Manufacturing Happy Hour

Are you leveraging all the resources in the local manufacturing community? Connecting with local, state, and federal support can open doors to growth and collaboration.Recorded live at CBT Company's More Than MFG Expo, this episode dives into programs like AMIP, TechCred, JobsOhio, and Women in Manufacturing (WIM), spotlighting resources for funding, recruitment, training, and more.In this episode, find out:Will on AMIP’s proactive support for the manufacturing communityAMIP’s advice for collaboration-driven successBenefits of connecting with other companies, educators, and organizationsFabian on JobsOhio’s role in building manufacturing careersHow JobsOhio has improved funding processesWhy Fabian prefers "return on engagement" over "investment"Government-backed incentives for solar power investmentsAllison on Women in Manufacturing’s mission to connect women with employersREDI Cincinnati’s role in linking manufacturers to resourcesCBT Company’s support in leveraging resourcesElise’s call for manufacturers to collaborate locallyWhy Cincinnati’s manufacturing community is so strongEnjoying 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!Links & mentions:CBT Company, representing hundreds of the best-known brands in the industry for automation, electrical, mechanical power transmission, and custom belting productsAMIP, southwestern Ohio’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnerships is a registered nonprofit focused on workforceTechCred Ohio, helping Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in techGood Jobs Challenge, supporting regional workforce training systems to place workers in good jobsJobsOhio, since its establishment in 2011, they have boosted innovation, driven job creation, and increased new capital investment in OhioWomen in Manufacturing, a national association dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women in all manufacturing rolesREDI Cincinnati, connecting businesses in Greater Cincinnati with the data, partners, and resources needed to make the best decision for your companyThird Eye Brewing, a Cincinnati-based award-winning brewery that believes in lots of experimentation, also serving as the location for many of this week’s interviews; other favorite breweries in Cincinnati: Wandering Monster, Fifty West, Rhinegeist, and the massive Zinzinnati Oktoberfest celebrationMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Did you know your last meal might have been picked and packed by a robot? With a gaping hole in the labor market in food manufacturing, it seems inevitable. But while food manufacturers are crying out for more staff, some companies like Chef Robotics are offering a solution that’ll leave them hungry for more.Rajat Bhageria, Founder & CEO of Chef Robotics, joins this episode to talk about how his company uses robotics and AI to fill in the gap in the labor market, while also offering high-mix manufacturing abilities to customers in food manufacturing.Starting out in stealth mode, Chef Robotics has steadily perfected its product in collaboration with customers and real-world feedback. We hear about the strategy behind the company’s aims to scale in the assembly stage of manufacturing rather than branching out into the restaurant space. In this episode, find out:What Rajat learned from his previous tech company about using AIAn origin story to Chef Robotics and why Rajat chose to focus on the pain points in food manufacturing Why Rajat decided to launch Chef Robotics in stealth mode until recentlyWe debate whether you need to be an expert in your niche to succeed in it How Rajat positioned Chef Robotics to customers and investors, focusing on pain points and larger companies We hear how Chef Robotics works and offers the flexibility that high-mix manufacturing Rajat shares his predictions on the future of AI What Rajat has learned from other automation businesses and competitors Why Rajat isn’t working on automation from restaurants and is instead happy to stick to his niche for nowRajat shares predictions on the future of food manufacturing and how restaurants will become a place to appreciate human artistryEnjoying 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 pain point is labor shortage... It's actually the number one labor shortage in the US, with over 1.1 million people that companies are looking to hire."“If you're starting a company, you should find a problem statement which is so pressing that your customers are willing to work with you to get there.”“AI gets better over time. And that's what allows us to be flexible without custom. You could build custom hardware or custom software per ingredient. You could do that, but that's not really scalable.”Links & mentions:Chef Robotics, robotics-as-a-service company transforming food production with flexible robots and AIChef Robotics Link to Chat, how to get in touch with Chef RoboticsChef Robotics Case Studies, use cases showcasing their system in action 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 happens when you pair the rich culinary culture of Kansas City with the traditional brewing methods of German beer? KC Bier Co. was founded by Steve Holle, whose love of German beer, his heritage, time spent in the country, and passion for craft brewing were the perfect recipe for starting a traditional German brewery in the heart of Kansas City. He joined this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour as part of our MADE HERE series, created in partnership with ISN, the Industrial Solutions Network, which features stories from the region’s most important industrial operations. Steve takes us on a journey through the history of German brewing techniques and why he adopts the same traditions that have served German beer lovers for centuries. While Steve wasn’t always in the brewing business, he cultivated his passion for years before finally opening the doors to KC Bier Co. and explains why he decided to focus on the niche of German beer.We swap beer stories, discuss the most underrated German beers, and talk about the impact breweries like KC Bier Co. are having on the bustling culinary scene in Kansas City. There are some great insights in this episode for manufacturers on the power of specializing rather than trying to be everything to everyone, plus much more. In this episode, find out:Steve explains how he first fell in love with German beer due to his heritage and a semester spent in GermanyWhy KC Bier Co. follows “Reinheitsgebot” methods, the German beer purity law that meant beer could only be made with specific ingredients Steve explains what led up to his starting KC Bier Co. and how his plans to become a craft brewer started long agoThe most underrated styles of German beer and how they compare to American lagers How Kansas City’s rich culinary scene ties perfectly into the growing brewery scene What the community interaction with competitor brewers and customers has been like for KC Bier Co.What Steve wished more people knew about KC’s food and drinks cultureSteve shares his advice for starting a new venture later in lifeEnjoying 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:“Respect what you're doing and make sure you do it well rather than just thinking, ‘oh, that sounds like something fun I'd like to do.’”“I think craft brewing is not so much about being everything to everybody, but it's having a passion for something that you're doing and trying to be the best at that niche that you want to work in.”“Some people question why we don't make stouts and everything else. And I think by focusing on something so specific, we actually bring more variety to the beer drinkers in Kansas City because no one else really does what we do.”Links & mentions:KC Bier Co., Brewer of German-style bier using only water, yeast, and all-imported German malt and hops with a Bavarian-style bierhalle and biergarten in Kansas City, MOMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Fresh off the heels of IMTS in Chicago, the largest manufacturing show in North America, host Chris Luecke invites Nick Haase, Co-Founder of MaintainX, onto the show to discuss how maintenance leaders and frontline workers can drive digital transformation. Nick gives us a run-down on his background and how his experiences have contributed to creating an intuitive CMMS and EAM platform. The conversation explores how digitizing maintenance departments can not only facilitate broader digital transformation but also capture invaluable tribal knowledge from an aging workforce. This knowledge transfer is essential as companies prepare the next generation of workers to embrace high-tech solutions.Nick and Chris also explore the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, emphasizing how executives and frontline leaders must collaborate to harness its potential, from making manufacturing more appealing to the younger generation to leveraging data for smarter decisions.In this episode, find out:Meet Nick Haase: Co-Founder of MaintainXWhy frontline workers are the key link between high-tech equipment and peak operational efficiencyNick provides a detailed look at his ‘non-typical’ career journey and how he built MaintainXHow moving from pen and paper onto digital platforms tie into a digital transformationWhy you’re only as good as your best plant manager if you don’t invest in dataHow AI is helping make sure the transition to the next work generation is as seamless as possible What causes Nick to think differently than other people in the manufacturing industryWho's ready for AI in the manufacturing world in this day and ageEnjoying 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:“AI in manufacturing isn't a magic solution—it's a powerful tool that requires high-quality, company-specific data to drive real efficiency gains and smooth workforce transitions.”“You've got this great installation of this incredible software process, but if you aren't considering how that final frontline worker is going to receive that input and deliver data input back into the system, then you're missing the point.”"I was surprised to learn that even at a Fortune 50 manufacturing company, many were still primarily following analog processes on the plant floor."Links & mentions:MaintainX, CMMS and EAM software that prevents downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and delivers the #1 technician experienceMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In the face of a looming talent crisis, with over 3 million manufacturing jobs expected to remain unfilled in the next decade, the industry is turning to generative AI as a vital solution. Host Chris Luecke talks with Andrew Hastert, Director of Digital Strategy and Portfolio at Rockwell Automation, in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour about how GenAI can not only streamline operations but also empower a new generation of workers who may lack traditional manufacturing experience.They cover GenAI's ability to simplify complex tasks, such as programming and troubleshooting, which could significantly reduce the barriers for entry-level employees and help preserve critical tribal knowledge that is at risk of being lost as experienced workers retire.As generative AI continues to evolve, it promises to transform how manufacturers approach workforce challenges. And, in this conversation, Chris and Andrew shed light on its potential to not just fill gaps but also enhance productivity and innovation within manufacturing.In this episode, find out:Andrew defines AI as applying math to data to derive insights not possible with traditional methods, using powerful parallel computingHe explains how GenAI uses the transformer model to create new patterns based on existing ones, widening access to AI capabilitiesHear how the manufacturing industry faces a significant talent shortage, with over 3 million unfilled jobs projected in the next decadeLearn how GenAI can help address workforce challenges by simplifying complex tasks like programming and troubleshootingAndrew talks about data management and AI integration How AI is seen as the top technology to address workforce challenges due to its ability to capture and utilize tribal knowledgeEscaping Pilot Purgatory with GenAIHow The State of Smart Manufacturing report indicates that talent remains the biggest challenge for industrial companiesManufacturers are advised to focus on their biggest business challenges first, then consider how AI can help address themEnjoying 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 the promise of generative AI is to dramatically simplify how we take our information, our support documentation, our tribal knowledge, document it, and get it into a large language model.”“Generative AI is just an application of AI using the transformer model to get new patterns generated, based on former patterns.”“Generative AI is not just about automation; it's about empowering new workers to tackle complex tasks that traditionally required years of experience.”Links & mentions:Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation, digital transformation, and information solutionsState of Smart Manufacturing Report, insights on AI, industrial SaaS, and more based of surveying hundreds of manufacturing leadersDemonFlyingFox, AI artist who uses MidJourney AI to bring Balenciaga to the world of Harry PotterThe Vanguard, a Milwaukee whiskey and comfort cuisine institution specializing in late-night, house-made sausage 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.

Rich Springer, Director of Marketing for OT Solutions at Fortinet, shares his extensive experience in manufacturing and cybersecurity. He discusses the critical risks facing operational technology networks and the urgency for robust security practices. Rich emphasizes the importance of collaboration between IT and OT teams and advocates for proactive measures like tabletop exercises to assess risks. He busts myths about air gaps providing safety and highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, encouraging continuous improvement in protective measures.

Is the industry ready for humanoids? And perhaps more importantly, does the industry really need them? It’s a debate that’s been going on for some time, and back in episode 200, we even had an audience member call humanoids out as a gimmick! But are there real benefits to using humanoids?We welcomed back Melonee Wise, the Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, the pros at manufacturing mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions. Melonee explains that there are definitely practical uses for humanoids and explains some ways they may outperform regular robotics in certain scenarios, such as containerized movement.We hear a little backstory about Melonee’s career and why she founded Fetch Robotics, sold it, and took her current role at Agility Robotics. While running her company, she learned a lot about finding product-market fit and ensuring that the designs of robots are viable, in demand, and safe. Safety is a key theme in this episode, and Melonee reveals some of the specific scenarios we need to prepare for if we ever hope to get a robot from the design stage to implementation.In this episode, find out:Are humanoids overhyped or is there a real use for them? The practical applications for humanoids in manufacturing and supply chain management The realities of managing robots on a production line and why instructions need to be programmed clearly Weighing up the speed of human workers vs. automated vehicles and robots, plus the other factors affecting human workers How AI plays into robotics development and why robotics would be advanced enough to progress without AI How we could manage data from robots to optimize supply chain management Why safety is always the biggest challenge with robotics and machinery and the different scenarios we need to account for before deploying a new piece of roboticsThe dangers of not thinking proactively about safety – both to the industry as a whole and to robotics developments What led Melonee to launch Fetch Robotics and how she found product-market fit with a new solution to a common problemWhy Melonee stepped away from entrepreneurship to take a role at Agility Robotics 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:“Humanoids would be having their moment right now, whether or not AI was also having its moment. I think that the technology is sufficiently advanced enough that we can do the work without leveraging AI if we needed to. Now, will AI help? Yes."“There are two factors that make containerized movement great for humanoids. One, it's very standard work and robotics always loves standard processes. And two, it's highly scalable. So it's worth the investment of the development.”“Humanoids are becoming the new best friends of AMRs. So that's where we're seeing a lot of success, especially because they’re highly repeatable and there are a lot of use cases for them.”Links & mentions:Agility Robotics, the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions, working with the humanoid robot, DigitFetch Robotics (now Zebra), Melonee’s original company, acquired by Zebra, is a robotics automation products manufacturer that helps robots work alongside humans 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.

U.S. manufacturing is on a roll right now. And organizations like MxD – The Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute are on a mission to help manufacturers build the things they need to build in the modern digital world. In this episode, we sit down with Berardino Baratta, CEO of MxD, to explore the evolution of digital transformation in manufacturing and its impact on the industry. First, Berardino shares his career story, which takes us from healthcare AI to operating a café during a sabbatical to now helping manufacturers thrive in a digital world. As MxD celebrates its 10th anniversary, Berardino shares insights on how the organization has evolved over the years as new technology progresses. We dig into the challenges faced by small businesses, the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age, and how MxD is shaping the future of American manufacturing. Berardino shares his perspective on how manufacturing is changing for the better, including a more collaborative approach to improving supply chains and the democratization of data and insights. In this episode, find out:Berardino explains what MxD does to help manufacturers and how its scope has evolved as new technology advances Some backstory on Berardino’s varied career from being the CEO of an AI healthcare company to now working as the CEO of the U.S.’s leading digital manufacturing innovation center What Berardino learned during his long sabbatical about modernizing operations at a café and how he applied that to his work in manufacturing Berardino takes us through MxD’s project history, including working with the Department of Defense and Manufacturing USA How modern manufacturing companies feel about creating something that will be democratized vs. maintaining competitive advantagesWhy the industry has become more collaborative over making supply chain improvements How manufacturing has changed in the past ten years in line with technological innovations What’s working when it comes to fortifying the strength of U.S. manufacturing Improvements the industry needs to make when it comes to adopting digital assets 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 quickly realized cybersecurity is critical. We went from being the Digital Manufacturing Institute to the Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute. Two sides of the same coin, right? If you're going to adopt digital, it better be secure.”“98% of U.S. manufacturing companies are small and medium. 75% have less than 20 employees. What's starting to work is that those small and medium businesses are starting to adopt digital to improve their operations.”“With the café, we modernized their entire operations. Right from production in the back house through building their front of the house. We modernized it with technology, not that dissimilar to a digital transformation of a manufacturer.”Links & mentions:MxD, the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute; MxD advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness; in partnership with the Department of DefenseManufacturing USA, a network of regional institutes, each with a specialized technology focus; Manufacturing USA institutes like MxD convene business competitors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to test applications of new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the futureChicago Cut Steakhouse, a stylish modern steakhouse with a patio overlooking the Chicago River where Berardino and Chris have both dined beforeHardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery, avant-garde haunt in Aurora, IL with seasonal, creative entrées, whiskeys from around the world, and outdoor seatingMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In 1989, Kansas City's beer scene was revitalized with the founding of Boulevard Brewing Company, filling a void left by the closure of hundreds of local breweries during Prohibition and the subsequent decades. Our guest, Adam Hall from Boulevard Brewing Company, takes us on a fascinating journey into the brewery's evolution from humble beginnings to its present-day status as a staple on Kansas City's beer scene. In this episode, learn about the evolution of Boulevard's beer lineup, the pivotal role of Kansas City’s rich beer heritage, and how innovation keeps the brewery ahead of trends without chasing them. Adam also shares unique insights into Boulevard's community involvement, sustainability efforts, and the collaborative spirit among Kansas City brewers. Plus, don't miss out on their creative beer and food pairings, including a new Chamoy and peach ring-infused sour ale!Plus, make sure to follow the MADE HERE series with the Industrial Solutions Network by going to industrialsolutionsnetwork.com/madehere.In this episode, find out:How Boulevard Brewing started out in 1989 as a small brewery with a few taps in an old gift shopThe history of Kansas City’s breweries before Prohibition and what happened afterwardHow founder John McDonald was inspired to brew a variety of beers while on a trip to EuropeAbout Boulevard’s first successful beer, which was an American wheat beer, and how it remains their bestseller todayHow hiring an innovative brewer with a robust list of recipes helps keep Boulevard Brewing on the forefront of what’s happening in the industryHow they collaborate with other craft breweries to share techniques and improve production efficiencyBoulevard’s position as a mid-sized brewery, larger than typical craft breweries but smaller than macro breweries, allows for quality-focused growthThe future for the brewery is to increase its presence in markets outside Kansas City while maintaining a tight and high-quality beer profileHow Boulevard's commitment to innovation includes adopting new manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and product qualityEnjoying 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:“While Kansas City didn't experience Prohibition in the same way that other cities did, we never really stopped serving beer, manufacturing shut down almost completely.”“We want to grow. We want more people to try our beer. We think that if you try our beer, you'll like our beer. We try to make something for everybody.”“In the early 2000s, we were doing over a hundred thousand barrels on our original brew house, which kicks out 35 barrels at a time. If you do anything a hundred thousand times in increments of 35, it'll tell you that brew house was running 24 hours a day.”Links & mentions:Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri that combines traditional brewing techniques with modern methods Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, the best barbeque in Kansas City, the barbeque capital of the worldMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

If you are one of the 100,000 people that’s going to IMTS 2024 – North America's largest manufacturing trade show – there's a lot in this episode for you. We’re joined by 7 other manufacturing leaders as we enjoy a glass of bourbon and chat about what we’re expecting to see at IMTS this year, September 9 through 14, 2024 in Chicago, IL.This episode was recorded live from MakingChips HQ at their “Boring Bar” in Rockford, IL where we were joined by a number of past guests of Manufacturing Happy Hour. The crew discusses everything from IMTS to artificial intelligence to our thoughts on the future of manufacturing and what it will take to continue to enhance the vibrancy of this industry.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.