Powered by RND
PodcastsTechnologyManufacturing Happy Hour
Listen to Manufacturing Happy Hour in the App
Listen to Manufacturing Happy Hour in the App
(36,319)(250,152)
Save favorites
Alarm
Sleep timer

Manufacturing Happy Hour

Podcast Manufacturing Happy Hour
Chris Luecke
Welcome to Manufacturing Happy Hour, the podcast where we get real about the latest trends and technologies impacting modern manufacturers. Hosted by industry ...

Available Episodes

5 of 270
  • 223: The State of Automation Halfway Through the Decade, Live from the 2025 A3 Business Forum
    Take your mind back to five years ago. Many of us were celebrating the start of what we thought would be an exciting decade for automation. And well… it’s certainly been different and not quite how most of us expected.Now, we sit squarely in the middle of a decade that has pushed automation and AI front and center of so many industries now. So how close were our pre-pandemic predictions on automation? And more importantly, where is automation headed next?This episode was recorded live at the 2025 A3 Business Forum, co-hosted by Jake Hall aka the Manufacturing Millennial, and features five conversations with industry leaders helping to shape automation’s future. We look at robotics, AI, machine vision, motion control, and the broader tech and manufacturing industries, plus we swap predictions on the second half of the 2020s.This week’s guests include:Peter Zafiro, General Manager at LinMot USAChristelle Keefer - Global Business Development Manager, Education at ABBJuan Aparicio - Founder & CEO at Reshape AutomationDavid Dechow - Machine Vision & Automation Solutions Architect at Motion Automation IntelligenceAlex Shikany - Executive Vice President at A3Jake Hall will be joining us for Automate 2025 in May, so don’t miss the chance to grab tickets and learn more here.In this episode, find out:Why 2025 A3 Business Forum is the perfect spot for a conversation about automationWhat the convergence of technologies has meant for automation’s applications in manufacturing and beyondPeter explains the biggest pain point that LinMot was experiencing and how automation became key The role of motion vision today and how it’s evolved with the help of automationWhy now is the best time in history to be involved with automation How STEM education paves the way for the growth of robotics The biggest hurdles to getting education institutions on board with STEMSome of the top non-profit organizations to keep an eye out for How AI has developed over the first half of the decade  Two ingredients that every successful application should have in the world of AI Examples of AI deployed successfully and where this is likely to change in the future How elements of vision tech have accelerated in the past 10 yearsAlex’s perspective on automation’s evolution throughout the first half of this decade The biggest things we’re looking forward to in 2025 and beyond What to expect at Automate 2025, which this episode’s co-hosts Chris and Jake will be attending in MayEnjoying 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:"This is the best time there is in this industry. It's the convergence of all these technologies, whether it's robots, cobots, linear motion... the difference-maker will be how you introduce automation to your employees and make it easier to do more fun jobs." - Peter Zafiro"Schools are starting to realize that the students need to be exposed to STEM way earlier than just high school. High school is too late. College is too late. Let's get those kids exposed at an earlier age to the amazing field of manufacturing." - Christelle Keefer "Behind every robot, there are a lot of people. There are people selling the robots. There are people installing the robots. There are people maintaining the robots." - Juan Aparicio "No one I...
    --------  
    1:12:21
  • 222: A Bootstrapper's Guide to Re-Industrializing America with Jim Belosic, CEO of SendCutSend
    Is venture capitalism and manufacturing the perfect match for America’s new industry boom? Or will the industry bootstrap its way to success on the slower path? The verdict’s clear in this episode with Jim Belosic, the CEO of SendCutSend.Jim shares a down-to-earth take on succeeding as a manufacturing business with a mix of VC and bootstrapping. Rather than aiming for the dot-com boom level of success and all the private yachts that come with it, a slow and steady approach is ideal for manufacturing businesses, says Jim.We hear a little background on SendCutSend’s start and laser-focused approach to customer service, plus why Jim is such a big fan of the bootstrapping route. We hear his opinion on why manufacturing might be making a comeback, how to raise the visibility of the industry to plug skill gaps, and why we may need to “chill out” a bit when it comes to AI.In this episode, find out:Why bootstrapping is a great alternative path to industrialization and why Jim believes VC doesn’t belong in manufacturing How the future of entrepreneurship is changing back to traditional family-led routes Jim shares his background in manufacturing as a sign shop artist and what he learned about the effects of new tech on industry Why we’re due for a re-boom in the manufacturing world and how new technology plays a central role Outsourcing abroad – the next phase – why we’re due for a re-boom because the tech is even betterHow manufacturing can become more visible and enter the digital era with help from younger generations Why it’s not enough to only be a good manufacturer today, you also need to be a good marketer tooHow manufacturers can make simple changes to their digital presence to move in line with what customers want Why teaming up with local competitors can be mutually beneficial Jim explains why investing in and paying your staff well is the number one important thing to do in this industry Why you shouldn’t compete on price but instead on the quality of the service and the value your customer receivesEnjoying 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 way to success in manufacturing is you can't just be a good manufacturer. You actually have to be a good marketer too.”“A lot of people look at their competitors and want to burn them down. That usually just ends up with both of you catching on fire. So instead, try and be friendly.”“We’re poised for a manufacturing re-boom because the technology is even better now. This newest generation of machines is set up so well with alarms and error control, communication, and reliability, you're not just upgrading your speed or the reliability of the machine, you're upgrading your entire workforce.”Links & mentions:SendCutSend, online sheet metal fabrication service; get custom parts delivered in just a few days (upload STEP or DXF files for instant pricing)A Bootstrapper’s Guide to Re-Industrializing America, Jim’s article that inspired this episodeMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
    --------  
    1:00:52
  • 221: "Building America" from the Heartland Featuring Nucor Vulcraft
    We’re pulling up a chair in the up-and-coming downtown Norfolk area in Nebraska for this episode. Recorded at the Nucor Detailing Center, we chat with Mechanical Engineer Jayden Prauner and Detailing Center Lead Gaby Pena, about what it means to be part of the Nucor family.Nucor Vulcraft is a company that’s not just supporting the construction of warehouses, schools and hospitals but also helping to build up the local community and the legacy of American manufacturing. We explore how it’s helping to shape the lives of the people who work there and beyond thanks to community investment and a people-first approach.Jayden and Gaby both share their stories in this episode about working for Vulcraft and how it has evolved its technology, safety practices, and quality over the years. Places like Norfolk are hubs for manufacturing and engineering, so we look at how Vulcraft and downtown revitalization projects have been key to retaining talent in the area. In this episode, find out:How the downtown Norfolk area is on the up, thanks to local community investment Jayden gives us a quick overview of what Vulcraft does and how it sits in the Nucor family of companiesA brief history on Vulcraft and how it’s closely tied to the culture and community of Norfolk – something that continues todayHow community events, investment, and connections with local schools all make Nucor employees feel like one big familyWhy Jayden and Gaby decided to stick around in Norfolk rather than head to a bigger city for their careerHow one internship at Vulcraft was enough to make Gaby swap her chosen career path and set out into manufacturingWhat other similar small, remote communities can learn from Norfolk and VulcraftVulcraft’s commitment to improvement and investing in the right things – from people to safety innovationsInsights into the recent safety innovations and investments Nucor Vulcraft has made to prioritize frontline staff safety What the day in the life of a frontline leader looks like today vs. how it looked decades agoHow Nucor Vulcraft invests in team development and careers with training, role swapping and internal promotionsEnjoying 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 hard to go anywhere around town without seeing Vulcraft or the Nucor name sponsoring an event or donating time. It's surprising how many events you go to and know that your company is willing to sponsor that." Jayden"My daughter told me, 'Mom, today at school, all the Nucor kids, like the parents work for Nucor, we all sat together.' Even the excitement that the kids get just knowing that they’re the Nucor family is really big, at least for me it is." Gaby"I think it starts with putting the people first. I think Nucor and Vulcraft do a great job of not only saying it but really meaning it and showing it through their actions." JaydenLinks & mentions:Nucor Vulcraft, part of the Nucor family, Vulcraft is the largest producer of open web steel joists and joist girders in North America.Nucor Detailing Center, a one-of-a-kind drafting facility designed to reduce drafting and modelling times to improve productivity and quality.Divots Brewery, craft brewery in Nortfolk specializing in handcrafted beers with American grown barley and...
    --------  
    23:37
  • 220: From Irrigation to Metals to Pharma: Systems Integration in the Heartland featuring Huffman Engineering
    This is a quick,” boots on the ground” episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. It's all about what it's like being a systems integrator in a close-knit state and close-knit manufacturing community, just like the community you'll find in Nebraska.Huffman Engineering is an engineering services firm specializing in control system integration that serves Nebraska and beyond across the Midwest and we have four individuals from there team on the show this week: Jason Weedin, Jim Fricke, Kim Arms Shirk, and Alex Flamme.We discuss some of the main industries across the state and take a deep dive into one that's uniquely Nebraskan. Plus, we hear what characterizes Nebraska's manufacturing community as a whole, and some of the things that make their collective, state-wide manufacturing ecosystem so strong.Recorded live from Dusters Brew Pub in Columbus, NE.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
    --------  
    22:09
  • 219: How Skillwork Is Like Travel Nursing for Manufacturing Talent Featuring Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin of Skillwork
    The manufacturing industry is staring down a major challenge: by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million roles could go unfilled. But where challenges arise, so do opportunities. We’re joined by Skillwork’s Brett Elliott, President and CEO, and Tim Raglin, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Offer, to explore how they’re transforming the skills gap into a platform for growth and innovation.At the heart of their approach is a unique model inspired by the travel nursing industry. Skillwork’s model combines education, upskilling, direct hire, and travel staffing to connect skilled tradespeople with companies in need. Brett and Tim share how this innovative approach, along with their unique “four-legged stool” strategy, and their rigorous eight-gate vetting process, ensures the right match every time.Throughout the conversation, we unpack how contracting skilled workers offers flexibility and long-term value, how Skillwork is empowering tradespeople to embrace new opportunities, and why shifting perceptions about manufacturing jobs is key to shaping the industry’s future.Listen to find out:How the travel nurse model inspired Skillwork’s innovative staffing solution for skilled tradesSkillwork’s “four-legged stool” approach to solving the skills gap in manufacturingWhy manufacturing roles need a rebrand to move beyond the “3 Ds” (dark, dangerous, and dirty)How Skillwork processes 1,000 resumes a week using their eight-gate vetting processWhy nationwide recruitment is essential for addressing the growing demand for skilled tradesThe critical role of upskilling and education in bridging workforce gapsThe value of building partnerships with schools and trade programs to develop skills pipelinesExamples of how short-term training programs can quickly close critical skills gapsUnderrated ways manufacturers can address the skills shortage right nowThe freedom and flexibility that Skillwork offers to skilled tradespeople through travel staffing 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:“The idea that talent will stay with you for thirty years is not a reality anymore.” Brett Elliott“I believe if you have a skilled trade, you have tons of opportunity out there.” Tim Raglin“Do you have a people problem or do you have a talent problem?” Brett ElliottLinks & mentions:Skillwork, supplemental labor company built to create a new solution to the growing shortage of skilled laborCopa Cabana, upscale cocktail lounge with a selection of cigars and a humidor, plus live music and a year-round patioBoy Scouts of America, one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United StatesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
    --------  
    1:06:49

More Technology podcasts

About Manufacturing Happy Hour

Welcome to Manufacturing Happy Hour, the podcast where we get real about the latest trends and technologies impacting modern manufacturers. Hosted by industry veteran Chris Luecke, each week, we interview makers, founders, and other manufacturing leaders that are at the top of their game and give you the tools, tactics, and strategies you need to take your career and your business to the next level. We go beyond the buzzwords and dissect real-life applications and success stories so that you can tackle your biggest manufacturing challenges and turn them into profitable opportunities. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
Podcast website

Listen to Manufacturing Happy Hour, Lex Fridman Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
Social
v7.7.0 | © 2007-2025 radio.de GmbH
Generated: 2/17/2025 - 10:56:13 AM