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 2008
Why automotive has been having the supply chain conversation since Henry Ford's assembly line days
How AI is analyzing terabytes of welding data daily to optimize quality
Why cobots, camera programming, and automated forklifts are creating new job opportunities
What gigacasting is and how it's eliminating spot welding by casting car bodies in 3-5 components
Why trade roles like maintenance and electricians are seeing a resurgence
The proactive vs. reactive approach needed when running hundreds of jobs per hour
How RAM Solutions trains hands-on with STÄUBLI equipment to fully support customers

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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 Johnson

Links & 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 Mexico.
Moxa, 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.

128 Gill McLaren CEO & Founder of Syntegrate