers, and why sometimes the best sales strategy is just showing up when you say you will. In this episode, find out: Why automation often becomes an afterthought in capital projects, and the surprising impact that has How automation may be a small slice of the spend, but determines how the plant runs The most common pitfall manufacturers face when it comes to automation planning What a FEED study is, and why it's essential in fast-paced projects How "humble confidence" and "tenacious politeness" became guiding principles for E Tech What happens when demolition destroys critical wiring and IO connections and how a hazardous monitoring partner failed mid-project Lessons any manufacturer can apply whether that's running a project with 45 people or just five Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Typically, in a large capital project, the automation budget is around 10%. But it's a really critical 10% that you need to invest to have the manufacturing work the way you want to work.” – Cassy Gardner  “Automation relative to mechanical, electrical process, etc. has an outsized impact.”– Chris Schleich  “Always start earlier than you think you need to start. If you can engage a partner who is an expert in automation, you will set yourself up for a foundation of success.” – Cassy Gardner  Links & mentions: E Tech Group, one of the largest engineering and systems integration companies in the US, providing automation, control and information systems Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Manufacturers (not just the guys on the shop floor, but the C-suite behind them) are on a race to the finish line when it comes to automation. Most of us by now are pretty familiar with how AI and automation can play a role in manufacturing. But it looks like we’re heading to the next stage…In this episode, we hear from Chris Stevens, the SVP & GM of US Automation Business at Siemens Digital Industries. We grab a virtual drink and kick the episode off with an interesting paradox – twenty years ago, the push was to automate humans out of processes. But today, we’re figuring out how to bring them back.Chris talks about where we’re heading now with AI – from reactive tools to proactive partners with the rise of agentic AI. He talks about how the new and improved era of AI can make adaptive manufacturing a reality – imagine having one line but with multiple configurations.Digital transformation is a big theme in this episode, but it’s not just about tools and technology. Chris highlights the role of people in the new age of manufacturing too.In this episode, find out:Chris explains the biggest changes since he’s been in the industry and why the focus has moved on from just ‘lean manufacturing’A breakdown of what adaptive manufacturing is and how it ties into automation and AIHow the lines are blurring between IT and manufacturing rolesHow AI could help to bring humans back into the loop – internal and external use casesAgentic AI vs. reactive tools like Copilot and how manufacturers can use AI agents in real examplesThe top lightbulb moments around AI and why data contextualization is how we move one step forward as an industryDifferent ways adaptive production methods are changing manufacturing processesHow adaptive production ties into the trends around reshoringWhy more manufacturers need to use digital twin technologyCurrent digital transformation trends and why it’s not just about the technologyEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The contextualization of data is extremely important. That's where the work's got to happen.”“Two decades ago, it was 'how can I take humans out of the loop?' Today it's 'how do I bring humans back in the loop?'”“There's a lot of digital transformation projects that fail, and it has nothing to do with the technology. It has everything to do with usability. Making sure that people like it and then how we implement it.”Links & mentions:Siemens Digital Industries, business platform that helps organizations digitally transform using software and hardware like digital twin technologyMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We just can’t stay away from Pittsburgh’s robotics scene! So we’re back, this time turning the spotlight on the business and startup angle with Premier Labs. Premier Labs is a corporate venture studio, a relatively new model that changes how technology comes to market.President Joel Reed joins the episode to give real examples and explanations about how a corporate venture studio works. In short, Premier Labs starts with real problems and works backward to create solutions that actually fit.Finding product-market fit is usually the biggest hump for new product companies to get over. But that’s only an issue if you start with the product first. Premier Labs’ approach starts with the problem first and then builds a solution and a company around that. Joel explains how this pretty much guarantees product-market fit, plus how businesses are already succeeding through Premier Labs. In this episode, find out:Why Pittsburgh is the capital of robotics in the USHow Premier Labs is solving startup problems with its corporate venture studio modelThe product-market fit challenge and why the studio model basically eliminates itDifferences between service vs product-based companies and why Premier Labs decided to stay separate from the robotics companyReal examples of companies the studio has helped to support and growWhy Premier Labs is looking out for operational leaders rather than just tech founders to head up the new companiesHow Pittsburgh has been crucial to Premier’s successJoel tells us why he chose Premier Labs for the next stage of his careerEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“There's this mentality called break-fix, which is when things break, we'll fix them. But we really can get ahead of that."“You get to learn a customer's problem before you actually start designing the solution.”“We validate that product-market fit, and then we look for people with credibility with the customers who might have some execution or operational experience to be able to build those companies.” Links & mentions:Premier Automation, an industry leading engineered solutions company focused on providing best-in-class automation, drive, robotics, electrical control, and morePremier Labs, a corporate venture studio that creates purpose-built companies to solve business problems using automation, robotics and artificial intelligenceThe Abbey on Butler Street, a trendy, spacious cafe serving espresso, craft beer and cocktails, plus new American cuisine in Pittsburgh, PA’s Lawrenceville neighborhoodMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

As manufacturers are under pressure to do more with less and somehow fill roles in an increasingly smaller talent pool, unlocking your “hidden factory” could be the solution.To celebrate episode 250, Chris Luecke returns home to St. Louis to meet with some of his early career mentors from Rockwell Automation – now heading up Tri Tech Automation.Ryan Williams, Director of Innovation and Solution Sales, Adam Ruebsam, President, and Luke Manier, Managing Director, sit down at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company for a trip down memory lane and a look forward to the future of manufacturing.The hidden factory concept is simple – how do we uncover the untapped potential in our existing resources? We talk about what that looks like for Tri Tech Automation and how they help customers find those new opportunities. Mentorship is a big theme in this conversation, so we discuss the importance of reaching out to the right people, whether you’re new in your career or want to try something different.Plus, we look at what we can learn from the Savannah Bananas baseball team (believe it or not, we could learn a thing or two from their customer-first approach).Cheers to 250 episodes and counting!In this episode, find out:We start with the most important question – what beer did everyone pick?Ryan, Adam, and Luke introduce themselves and Tri Tech Automation, and Chris reminisces with his mentors from his Rockwell Automation daysHow Tri Tech Automation focuses on helping customers right-size their tech and find new solutions from their existing resourcesWhat is a hidden factory and how do you unlock more potential from what you already have?The most common issues that manufacturers struggle withReal stories about what unlocking a hidden factory really looks likeHow Tri Tech Automation is focused on a three-year plan to unlock its own hidden factories within the workforce, tech, and processes How they’ve unlocked potential across two different locationsWhat manufacturers can learn from the Savannah BananasAdvice for young people getting into the industry and for those already in manufacturingWhy mentors are the biggest bonus to your manufacturing careerEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"The “hidden factory” represents the untapped potential to do more in their operations with the resources that they have. It represents the invisible inefficiencies and unutilized capacity." - Luke"It's business value first and technology second. We have to right-size the technology... but we really need to start with the business outcomes." - Adam“Customers know they've got inefficiencies, but they can't quantify it without the data. So it starts with gathering on the front end and then analyzing the low-hanging fruit, where the biggest improvements are.” - RyanLinks & mentions:Tri Tech Automation, a full-service control systems integrator providing R&D, controls design, programming, fabrication, start-up, and commissioning based in St. Louis and TulsaEOS - Entrepreneurial Operating System, a complete set of real-world tools that help entrepreneurs get what they want from their businessa...

What happens when you put five podcasters in a room together at one of the biggest events of the year for innovative industrial tech? A super broad view of what’s happening in the industry and what we’ve got to look forward to.Recorded live from Hexagon’s 2025 event, we welcomed four friends of Manufacturing Happy Hour, returning to the show to talk about the innovations we were most excited to see at the event. But for the main part of our conversation, we do a mid-year check-in on the industry to hear their thoughts of what we have in store in the future.Say hello to our panel:Jim Mayer – Founder of The Manufacturing Connector and Host of the Manufacturing Culture PodcastNikki Gonzalez – Director of Business Development at Weintek USA plus Co-Founder and Host of the Automation Ladies podcastMike Payne - President & Owner of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication and Co-Host of MakingChipsNick Goellner - VP of Sales & Marketing at Hennig, and Co-Host of MakingChipsTune in to hear about 3D printed body parts, how scientists are turning ocean trash into surfboards, and how new mentor programs are revolutionizing how we train the next generation.We each take stock of what we’ve been seeing in the industry lately and why uncertainty isn’t dampening our optimism. While investing in new tech is naturally a big part of our conversation, we also widen the topic to investing in ourselves and our teams, highlighting the importance of relationships and staying true to company values.In this episode, find out:The tech that stood out the most to us at Hexagon’s 2025 eventA mid-year check-in: Jim, Nikki, Mike and Nick share their thoughts on manufacturing in 2025Why Jim’s optimistic about the industry and how technology adoption is fueling thatHow Mike’s balancing his optimism with concern over the access to capital challengeHow manufacturers can weather the storm in uncertain times (some lessons from COVID)What it means to invest in yourself as a manufacturer and company leader and why it’s about more than just adopting new techWhy you should overlook working on relationships and partnerships in the industryJim explains why we all need to reassess company values and make sure we’re staying true to what we believe inEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Make sure everybody's looking at the same scoreboard. Train and coach your team to think like a business owner.” - Nick“Build the foundation on values and relationships. When one of those numbers changes, you work it out together.” – Nikki“The shops that adopt the new technologies will be the ones who really start to expand their capacity and workforce.”- Jim“All these solutions that are coming to market, whether it's hardware or software, help to fill that productivity gap. The concern that I have relates back to the current funding crisis with the MEP networks because if those grant dollars are going away, how do we adopt this stuff?” - Mike Links & mentions:Manufacturing Culture Podcast, hosted by Jim Mayer, this podcast explores the culture of manufacturing with different manufacturing leaders The Manufacturing Connector, connecting manufacturers through training and storytelling, founded by Jim

Pittsburgh’s success in the robotics space didn’t happen overnight. It’s been over 40 years in the making, with education, business, and new innovations all coming together to make the city one of the big robotics hubs alongside Boston and San Francisco.The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has been a key player in that success, giving individuals, companies, and universities the opportunity to collaborate on projects and business opportunities. Executive Director, Jennifer Apicella, joins us on the podcast to give us a background on Pittsburgh’s industry and to share her take on the commercialization of robotics and automation.A key theme in this episode is how you don’t have to replicate the success of the big cities. Every place is different, and part of Pittsburgh’s success has been to lean into its unique strengths and industry challenges. In other words, you don’t need your city to become the next Silicon Valley to be successful. In this episode, find out:A recap of the great bars, restaurants and bowling alleys we explored around PittsburghJennifer explains what the Pittsburgh Robotics Network does and how it’s helping to support new technology and industry growthSome background on why the Pittsburgh Robotics Network was started and built by the community it now representsHow the group measures success and why commercialization is key to developing technologies that solve real problemsHow other cities and regions can learn from what Pittsburgh has done without needing to copy the same formulaThe challenges of working in a non-profit in a for-profit industry and how Jennifer balances different prioritiesJennifer’s advice for becoming a better part of the local technology communityWhy the key to commercialization is about looking beyond the tech and focusing instead on problemsPlans and predictions for Pittsburgh’s industry in the next five years Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"I think it's just really important that you stop being obsessed with the technology... rather than being inspired by the technology, be inspired by the problem that it's solving."“Like any kind of industrial revolution, this is going to be largely highly disruptive to all humans. Society is going to change. People are going to change, businesses are going to change. Are you on the right side of that change?”“Commercialization is key. The world is sitting by waiting to see what robotics and autonomy look like at scale. How do you take something and not need it to be custom-built?”Links & mentions:Pittsburgh Robotics Network, a community that connects more than 125 advanced technology companies across multiple industriesIndustrial Solutions Network, an interconnected group of manufacturing technology companies working on a common missionGrapperia Pittsburgh, a cocktail bar with a huge selection of speciality cocktails, grappa and amariUmami Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant and bar serving modern Asian cuisine in PittsburghArsenal Bowl, originally Arsenal Lanes, this bowling alley combines unique décor with live music and...