Innovation

Mike Anderson and TenCate Protective Fabrics: What it is like to do business focusing on saving lives

April 9, 2013 By Todd Schnick Leave a Comment

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Joined in the studio today by Mike Anderson, the Vice President of Operations of TenCate Protective Fabrics. TenCate Protective Fabrics develops and produces the most comprehensive range of proven, high performance fabrics used to make protective clothing. They serve the first responder, military (currently in theater), and industrial markets with protective fabrics.

Some highlights from the show:

1. “The thrill of doing work that saves lives…”
2. Leading the revival of not only Georgia, but the US textile industry!
3. Comfort, durability, and protection – what they look for in the latest, most innovative fibers.
4. TenCate is a 308 year-old company (a new Dreamland Radio Network record), which has survived by adapting and innovating with the times. Why does their culture of research and development and innovation matter?
5. Innovation in the manufacturing process itself…

6. The textile industry in Georgia is rebounding strong, and jobs are starting to come back!
7. A discussion around the necessity – and the challenges – of having a global company.
8. The challenge of finding skilled labor…
9. Uses of different technologies in their manufacturing process.
10. A discussion around the benefits of belonging to the Georgia Association of Manufacturers.

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Filed Under: Innovation, Technology

Tom Gale of Modern Distribution Management

February 25, 2013 By Brent Smith 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: #MFG, Analytics, Data, Distributors, Dreamland Interactive, Gap Analysis, IMI, Manufacturing, MDM, Modern Distribution Management, Tom Gale, Wholesale Distribution Industry

Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

February 22, 2013 By Brent Smith 1 Comment

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Institutes of Innovation

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.

Filed Under: Innovation Tagged With: #MFG, Information and Innovation Foundation, ITIF, Manufacturing Institutes, Manufacturing Revival Radio, President Obama, Robert Atkinson, State of the Union, US Manufacturing

Brian Reelitz and Hank Norem of Ramco Innovations

February 18, 2013 By Brent Smith 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: #MFG, AHTD, Customer Service, Innovation, Lean, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Revival Radio, Ramco Innovations, Technology

Dan Meckstroth of MAPI: Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation

February 5, 2013 By Brent Smith Leave a Comment

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Dan Meckstroth, Vice President and Chief Economist of MAPI

We were glad to have the opportunity to speak with Dan Meckstroth, Vice President and Chief Economist with MAPI: Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation. MAPI is a 80 year old professional service organization representing large multinational manufacturers in the United States. MAPI provides peer discussion groups and additionally distributes a quarterly industrial outlook report. On today’s show Dan discusses with us the most recent quarterly report (the Q4 2012) which was released this past December.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Dan provides the top line highlights of the Q4 2012 report

2. What sectors are expecting growth for 2013 and 2014

3. How did the financial cliff affect consumer spending

4. What effect will sequestration and the debt ceiling debate have on the economy

5. Why are so many organizations sitting on their excess capital

6. Dan explains consumer demand and the factors that drive it

7. How future policy moves in Washington could have an impact on economic outlook

8. We discuss the outlook for a variety of industries

9. Listen to hear Dan’s advice to manufacturers for preparing for what is expected in the future.

10. Learn more about MAPI by clicking here

Filed Under: Innovation, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2013, Dan Meckstroth, Dreamland Interactive, Economic Forecast, Economic Outlook, Manufacturing Revival Radio, MAPI, Q4 Report, Reshoring, US Economy

Harry Moser of The Reshoring Initiative

January 15, 2013 By tyoungblood 1 Comment

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Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative

Total Cost of Ownership

If the words total cost of ownership are not currently on your mind, I can almost guarantee that after listening to today’s interview that will no longer be. We were glad to welcome Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, to join us for a discussion about a topic that we hope is sweeping the nation in 2013. The Reshoring Initiative is an organization devoted to helping US manufacturers realize the true cost associated with offshore manufacturing and educating them on the critical role they play in the future of the US economy. Today’s discussion revealed some eye opening statistics and possibilities that the Reshoring Initiative is working to make realities.

What is the true cost of Offshoring Manufacturing?

We’ve all heard the reasons why so many companies in the past have shipped their manufacturing jobs overseas. Lower labor cost and raw materials cost have always been the primary drivers. Often companies are able to look at these lower cost and compare them to the additional incurred expenses of freight and justify their actions. However, as we learned today more often than not organizations are not looking at the true cost of their decisions. How about the additional cost of warehousing these shipped goods, or the expenses of traveling overseas to set up and inspect your facilities? Let’s also not forget the intangibles, such as the loss of innovation when you move engineering away from the manufacturing.

Mr. Moser left us speechless (which almost never happens) with some of his startling statistics. Consider this, when looking at offshoring on a purely cost basis manufacturing in the US cost 69% higher than manufacturing in China. However, when an organization properly calculates the total cost of ownership (TCO) US manufacturing actually drops to 4% lower than Chinese Manufacturing. Want to hear about Mr. Moser’s plan to bring back 1 million plus jobs to US soil? Take a moment and listen to the entire interview. You can also stay up-to-date with the Reshoring Initiative by following them on Twitter here.

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Filed Under: Innovation Tagged With: Innovation, Jobs, Manufacturing, Reshoring, Total Cost of Ownership, US Manufacturing

Dave Kocharhook of Midland American Capital

December 8, 2012 By tyoungblood Leave a Comment

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You have to spend money to make money!!

We always jump at the chance to talk about one of our favorite subjects, CASH!! Today we welcomed Dave Kocarhook, Senior Vice President with Midland American Capital. Midland America provides working capital to businesses based upon leveraging assets. These assets often include Accounts Receivable or Purchase Orders. I can speak from my personal experience as a financial auditor that for many growing businesses that cash flow can often be a main hindrance to immediate growth. Today Dave was able to clarify just how Midland American is able to assist businesses with resolving their cash flow headaches.

It’s all about communication

While Dave went into detail about Midland’s various services, one question immediately arose. How will my customers feel about my outsourcing accounts receivable? Fortunately this is a common concern that Dave handles everyday. Dave explained to us that it is all about communicating with your clients with the key being able to properly position your actions. Once again, it is all about open

communication

We really learned a lot about the benefits and services that Midland American offers. Take a moment to listen to the entire interview and hear Dave explain how Midland American can help your business grow.

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Filed Under: Innovation Tagged With: Accounts Receivable, Cash Flow, Manufacturing Revival, Midland American Capital, Profitability, Purchase Orders, Sales Growth

Gary Laev of Electrical Mechanical Drives

November 9, 2012 By tyoungblood Leave a Comment

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You want someone who speaks your language

Whether it’s French, German, English or the universal language of Engineering and Automation, our guest today is able to help. We took a moment with Gary Laev, President of Electrical Mechanical Drives (EMD), to learn just how EMD serves it’s customers by speaking their language. Gary explained to us how he had been fascinated by technology and design since childhood. As we learned more and more about EMD it quickly became apparent that his childhood fascination has never been fully sated.

You have the parts, but do they get along?

Working within varying industries such as food processing, medical, custom metal design, water processing, etc. We learned that EMD has the technical skills to properly tie together all of the components that go into robotics applications and other complex automated systems. Want an example? How about developing a system for opening concrete doors that stand 60 feet tall and 100 feet wide? In Gary’s own words, that is a basically a vertical moving highway! Or how about utilizing EMD’s application engineering experience to double the production of a dog food processing plant!

Throughout the interview Gary explains in depth all of the processes and communication that is necessary to successfully complete projects such as the above mentioned. The only way that you can hear about this and Gary’s thoughts on the future of Manufacturing is to download the entire interview. This is a truly fun and fascinating interview that will leave you wanting more.

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Filed Under: Innovation

John Morehead of Dunkermotoren USA

November 8, 2012 By tyoungblood 1 Comment

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Machines building Machines (and we’re not talking about the Matrix)

We were happy to extend a welcome to today’s guest John Morehead, Vice President of Business Development at Dunkermotoren USA Inc. Dunkermotoren is a well recognized motor company in Europe who is currently growing their presence in North America. Dunkermotor, as they prefer in the North American market, has been in the motor industry for over 50 years. With a real focus on automation combined with precision German engineering, Dunkermotoren has found success in a variety of industries.

You’ve walked through a Dunkermotor powered door!

From grocery stores to hospitals and even subway trains, it is very likely that the automatic door your are walking through features an actuator powered by a Dunkermotor motor. In fact we were surprised to learn that Dunkermotor motors power many of Manhattan’s subway doors. This lead us to another question regarding reliability and longevity of these motors in the face of harsh conditions such as the recent flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy. John was quick to explain that not only do the Dunkermotors manage to thrive in these difficult conditions, but that Dunkermotoren has applied the experience of dealing with such conditions to it’s entire line of products.

We were thoroughly impressed with John’s in depth knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing world and Dunkermotor’s depth of product offerings. A lot of fascinating topics were covered during today’s interview and there is only way that you can fully absorb all of it. So please do yourself a favor by taking a moment to listen to the interview in its entirety.

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Filed Under: Innovation