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Have you ever stopped to think about what goes into getting your favorite Kwik Trip products onto your table?
In this episode, we explore the impressive vertical integration model that Kwik Trip uses, a strategy that allows them to maintain almost complete control over their supply chain. Paul Blank, Director of Operations, and Scott Schiebel, Automation Manager, share insights on how this approach not only enhances quality and food safety but also helps the company navigate supply chain challenges that have become all too common in recent years.
Kwik Trip’s commitment to vertical integration means they handle everything from manufacturing to distribution in-house. With five major food production facilities and their own trucking operations, they can ensure that products like milk and baked goods are delivered fresh to stores—sometimes in less than 24 hours! The episode highlights the crucial role of automation in streamlining these processes, including ingredients prep and order fulfillment.
You’ll also hear how Kwik Trip prioritizes its workforce despite the big focus on automation. Paul and Scott emphasize that automation is not about replacing jobs but enhancing operations to meet rising demand.
In this episode, find out:
Paul and Scott give us a quick overview of what Kwik Trip isWhy Kwik Trip uses a vertical integration model and its impact on logistics and supply chain issues How using automation makes vertical integration a powerful strategy An overview of some of the more recent facilities set up at Kwik Trip and how they’ve improved operationsWhy Kwik Trip is a great example of a company using digital transformation to refine production and distributionHow the team at Kwik Trip makes decisions on production types such as batch and continuous processesHow automation has impacted the people behind the process and why it doesn’t mean that anyone loses a job Why predictive maintenance is essential for keeping plants running smoothly How operations leaders collaborate within Kwik TripHow Kwik Trip decides what to produce in-house vs. outsource to other manufacturers The process behind building the right tech for each production line and why everything starts with food safety How Kwik Trip’s food innovation team maintains great quality and tests out new ideas for feasibility How the company collaborates and seeks out vendors and OEMs to work with Tips for any manufacturers considering the vertical integration modelKwik Trip’s approach to training, hiring and retaining great talent Some stats on the impressive numbers of products that come off the Kwik Trip production linesEnjoying 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 make it. We ship it. We sell it. This allows us to control pricing that's best for our guest. It also allows us to manage quality and food safety.” – Paul Blank"Our maintenance staff has a CMMS program, and they are diligent about PMs and staying on top of the equipment in terms of the routine needs. And that pays dividends long term since there's less unexpected downtime." – Scott Schiebel"Automation really is part of our growth pattern. There isn't a project that we take on without evaluating whether or not automation fits or how it may fit. It doesn't mean we automate everything, but where we do, Kwik Trip grows as a whole." – Paul BlankLinks & mentions:
Kwik Trip, a popular chain of convenience stores located throughout... -
We talk a lot about the skills gap on this podcast, but this episode paints an optimistic picture of what the manufacturing world can achieve when we come together. Partnerships between industry and education are so important because without the right education and exposure to manufacturing, the skills gap could continue to grow.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Josh Gamer, Dean of the Integrated Technology Division at Western Technical College, and Kris Gengler, Education Foundation Manager at Ashley Furniture, to talk through the important intersection between education and manufacturing.
Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College have an amazing partnership and work closely together to find ways to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of manufacturers. We cover a lot in this episode – from why Western Wisconsin is such a manufacturing hub to the upcoming Wanek Center of Innovation at Western Technical College and what it will mean for manufacturing businesses and students.
Kris and Josh share their predictions on the industry, talk about apprenticeships, and the type of skills and technology that future manufacturers will get to learn at places like Western Technical College.
In this episode, find out:
What makes manufacturing in Western Wisconsin so special and important to the regionThe types of manufacturing that Western Wisconsin specializes in and how the area manages to attract and retain talent What Western Technical College’s Wanek Center of Innovation will mean for manufacturers and why it’s been a group effort between education and industryWhat Ashley Furntiure and local education institutions learned from a group trip to Germany to visit manufacturers and trade showsWhy you need to be willing to look outside your immediate bubble and learn from othersJosh lists some of the different ways students and manufacturers will benefit from the new CenterWhy we need to talk to younger kids about manufacturing to plant the seed earlyHow Western Technical College’s apprenticeship programs have evolvedJosh does some podcast shoutouts to organizations he’s partnered withEnjoying 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:
“If you want to understand how you're truly doing, you have to open your eyes and be willing to look outside. Go to a different state. Consider another country. Visit other manufacturers, other educational institutions because if you don't do that, you do run the risk of falling behind.” – Dr. Josh Gamer“Manufacturing here in Western Wisconsin, you have people who are very hardworking, very smart, and they have a drive to succeed and they continue to want to learn, to expand, and to find a better way.” – Kris Gengler“When those businesses are successful, it's keeping the money within an area. And that's really what manufacturing does for an area. And when it does that, it, it enhances everything. It enhances healthcare, it enhances distribution, it enhances education. It just creates a whole lot of good for an area.” – Kris GenglerLinks & mentions:
Western Technical College, leading institution in Western Wisconsin, Western Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers with a focus on technology and manufacturing -
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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... -
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 actionMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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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.
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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.
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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... -
Is your shop floor as secure as you think it is? Innovation in the manufacturing world has made IT-OT convergence much more commonplace today, but is the industry taking the potential risks seriously enough?
In this episode, we hear from Fortinet’s Director of Marketing for OT Solutions, Rich Springer, about the real threats facing manufacturers within OT networks, and why effective OT security is a non-negotiable today...
Rich brings bags of experience to the table, from his early days in furniture and glass factories to his time as a Navy submarine officer and later as the global head of SCADA operations for a major wind turbine company. He shares how these experiences shaped his understanding of the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the manufacturing sector.
Painting a picture of how an OT threat can bring production to a standstill, Rich recommends that manufacturers use tabletop exercises to assess risk points and their impact on the whole production line. Rich also explains that part of protecting your OT network is about getting IT and OT teams to work together, and he gives practical advice on how to bridge the gap.
In this episode, find out:
Rich explains Fortinet’s position on OT network security We hear about Rich’s diverse career background and how his previous roles prepared him for his role at Fortinet The current state of OT convergence and why companies are yet to take actionRich breaks the misconception that air gaps will protect manufacturers from digital threats Advice for better collaboration between IT and OT teams Rich explains why he’s optimistic that manufacturers are paying attention to the right things in securityWhat the report says about manufacturers and their approach to OT systems todayWhat it takes for cybersecurity experts to get executives to pay attention to the threats facing OTHow to run a tabletop exercise to assess threat and impact on production What surprises Rich most about cybersecurity in manufacturing todayEnjoying 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 separation of duties should be decided on the tabletop exercise, not when the fire is burning.”“The technology has evolved. So therefore, it has made this air gap strategy a little less realistic over the years. And this is a common challenge.”“When the systems go down, they go to paper. So if the line hasn't stopped, what happens with our suppliers if we have to go paper? Take your tabletop exercise to that level.”Links & mentions:
Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk, a report on how digital transformation in manufacturing has driven a widespread need for cybersecurity awareness2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report, Fortinet’s report on OT cybersecurityMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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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 RoboticsEnjoying 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 humansMake sure to visit
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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 assetsEnjoying 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... -
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...
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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.
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Let’s raise a glass to 200 episodes down and counting! It’s been an incredible journey so far and to mark this milestone, we’re bringing you a special live episode – this time with host Chris Luecke in the hot seat.
So what’s it been like running the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast? Chris tells us in his own words how much he’s learned as the podcast has grown in the amazing manufacturing community.
Live from Broken Bat Brewery in Milwaukee, we’re joined by Manufacturing Happy Hour alumni, including Meaghan Ziemba, the perfect host for this episode, plus lots of manufacturers, creators, and tech leaders.
Chris shares some of the best advice he’s heard from guests on the show, including how to be a self-advocate, the importance of connecting with the next generation of talent, and the power of networking events in fostering a community. We hear some behind-the-scenes details of handling feedback, producing those early episodes, and why Chris decided to start the podcast in the first place.
Huge thanks to anyone who’s listened to and supported the podcast over the years. Here’s to another 200 episodes!
In this episode, find out:
Introduction to our host this episode, Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of ManufacturingChris explains how he feels about it being the 200th episode and reflects on his first guest on the showWhy Manufacturing Happy Hour began as a way to connect with younger manufacturersWhy community and networking have always been such a big feature of the Manufacturing Happy Hour mission Chris reflects on the most memorable moments from his podcastThe top challenges Chris faced when creating the podcast and the game-changing advice he receivedHow listener feedback has impacted Chris’ approach to podcasting and helped him grow Why manufacturers need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” How podcasts like this help to attract more young people into the industry and why Chris believes we need to listen rather than assume we know what younger people are looking for in this industry How podcasting and attending events is making a tangible impact on companies in the industryChris shares his predictions for next year and beyond and his plan for the next 200 episodes Rapid fire questions on Chris’ favorite tech, events, guests, podcasts, and some behind-the-scenes stories The top things Chris has learned about leadership since starting the podcastIntroduction to the companies who made this event possibleEnjoying 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:
“When I say Manufacturing Happy Hour is listened to by leaders in manufacturing, I don't always mean the C-suite. I define leader as anyone who cares about their career, the industry, or their business. People that are driven in their careers.”“How do I attract the next generation? I need to listen to the next generation in terms of hearing what they want, rather than just assuming that me, as someone who’s been doing this for five plus years, knows all the answers.”“I'm trying to pick the best stories to tell, but I think it's just consistency. It's doing these things on a regular basis that gets folks out there, gets folks talking to people that they might not have met before."Links & mentions:
Broken Bat Brewery, baseball themed craft brewery and tap room in Milwaukee Mavens of Manufacturing, live video... -
Not every new manufacturing project needs to reinvent the wheel. In fact, by using the resources manufacturers already have, companies can save both time and money. The key? Using historical data.
In this episode, we sit down with Yushiro Kato, Founder and CEO of CADDi, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical data. Yushiro gives us his backstory before he built CADDi and shares the unique learnings he picked up along the way.
We hear how CADDi’s innovative solutions can streamline operations and reduce costs in procurement and engineering processes. Throughout the episode, Yushiro champions centralized data systems that allow engineers to easily access and reuse past drawings, simplifying supply chains.
Yushiro also highlights the unique challenges of managing a company that spans multiple countries and continents. We hear about some of the key differences in job and skill specialization between the U.S. and Japan, while we sip sake and talk ramen.
In this episode, find out:
Yushiro explains his entrepreneurial backstory and early experience at McKinsey & Company Why seeing the global pain points facing manufacturing inspired Yushiro to build CADDi Why so many entrepreneurs come from McKinseyHow CADDi was founded on the idea of finding solutions in historical records Why we don’t see many manufacturing leaders using data to be more competitiveHow democratization of data can be used to empower people at all levels of seniority What frontline empowerment in manufacturing looks likeYushiro explains the first big issue that needs to be solved in manufacturing What it’s like being a CEO for a company that spans five countriesEnjoying 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:
“Engineers tend to create new drawings over and over again. But why don't you leverage past data if they're mostly identical drawings in the past?”“There are a lot of data-related systems in place... but the systems do not really talk to each other. If you want to leverage the data in the past, you need to search across multiple systems, which is super time-consuming.”“Jobs are more specialized in the U.S. than Japan. So for example, in marketing, there are a lot of marketers - digital marketers, offline marketers, content marketers. In Japan, they're more generalists because they tend to be in the same company for longer."Links & mentions:
CADDi Drawer, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical dataRAMEN-SAN, a neighborhood noodle joint that slings hot broth, ice-cold beer, and the best '90s hip-hop in Chicago, with multiple locations including River NorthMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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The Rust Belt cities are welcoming in a new renaissance – and it’s thanks to the rise and return of great American manufacturing!
In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we dive deep into the heart of the new American manufacturing renaissance with a stellar lineup of guests, including Drew Crowe, Michael Eaton, Mary Cecile “MC” Neville, Brad Jones, Jeff Hawkins, and Cynthia Chapple. Recorded at the 4 Hands Brewery in St. Louis, this episode brings together inspiring industry leaders to discuss the transformative power of manufacturing.
Drew Crowe, the Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, and his inspiring career journey take center stage as he shares how manufacturing changed his life. Today, he’s a public speaker and passionate advocate for the industry with a mission to reconnect communities with manufacturing.
We hear how manufacturing is revitalizing cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia, where the industry is not only great for job prospects but also economic growth for the Rust Belt states as a whole. Drew also gives his take on the skills gap, a challenge many manufacturers still face, and how his work is helping to spread awareness of the career opportunities the industry offers.
To hear more from manufacturing leaders, be sure to register for IMTS, taking place September 9-14 in Chicago.
In this episode, find out:
Drew describes the New American Manufacturing Renaissance and its mission to connect communities with manufacturing Drew takes us through his inspiring career journey and how he prioritized learning Why the Rust Belt cities are seeing a resurgence thanks to the help of manufacturing Why better job opportunities and upskilling help not just individuals but also the city and state achieve longer-term growth How manufacturing is helping the cities of St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia and what they’re getting right How the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis contributes to communities getting involved in manufacturing Drew’s answer to the skills gap and why we need to spread awareness and give potential talent a helping hand The importance of relatable and diverse role models How events like this and online content help the industry get the attention it needsIntroduction to the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT)How manufacturing contributes to the resurgence of citiesWhat to expect from IMTSWhy industry leaders need to meet people where they’re at and know their audience when talking about manufacturingEnjoying 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 want to bring back the opportunity where no matter what people look like, no matter where they're from, their sex, gender, political standing, race, whatever it is, we've got a lot of jobs that can change people's lives, and we just got to connect them to it.” - Drew Crowe“The world does not go around if we do not create.” - Cynthia Chapple“Manufacturers are the backbone of America. They built this country. We didn't need a pandemic to label manufacturers as essential workers. You have always been essential workers, period." - Drew CroweLinks & mentions:
Drew The MFG Crowe, often referred to as the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he... -
Grab a bite to eat while you listen to this episode, preferably something fresh off the grill. We look behind the curtain of the food and beverage manufacturing world with Doug Wilson, the Director of Engineering at Marlen International.
Doug takes us on a journey through his career evolution from welding to food and beverage manufacturing, sharing pivotal moments that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of organization and workflow efficiency, revealing how his first plant startup taught him that failure can be the best teacher.
Doug breaks apart misconceptions about manufacturing in the food and beverage space and highlights that sanitary practices are make or break in this industry. He also sheds light on the artisanal side of food production, where meticulous recipe testing and quality assurance are key. We hear how Doug has helped smaller companies scale and the lessons they learn along the way when adopting new food processing equipment that makes it all possible.
Sustainability is a topic that’s near and dear to Doug’s heart, and he lets us in on Marlen’s tactic for reusing energy in the grilling process, which comes with an added flavorful bonus. Our conversation naturally comes to barbeque talk, specifically the world-famous Kansas City Barbeque Society which hosts events and competitions to celebrate a key part of KC’s culture.
In this episode, find out:
How Doug first became a passionate Kansas City barbeque fan Doug’s early career in welding and high-speed printing and packaging Important lessons that Doug learned from an early startup that failed around workflow How Doug moved into the food processing business at Marlen Common misconceptions around food and beverage manufacturing What goes on behind the scenes of mass food production around testing and quality controlDoug shares how he’s helped a number of smaller producers to industrialize and scale (including a truck stand)The key to ensuring quality when automation is a huge part of large-scale operations How the food manufacturing industry is changing, with a lean toward prepared meals How Marlen recycles exhaust fumes to boost energy efficiency Doug explains some of his barbeque tools, the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and his time as a judgeWhat makes Kansas City a hub of food and beverage manufacturing The future of manufacturing in the food sector, Doug’s predictionsEnjoying 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 take the exhaust gases from the grill and pump it into the oven, so you get more of that smoked flavor. Another nice thing from the environmental side is all that exhaust gas is at 300 degrees, that's just energy you're losing. We can scale way back and reuse all that energy a second time.”“If you have nothing but success until you have a failure, how do you know what you need to improve on?”“The industry is massive, and I think a lot of people just don't realize how many people touch it along the way."Links & mentions:
Marlen International, Kansas City-based manufacturer of batch ovens, smokehouses, chillers, and more. They enable customer success through trusted and robust food processing solutions, application know-how, process expertise and engineering customization.The Kansas City Barbeque Society, a... -
What does it really take to excel as a CNC machinist? A hunger to learn, a touch of aggressive self-advocacy, and a knack for problem-solving are the major take-home messages in this episode.
We speak to Christopher Zappettini, Nushrat Ahmed, and Danny Hill Jr., three CNC machinists who all took different paths into the field, skipping the traditional trade school route. They explore the top skills needed in the industry, how to be a great frontline leader, and their top tips that you won’t get from a trade school.
Chris explains what he thinks is sometimes missing from the trade school route, why problem-solving was the number one skill he took from his engineering background, and why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate.”
Nushrat takes us through her transition from automotive engineering to becoming a CNC Swiss operator and shares one underrated skill you need to work in CNC machining. Like Chris, she believes it’s so important to advocate for yourself and learn to market your own skills.
Danny talks about the value of determination and continuous upskilling, pointing out the underrated importance of manual machine skills today, and taking charge of your own skill development.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the manufacturing industry and CNC machining looking to advance their career and become a top CNC machinist.
In this episode, find out:
Why having an inspiring teacher was key to Chris’ education at ASU What Chris learned from his engineering program and early jobs about CNC machining Two reasons why people coming out of trade schools don’t hit the ground running – the importance of a good teacher and realizing that you get out what you put inWhy engineering is about problem-solving at its coreWhy you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” and take responsibility for your own learning and development through your career What does a great frontline leader look like? Why solving problems while parts are running is the ideal approachChris’ advice on communication and why overcommunicating is almost never a bad thingWhat Chris believes is the most underrated skill to make it as a CNC machinistWhy Nush became a CNC machinist after pivoting from an automotive career path What Nush believes it means to be a great frontline leader and why you should advocate for and market yourselfCleanliness as an underrated skill to be a CNC machinist The top characteristics of a frontline leader, according to DannyWhen Danny realized continuous learning was essential for his career Danny’s picks for the top practical and underrated skills in CNC machineryEnjoying 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 most ideal situation is to get parts running and while they're running, solve the problems while it's still in the shop. You start solving the problems while the parts are being produced.” - Christopher Zappettini“You don't need to know numbers. Your handwriting doesn't have to be nice. You don't have to be good at reading. But you need to be neat. There are so many moving parts, you're going to be grabbing so many things, you're going to be moving so much, it'll make your life easier if everything has its place.” - Nushrat Ahmed“I want to learn all of it. Let me master this one thing, then I'm going to the next, and the next, and the next. The more and more I make myself more marketable. In this trade, there's nowhere else to go but up. I want to just learn the new and latest technology to come." - Danny Hill Jr.Links &...
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Ever wonder why some machine shops are thriving while others are shutting their doors?
In this episode, we welcome back Manufacturing Happy Hour alumnus Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop, to crack open a virtual beer at GRUFF Brewing in Bellingham, Washington.
Paul serves up top notch insights on why some machine shops are thriving while others are closing their doors. He explains that some industries are driving the most success right now, including defense, commercial spaces, aerospace, and medical devices. But it's not only about being in the right industry – Paul emphasizes the need for sales-driven strategies, industry-specific certifications, and the adoption of automation and technology as keys to staying competitive.
We hear how ProShop has tripled its value since Paul was last on the show in 2020, and he shares the secret sauce for ProShop’s amazing growth. He also touches on the culture and mindset necessary for successful technology adoption in machine shops, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, leadership, and humility.
In this episode, find out:
Why are some machine shops thriving while others are shutting down in 2024? The industries that are booming are in aerospace, medical devices, defense, commercial space and why other industries are struggling in comparison Paul explains how a shop can still succeed even if they’re not focused on the top industries by being sales-driven Why shops that have optimized their processes with automation tech are doing so well Paul outlines detailed advice for a shop that might want to pivot industries The moment Paul realized he’d found the secret sauce to growing ProShopWhy Paul believes in giving back to customers, not just to drive sales but to boost value The all-important culture and mindset that a shop that adopts tech has and why “we’ve always done it this way” is such a dangerous statement Highly regulated industries are more likely to adopt tech to manage compliance and the greater complexity of the business, but what can those in less regulated industries do to adopt a similar approach? Paul explains how he’s been busy since his last guest appearance on the show – tripling the value of ProShop thanks to changing the company’s goals Why transparency and customer care are the key things that Paul believes are responsible for ProShop’s success Paul explains why he finally began a funding round after seven years of bootstrapping the business The benefits of bootstrapping your business like Paul and his advice for those who want to go a similar route Paul shares some backstory on his 2 podcasts and why he keeps one entirely separate from his businessThe biggest benefit of running podcasts for PaulEnjoying 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 shops that are thriving the most right now are the ones that are specifically targeting and are really sales-driven into industries that are hot."“This whole concept of transparency and focusing on client success and sharing their stories and celebrating their wins and, what I like to say, the heroes of the economy as they are, I think is a really important part of our growth story.”“You can have the best product in the world and no one's going to buy it if they don't really believe in it and see it and ask if that can be a part of their success as well.”Links & mentions:
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Places like Kansas City’s West Bottoms district make up the foundations of American manufacturing and industry. And in this episode, we head straight to The Ship, a unique bar in the heart of the historic West Bottoms district to meet with Scott Brown of the Historic West Bottoms Association and General Counsel at Faultless Starch.
We take a look back into the history of the area and why West Bottoms was put on the map thanks to its proximity to the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and the early railroads in the 1860s. Scott talks about why the region became such an agricultural hub and played an important role in the livestock industry of Kansas City. Today, the district is undergoing a period of revitalization, with investments in infrastructure being key to attracting new businesses and residents.
Scott highlights some of the area's top businesses, including Faultless Brands, which has been manufacturing starch products in West Bottoms since 1887. We also talk about the legendary American Royal BBQ events and why Kansas City BBQs may give Texas a run for its money…
Check out our Made Here City Series in collaboration with the Industrial Solutions Network.
In this episode, find out:
How West Bottoms’ industrial history was shaped by the river and railways connecting Kansas City How the industrial background and area made Kansas City and the surrounding areas rich in agricultural historyHow Kansas City’s bridges connected different parts of the region, leading to expansion of the industry The impact of the stockyards coming to the region in the late 1800sThe role of West Bottoms neighborhood in Kansas City cattle exchange historyWhere we see remnants of the old industry in Kansas City What is the American Royal today?The ultimate question: is Kansas City BBQ the best in the world?Why West Bottoms became a go-to district for haunted houses in Kansas CityWhy West Bottoms is thriving now and what you can find in the district todayWhy West Bottoms’ development is a model for other cities revitalizing areasEnjoying 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:
"You don't give up on an area because it goes into blight, it goes into neglect, some decay. It's again, location, location and if you have the people there and it's cool, it will come about.""Before Kansas City came about, this area where we're in now was known as the French Bottoms. And located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri River, it was a natural place of trade and people were using the river at that time."Links & mentions:
West Bottoms, official site of the West Bottoms Business District Association, the organization dedicated to continued revival of our most historical area in downtown in Kansas CityVisit KC, guide to the West Bottoms with most of this episode’s restaurant recommendations (and more) includedThe Ship, a simple exterior gives way to this cool speakeasy offering classic cocktails & live entertainmentMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this...
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A recruiter, a manufacturing leader, and a technology leader all walk into a bar… and tackle the skills gap problem head-on over some beers!
The skills gap has been a hot topic in manufacturing. So, in true Manufacturing Happy Hour style, we sit down with a beer and discuss. Recorded live from Founders Brewery, MI while on tour with SwipeGuide, we sit down with Ann Wyatt of Ann Wyatt Recruiting, Ryan Lillibridge, VP of Mission Design & Automation, and CEO and Founder of SwipeGuide, Willemijn Schneyder.
First up, we talk about how the stigma of heading into the trades is thankfully on the decrease. We swap insights on how the idea of "hireability" is changing, and what companies can do to lower the barriers to entry. A common theme throughout is that manufacturing leaders need to be more flexible when it comes to hiring. Do all candidates need a Master’s in mechanical engineering? Probably not. For the future of manufacturers, attitude and aptitude are the golden tickets.
We rounded out the conversation talking about upskilling and reskilling your workforce. Part of the skills gap problem isn’t just about attracting people to manufacturing. It’s also about missing a trick with your existing workforce. Sometimes, you need to tap into their knowledge and interests and reskill them for an increasingly tech-heavy future.
In this episode, find out:
Ann, Ryan, and WIllemijn introduce themselves and their unique perspectives on addressing the skills gapHow the stigma around trade jobs has evolved How the term “hireability” has evolved in today’s market from a recruiter’s perspective What companies can do to lower the barriers to entry into manufacturing and why recruiters should look at attitude and aptitude, not just experience and formal educationAnn, Ryan, and Willemijn share which job requirements they think are outdated in today’s market and the top skills that manufacturing recruiters should look for Why technology is not the solution but a catalyst to empower the workforceHow upskilling and reskilling existing staff could help to ease the burden of the skills gapWhy people are the most valuable asset of a business that leaders should invest more inEnjoying 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:
“Technology can put a value to frontline knowledge.”“We do automation. We put automation systems into factories, but if they haven't spent time on their people, their manufacturing equipment does not run well because they haven't upskilled their team.”“We have to prioritize attitude and aptitude over ten plus years’ experience.”Links & mentions:
SwipeGuide, a hassle-free how-to platform for frontline training, made simpleMission Design & Automation, a leading intelligent automation integrator in MichiganAnn Wyatt Recruiting, specialist recruitment company for manufacturing companiesFounders Brewery, brewery in Grand Rapids, MIMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay...
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