Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

From AI, to cybersecurity, to decentralizing utility grids, Smart Industry's Scott Achelpohl breaks down highlights from the monthlong web series that SI debuted to start the new year.

Join Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute and supply chain expert, as she dives into the implications of proposed 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. She discusses how these tariffs might affect reshoring initiatives in North America, urging companies to rethink their supply chains in light of recent economic changes. Additionally, Rosemary highlights the interconnectedness of semiconductor supply chains and the ongoing demand for innovative technologies amid global challenges. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in manufacturing's future!

U.S. troops are not likely to invade Panama to retake the Panama Canal, but U.S. influence over the trade zone could expand greatly in the next few years, says Andrew Thomas, a professor at the University of Akron and author of books about the Canal and the shale gas boom making the canal more influential.  In a wide-ranging interview with IndustryWeek Editor-in-Chief Robert Schoenberger, Thomas explains why the Canal is relevant again after decades of being something that the United States wanted to divest, how China became a dominant player in the region and how Trump's new insistence that the U.S. retake control of the canal could play out.  The conversation builds on a series of stories that Thomas wrote for the publication: China Saw Opportunity in the Panama Canal as US Interest Dwindled Trump, China and Shale: What's Next for the Panama Canal?

In this discussion, Jana Gerber, president of Schneider Electric's North American microgrid business, and Rod Walton, managing editor of Microgrid Knowledge, dive into the transformative potential of microgrids in manufacturing. They explore their integration of renewable energy sources, enhancing sustainability and resilience. The conversation highlights the economic implications of power outages, the shift towards on-shoring due to an aging utility grid, and innovative projects reshaping energy solutions, ultimately empowering communities with reliable power.

Phillip Russell, a partner with Ogletree Deakins and an expert in OSHA regulations, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of workplace safety. He discusses potential changes in OSHA standards under a new administration, highlighting a shift toward more flexible performance measures. Russell emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership styles for improved safety compliance and suggests innovative strategies for employers to protect their workforce amidst these anticipated reforms.

Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe considers a commonplace scenario facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode offers insight into process management and avoiding the drift away from standards.

Get an inside look at four game-changing technological developments poised to change multiple industries.

2024 was been a year of remarkable growth and innovation for the manufacturing sector, with global supply chain challenges and innovations in smart manufacturing pushing companies to adapt and rethink their strategies. But what's in store for 2025? In this podcast, the editors from Endeavor Business Media’s Manufacturing Group look forward at the trends they will be keeping their eyes on in the new year.

Interest rates help determine when and how much manufacturers and machine shops invest in new machinery, systems, and consumables. Now that the Federal Reserve Bank has cut interest rates for a third time – should manufacturers be ready to invest? What other factors are shaping their choices in 2025? Chris Chidzik, chief economist for AMT – the Association for Manufacturing Technology, explains it all.

2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and innovation for the manufacturing sector, with key trends making lasting impressions on the industry. Automation, AI, and advanced robotics have gained traction, while sustainability initiatives have become a central focus for many manufacturers. Additionally, global supply chain challenges and innovations in smart manufacturing have pushed companies to adapt and rethink their strategies. In this year’s end wrap-up, the editors from Endeavor Business Media’s Manufacturing Group look back at the most important trends that impacted manufacturing in 2024 and offer insights into the direction the industry is heading.