Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

We've all heard someone say it recently: Nobody wants to work these days. It's the refrain of a stressed manager who's short-staffed and losing production capacity because the company can't recruit people.  Even if it's true (and really, has anyone ever really wanted to work? Isn't that why we pay them?), complaining won't fill your plant vacancies. Blaming other industries won't help either as they're saying the same things. Think manufacturers have a rough time recruiting people? Talk to trucking company leaders or landscaping operations.  In a recent article in IndustryWeek, doctoral student Winifred Opoku shared her thoughts on how some manufacturers are making their ability to reach young people a competitive advantage. 

The discussion kicks off with insights on AI evolving from hype to real-world application in manufacturing. Data governance is identified as a key bottleneck hindering AI adoption. Experts predict a shift from pilot projects to full production, with a focus on training to fill workforce gaps. Physical AI is highlighted as essential for operations, while generative AI is reshaping vendor selection. There's also a warning about the need for readiness against AI-enhanced cyber threats. Ultimately, trusted data is seen as the competitive edge for manufacturers.

In this engaging chat, Joe Kuhn, a former plant manager and president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC, shares invaluable insights on transforming goals into reliability gains. He emphasizes the importance of setting annual reliability goals linked to eliminating waste. Joe advocates for ambitious targets and involving leadership in the planning process. He also discusses the need to combat team burnout and the effectiveness of dividing work crews for better focus. Personal reflections on New Year's resolutions add a thoughtful touch, reminding listeners of the importance of emotional readiness for change.

Fall protection violations remain the most cited OSHA issue, emphasizing the need for continued focus despite some recent decreases in violations. In this interview with Phil Jacklin, continuing education program manager with Diversified Fall Protection, you'll hear that progress is being made through increased awareness, proactive safety practices and better data tracking, but challenges persist, particularly in the construction industry.

This year-end wrapup episode collects clips from three of the most popular Plant Services episodes from the past 12 months. In these clips, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk talks about: "How oil analysis can boost equipment reliability, but only if you use the data," with Mike Holloway, 5th Order Industry "How PM optimization improves reliability and reduces unplanned downtime," with Brian Hronchek, Eruditio "Reshoring in 2025 – strategies for navigating tariffs and trade uncertainty," with Rosemary Coates, Reshoring Institute

In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe Kuhn, CMRP (former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant) considers commonplace scenarios facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode collects three of our favorite moments with Joe over the past year: Maintenance vs. reliability engineers — key differences and how they work together Reliability program not working? Here’s what might be wrong Why predictive maintenance fails without problem solving on the plant floor

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk and UL Solutions Senior VP of Industrial Testing, Inspection, and Certification Jeff Smidt explore the growing role of independent sustainability certification in the industrial sector. Their discussion centers on ECOLOGO and how it evaluates materials, manufacturing practices, and full product lifecycles. The conversation also highlights the connection between reliability, risk reduction, and transparent environmental performance. Together, they examine how rigorous standards like UL 2711 may shape future expectations for industrial products.

Explore the innovative dual-layer metallic coating designed for jet engines, boosting performance under extreme conditions. Discover the journey from product design to metallurgy, emphasizing investment casting's role in creating complex, high-performance parts. Learn about high-entropy alloys, which promise greater fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Hear about groundbreaking tests proving the effectiveness of boron-silicon coatings and their potential impact on aerospace and energy sectors.

Industrial exoskeletons are gaining traction in manufacturing and logistics, but misconceptions still overshadow what they actually do. New Equipment Digest chief editor Laura Davis breaks down the biggest myths with insights from HeroWear’s Matthew Yandell, PhD, to reveal the truth behind this fast-growing technology. To learn more, visit: https://www.newequipment.com/55325220

Joe Kuhn, former plant manager and global reliability consultant, shares his expertise on keeping maintenance crews motivated during the holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of balancing year-end celebrations with planning for the future. Joe discusses methods to energize teams, including recognition of achievements and encouraging leadership presence on the shop floor. He also highlights the safety risks increased by holiday distractions and playfully explores whether Santa's workshop can serve as a model for reliability and maintenance best practices.