Manufacturing Revival Radio

Tony Deligio of Plastics Today

April 3, 2013 By Brent Smith 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 pleasure 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: Injector Molding, Manufacturing Revival, Manufacturing Revival Radio, MRR, PLAST-EX, PLASTEC, Plastic, Plastics Today, Tony Deligio, UBM Canon

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

John Sprovieri of Assembly Magazine

February 20, 2013 By Brent Smith 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.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: #MFG, Assembly, Assembly Magazine, Baxter Robot, Capital Spending, Innovation, John Sprovieri, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Revival Radio, State of the Industry

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

Nigel Southway of the Toronto Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

February 1, 2013 By Brent Smith 2 Comments

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Nigel Southway, Chair of the Toronto Chapter of Society of Manufacturing Engineers

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When you are at War, You Change the Rules to Win

We are excited to announce our very first repeat guest on Manufacturing Revival Radio. A big thanks to Nigel Southway, Chair of the Toronto Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, for sharing his time and insights with us. Lately we have been hearing a lot about Reshoring and the optimism that surrounds it for American Manufacturing. As Nigel informed us, our neighbors to the North are sharing the same optimism for Canadian Manufacturing. Today’s conversation was focused specifically on the gap that currently exist in the skilled workforce necessary to fully bring Manufacturing back.

We Capitalize Equipment, Why not Education

Nigel walked us through his concept of a “Fully Integrated Apprenticeship Program.” As an individual who went through a similar program in the 1960′s, Nigel is a living example of the success that such a program can offer. During our discussion we cover the who, what, why, and how’s of implementing such a program successfully. We discuss who responsible for providing such programs. Is it Government, Education Systems, Private Sector, or a combination of all three?
Nigel pointed out that in North America it’s time to change our mindset about investing in labor.

We covered so much information during our interview that it is impossible to highlight even a tenth of it here. Please do yourself a favor and listen to this entire fascinating discussion.

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Filed Under: STEM Tagged With: Apprenticeship, Education, Labor, Labor Investment, Manufacturing Revival Radio, Nigel Southway, Reshoring, Skill, SME, STEM, Training, Workforce

Martin Tauber of AdvancePierre Foods

January 30, 2013 By tyoungblood Leave a Comment

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Streamlined Instructions Equals less Downtime

Martin Tauber of AdvancePierre Foods

It’s not every day somebody tells us that we could be trusted to work on Advanced Machinery. However, that is the confidence that our guest Martin Tauber, Maintenance/ Production Trainer with AdvancePierre Foods, feels about the instructions he is able to provide. AdvancedPierre is a large organization specializing in High Protein foods that can be found in many Grocery stores, School Cafeterias, and food retailers.

Martin has been in the Maintenance field for over 30 years. During that time Martin shared with us that he realized there were some major gaps regarding training, instruction and maintenance manuals relating to machine operations and maintenance. About 6 years ago Martin began writing his own manuals and AdvancedPierre recognized the value that his manuals added and made it his full time gig. Martin explained that through his streamlined training and documentation his organization has been able to document a reduction of downtime by eliminating common setup issues and other minor problems.

Single Point Lessons

Martin described to us what is commonly in the field referred to as “single point lesson,” an instruction that is tied to one specific operation of a machine. We found it fascinating to hear Martin describe the detail that goes into developing a single point lesson. Take a listen to the interview to hear Martin describe training and detail necessary to properly write these very precise instructions. We really just scratch the surface as this discussion is chocked full of fun stories and valuable lessons that Martin has learned over his 30 years. We highly recommend that you download the entire interview for your own listening pleasure.

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Filed Under: STEM Tagged With: AdvancedPierre, AdvancedPierre Foods, Detail Instructions, Downtime, Food, Instructions, Lean, Maintenance, Manuals, Manufacturing Revival Radio, Single Point Lesson, Training, US Manufacturing

Mike Collins of MPC Management

January 28, 2013 By tyoungblood Leave a Comment

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Mike Collins, Author and Founder of MPC Management

Experience is an asset earned over time

Today we had the opportunity to speak with Mike Collins, Author and Founder of MPC Management. With over 40 years in the Manufacturing industry, authorship of 3 books and over 300 published Manufacturing focused articles Mike is a treasure-trove of Manufacturing knowledge. During our discussion today we focused on two specific topics discussed in Mike’s book “Saving American Manufacturing”

Manufacturers Must Diversify

According to Mike American Manufacturing is at a stalemate. Manufacturers simply are not growing and sales are stagnant. Mike walked us through his two key items that must be analyzed before any manufacturer can invest in a plan for growth. Mike explained that in order to have a successful growth plan, a manufacturer must first figure out why they are losing sales and secondly able to identify what competitive value the are offering their markets.

We Must Start Training for the Future

For the second part of today’s show we dove head first into a recurring issue on MRR. How can we improve the growing issue of workforce development for manufacturers going forward. Want to hear Mike’s solution? We need to place a new emphasis on the apprentice programs of the past. Mike was kind enough to provide an in-depth explanation and statistics to really expose the bare-bones of this issue. With whom does the responsibility lay for improving our training programs? Is it the private sector or public sector’s? Who needs to take the lead and invest the time and money to find this solution? Take a moment and listen to the entire interview to hear Mike’s opinions on this ever increasing issue.

Want to learn more about Mike’s Books? You can find all three books for sale at the MPC Management Website or purchase from Amazon by clicking below:

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Filed Under: STEM Tagged With: American Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Diversify, Dreamland Interactive, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Revival Radio, Marketing, Mike Collins, Sales, Saving American Manufacturing, Training

Dan St. Louis of the Manufacturing Solutions Center

January 25, 2013 By tyoungblood 2 Comments

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Dan St. Louis, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Solutions Center

Today we welcomed Dan St Louis, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Solution Center. The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) strives to help its clients increase sales, improve quality and efficiency. By achieving these goals the MSC helps American Manufacturers create and retain valuable jobs.

SHOW NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Discussed how the Manufacturing Solution Center was created out of need for better testing.

2. Learn how manufacturers can expand production cababilities

3. Value of proper testing methods

4. Ability to manufacturer across multiple industries can increase sales

5. How to test products more efficiently

6. More production often equals jobs

7. Learn more about The Manufacturing Solutions Center by clicking here

8. Visit Dan St. Louis on LinkedIn by clicking here

9. The MSC is an initiative of Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC. Please take a moment to visit their site to learn more about this unique community college and the resources they are providing.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Dan St. Louis, Dreamland Interactive, Lean, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Content, Manufacturing Radio, Manufacturing Revival, Manufacturing Revival Radio, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Testing, U.S. Jobs

Todd Hockenberry of Top Line Results

January 9, 2013 By tyoungblood Leave a Comment

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todd hockenberry, top line results, orlando, florida

Todd Hockenberry of Top Line Results

It’s up to you to earn their attention

We are keeping the momentum moving in 2013 and are excited to release the latest episode of Manufacturing Revival Radio. Today we had the opportunity to gain insight into the mind of Todd Hockenberry, President and owner of Top Line Results. Top Line Results uses proven marketing and sales strategies to increase revenue. With a focus on manufacturing, technology, and capital equipment companies Todd was able to provide some valuable advice about beginning a successful inbound marketing strategy.

For those not familiar with the terminology “inbound marketing” Todd provided the perfect analogy, “It’s the difference between magnets and a microphone”. The days of grabbing a microphone and hoping that somebody happens to be listening is over. In today’s age companies no longer need to be “pushing” their products, instead they need to be “pulling” the attention of prospective clients. How do you achieve this pull? Well as Todd explained, inbound marketing utilizes a combination of tools such as blogs, podcasting, social media to develop a relationship with individuals.

More sales with less proposals

Throughout the interview Todd provided us with real examples of successful inbound marketing campaigns. Take a listen to hear Todd explain how one company was able to decrease their marketing budget and increase sales, all while putting together less quotes then the previous year. Talk about a gain in efficiency!

Scared to write a blog? Take a moment to listen to the entire interview and hear how anyone can write a successful blog. We really covered a lot of valuable information about why you should be thinking about inbound marketing in 2013.

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Or subscribe to our show in iTunes here. If you enjoyed the show, please leave a comment and a positive customer rating too. Much appreciated!

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Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Content Marketing, Dreamland Interactive, e-Rep, Inbound Marketing, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Revival Radio, Todd Hockenberry, Top Line Results

Tony Deligio of Plastics Today

Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

John Sprovieri of Assembly Magazine

Brian Reelitz and Hank Norem of Ramco Innovations

Dan Meckstroth of MAPI: Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation

Nigel Southway of the Toronto Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Martin Tauber of AdvancePierre Foods

Mike Collins of MPC Management

Dan St. Louis of the Manufacturing Solutions Center

Todd Hockenberry of Top Line Results

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