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Kevin Duggan: Operational Excellence through Lean Principles

May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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A common theme on Manufacturing Revival has always been Lean concepts and their implementation. Today we bring you a guest who has unique kevin-duggan-aug-11-1perspective on how to better utilize the concepts that continue to drive the Lean movement. We welcome to the show Kevin Duggan, Founder of the Institute for Operational Excellence and President of Duggan Associates. The Institute for Operational Excellence is an educational center for organizations and individuals interested in learning how to evolve a lean enterprise into one that can achieve and sustain operational excellence. They are able to offer training to all size businesses in nearly any industry.

Duggan Associates works in conjunction with The Institute for Operational Excellence to help implement the Lean principles with a hands-on approach. Their mission is to help their client’s employees see the flow of value that they add to the customer, and be aware of how that flow may be affected.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

  1. Kevin shares with us his background and the unique skill set that led him to found the Institute for Operational Excellence.
  2. We hear how the Institute for Operational Excellence educates about using lean concepts to obtain operational excellence.
  3. Hear all about Hypertherm and why Kevin believes they should be the standard for all American Manufacturers.
  4. Teaching operational excellence within a large organization.
  5. How can we better educate organizations to achieve operational excellence.
  6. Is one answer or ten answers better?
  7. Operational excellence needs to live in corporate culture.
  8. Learn more about Kevin’s book: “Design for Operational Excellence: A Breakthrough Strategy for Business Growth”

The stories that Kevin shares throughout this fascinating discussion can not be summarized above. If you want real life examples of how to improve your business and find excellence in everything you do, then be sure not to miss this great episode of Manufacturing Revival Radio.

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Filed Under: Lean

James DeSmet and Christian Taber of Big Ass Fans: Keeping it Cool While Saving Energy

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Today we had the pleasure of speaking with two individuals that are helping keep America’s work force taborcomfortable. We welcomed to the show James DeSmet and Christian Taber, Director of Engineering and Operations Senior Applications Engineer (respectively) of Big Ass Fans. Big Ass Fans manufactures large fans for both commercial and residential situations providing the latest offerings in thermal comfort. As we learned during today’s conversation, these are not your standard fans and the technology and research that goes into developing these products is simply fascinating.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

  1. We learn about both James and Christian’s backgrounds and what led them to Big Ass Fans.
  2. The ideal commercial applications of using Fans versus Air Conditioning.
  3. Can fans help with heating also?
  4. How can fans be used in conjunction with a forced air system to provide cost savings?
  5. We dig into the research and technology that goes into designing these fans.
  6. Can a fan be both highly efficient and aesthetically pleasing?
  7. We dicuss lighting and additional fan options.
  8. Big Ass Fans is about to hit a major organizational milestone. Listen to find out about it!
  9. Fans with Misting Systems, when and why these are useful.
  10. Company culture and why Big Ass Fans has got it figured out.

This was a fun and informative interview with a unique manufacturer. Listen to hear about their reusable pallets and the fun story about how they are being used. This is a great company that shared some really interesting knowledge with us.

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Wisconsin Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch speaks about the importance of Manufacturing in a State Economy

April 30, 2013 By 2 Comments
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It is no surprise that here on Manufacturing Revival Radio we believe Manufacturing is a critical element to the American Economy. Today we welcomed to the imageget-1.aspprogram Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch who was able to explain just how important a strong manufacturing base is for a state economy. Lt. Governor Kleefisch was kind enough to share both her time and knowledge with us, so that we could learn about many of the great programs and incentives that Wisconsin has for manufacturers.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

  1. We learn how the Lt. Governor began her career and how she got elected to her current position.
  2. Why is Wisconsin a great place for manufacturers?
  3. What type of incentives are in place to encourage manufacturers to relocate to Wisconsin?
  4. We learn about Wisconsin’s small business regulatory review board and how they help educate and promote small businesses.
  5. The labor force skill gap is a problem all over America for manufacturers. What can manufacturers do to help improve this problem?
  6. Who needs to take responsibility towards improving the available workforce?
  7. What can manufacturers do to work better with the education system?
  8. We learn about a unique program for students and manufacturers in Wisconsin.
  9. Learn more about Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch by clicking here.

We really unearthed a lot of great information today that isn’t mentioned in the above. Lt. Governor Kleefisch provided great examples of how Wisconsin is truly dedicated to making sure they are a number one destination for manufacturers. Please take a moment to listen to this entire interview to hear about some of the fantastic programs they have established. Who knows, you may even hear of something that you could suggest to your own state’s Lt. Governor.

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Tony Deligio of Plastics Today

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Take a quick moment and where ever you are, look around you.  I would be willing to bet that you see some sort of plastic near by.  Well, today we had the photo-9pleasure of speaking with Tony Deligio, Content Director with Plastics Today.  Plastics Today is a Online Publication focused on everything plastic.  With an online reach of over 50,000 unique vistors per month, and combined trade events such as PLASTEC, PLAST-EX, and Expoplast it is easy to see how Plastics today is a leading network for the Plastics Community.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

1.  Tony takes us deeper into Plastics Today and the online Plastics community that they foster.

2.  We discuss how with shows such as “How it’s made” and others, Manufacturing has become Hip again!

3.  We learn more about UBM Canon, Plastics Today’s parent company.

4.  Tony talks about new technologies within the plastic’s industry.

5.  We discuss just how prevalent plastics are in your every day life.

6.  What are some of the challenges facing the plastics world.

7.  We discuss the backlash in the public view against plastic, such as plastic bag bans.

8.  We learn what makes Plastic’s Today a valuable asset to the common plastics professional.

9.  We dig deeper into PLASTEC and PLAST-EX, two great Plastics Trade Shows coming up in the next few months.

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Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Tom Gale of Modern Distribution Management

February 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Tom Gale, President of Gale Media/Modern Distribution Management

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The Numbers Never Lie

We have been looking forward to speaking with Tom Gale, President & Publisher, Gale Media/Modern Distribution Management, for quite a while now.  Modern Distribution Management (MDM) provides in-depth resources for executives in the wholesale distribution industry. Armed with a team of award winning editors MDM offers valuable in-depth insight into the wholesale distribution industry supported by original content that can’t be found anywhere else.  In addition to all the mentioned above, we are proud to have MDM as a syndication partner of Manufacturing Revival Radio!

Tom informed us that Gale Media also recently acquired Industrial Market Information (IMI). IMI profiles North American markets for a variety of industrial products to provide distributors and manufacturers insight to better forecast and plan their business. Tom discussed in depth the importance of properly utilizing solid data. It was fascinating to listen to Tom describe how sometimes data can contradict an organization’s intuition within their very own markets. He also spoke about how organizations can successfully capitalize on strong data by using the results to help predict patterns in the markets.  

Data Affects Your Sales Process

As today’s interview continued Tom elaborated even more on how a distributors sales and marketing team can really use segmented data to really hone efficient sales and marketing strategy. Want to learn how to properly use analytics to gain the upper hand in your markets? Then you must take a moment and listen to this informative discussion. When is the last time your organization did a comparative gap analysis? Don’t miss Tom explain why your answer has been too long!

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Filed Under: Innovation Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

February 22, 2013 By 1 Comment
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Institutes of Innovation

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Robert Atkinson, President of the Information and Innovation Foundation

As we all know, last week President Obama presented the State of The Union to the Country.  During his speech he spoke on a variety of topics including one of our favorites, American Manufacturing.  Today we welcomed Robert Atkinson, President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), to discuss the President’s manufacturing initiatives stated during the State of the Union.  The ITIF is a non-partisan research and educational institute.  Robert explained it in the best terms as simply, a “Think Tank.”  Working to influence public policies to help drive innovation and technologies around the country.

During his speech President Obama spoke about creating 15 Manufacturing Innovation Institutes.  Today Robert explained exactly what these Institutes are and why they can play an important role in keeping US Manufacturers competitive in the global market.  We spoke today on the differences between pre-competitive versus post-competitive R&D. The conversation traveled in many different directions including an interesting debate on whether US Manufacturers really need the government to assist them with innovation.  If you want to hear all of Robert’s insights about the possible creation of these 15 Manufacturing Institutes please take a moment and listen to the interview in its entirety.

Staying Current and Competitive 

Today’s interview really covered a lot of current events including a discussion on the White House’s recently announced anti-theft trade strategy.  Believe us when we say that you owe yourself a favor! So treat yourself by downloading this fascinating conversation about real time issues that have the ability to affect everyone.

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Filed Under: Innovation Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

John Sprovieri of Assembly Magazine

February 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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John Sprovieri, Chief Editor of Assembly Magazine

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Whether Assembling One Large Item or 1000’s of Small Ones Assembly Magazine Has You Covered

It’s hard to believe but we may have found somebody who enjoys speaking with Manufacturers as much as we do! MRR is proud to welcome John Sprovieri, Chief Editor of Assembly Magazine. Today we learned that Assembly Magazine has been around for nearly 50 years providing original content to Manufacturers, Distributors, Managers, Engineers, and anyone else who assembles products on a daily basis. By keeping their subscribers informed about the latest assembling technology within wide variety of industries the value that Assembly Magazine provides it readers grows stronger with every issue.

Cross Pollination of Industries Equals More Innovation

John described that by covering a wide range of industries readers are often able to pick and pull the best practices and techniques from areas that they normally would have never considered. John also spoke about emerging trends in manufacturing, specifically the role that automation is going to play looking towards the future. Even more specifically, we discuss the potentially enormous impact that the new Baxter Robot will have on small to medium size manufacturers. Curious what the outlook for capital spending looks like for 2013 and 2014? Take a listen and hear John cover the results of Assembly’s Capital Equipment Spending Survey.

As we usually note, we simply covered too much ground to describe everything here. The only way for you not to miss anything is to take a moment and download the interview. It makes for a great way to unwind after a busy today.

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Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Butch Rich of Rame-Hart

February 19, 2013 By 1 Comment
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Rame-Hart manufacturers egg harvesters and inoculators used to develop flu-vaccines that help save lives every year

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If you have ever had a flu shot, then there is a good chance that in a small way you are connected to our next guest. We welcomed to the show Butch Rich, Director of Operations with Rame-Hart. Rame-Hart began as a design and build machine shop and today has evolved into a leading manufacturer of Egg Harvesters and Inoculators. It is these Harvesters and Inoculators that are the backbone of the flu-vaccine industry.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

1.  Why should you care about egg inoculators.

2. How important is precision when handling thousands of eggs a day?

3. Who are Ramé-Hart’s primary customers?

4. Are the inoculators custom built?

5. Butch discusses his journey from the plant floor to his current position.

6. We discuss the need for innovation.

7.  The importance of investing in R&D.

8. Click here to learn more about Rame-Hart

This episode brought to you by:

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Brian Reelitz and Hank Norem of Ramco Innovations

February 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Brian Reelitz, President of Ramco Innovations

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We had a great time speaking with Brian Reelitz and Hank Norem, President and CFO of Ramco Innovations, respectively. Ramco Innovations is a leading distributor of factory automation products and solutions with a focus on great customer service and innovative product offerings

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS AND NOTES:

1. We learn the history and background of Ramco Innovations.

2. How has the industry changed during Ramco’s 50 years of experience.

3. What’s the best way to serve your market while providing excellent customer service?

4. Using a consultative sales approach to provide solutions.

5. How staying Lean helps organizations become competitive.

6. Maintaining a diverse customer base helps distribute risk in an uncertain economy.

7. What does Ramco see as emerging trends in Manufacturing.

8. The value of being a Association of High Technology Distributors (AHTD) member.

9. Click here to learn more about Brian Reelitz.

10. Click here to learn more about Hank Norem.

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Filed Under: Innovation, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Alan Beaulieu, President of ITR Economics

February 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Alan Beaulieu, President of ITR Economics

Today we were happy to speak with Alan Beaulieu, President of ITR Economics.  With over 60 years of continuous operating economic research ITR Economics stands as one of the most experienced consulting firms in the United States.  Alan was kind enough to share a glance into his well proven crystal ball as to what the future may hold for US Manufacturing.  With a proven accuracy rate of 94.7% over the past 60 years this is a discussion that you don’t want to miss.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

1. The history of ITR Economics and how they have maintained an accuracy rate of 96.4% for the past few quarters.

2. The value that ITR Economics provides its customers by providing non-biased forecasting.

3. How can you use economic forecasting to best prepare your business for the future.

4. Alan discusses some of the factors that influence the methodology for maintaining such a high accuracy rate.

5. Why does Alan believe the outlook looks positive for 2013?

6. How can organizations grow during a recession.

7. Does the turmoil is Washington affect an organization’s decision making.

8. We discuss interest rates.

9. To learn more about Alan Beaulieu and ITR Economics click here!

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