Manufacturing a Stronger Standard

With automation technology gaining popularity, DeGeest is committed to staying relevant and competitive. Host of DeGeest's Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, Derek DeGeest, sat down with Brad Ruppert, DeGeest's applications specialist and engineering manager, to discuss the new robotic solution they created for the wheel refinishing industry.Ruppert, who just recently returned from a recent install, visits customers in person and performs the installation, software coding, and training. During the most recent training, Ruppert had the applicators run through installation for five different styles of rims for a total of 80 rims during an eight-hour session, beating their throughput on a normal day. This sort of hands-on, results-oriented training gives employees confidence in the tech and leaves them feeling extremely satisfied — and more importantly, “bought-in” — with the upgrades.The biggest difference in this product's development, when compared to others, is that DeGeest couldn't add the robot to the existing system due to the manual, laborious nature of the process. Instead, Ruppert detailed how the team tackled creating this customized system, which included: Learning the rim application processDetermining the amount of time it took to manually complete the serviceNoting the structural inhibitors of the buildingBuilding the robot system based on all of the above factorsFor this customer in particular, DeGeest was able to complete their planning process, build the robot, and train the staff within only five days. Now, the shop is running “199 rims in a 10-hour workday with two people.”In an industry that usually requires working through weekends and holidays, this type of technology is a game changer, improving the work environment in many ways, such as increased work-life balance, decreased turnover, and higher throughput.Interested in learning more? Look for new episodes coming out each week on your preferred podcast platform.

KEY POINTS:Standard industrial robots are not well-suited for finishing manufacturing facilities.Despite the advanced technology available to support programming, there are still challenges to overcome. Self-learning robots solve common painting and finishing challenges and adapt to new conditions to support manufacturing operations.In the latest episode of the podcast “Manufacturing a Stronger Standard,” host Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Corporation and LestaUSA, talked about robotic finishing and what needs to be discussed prior to creating painting programs and after. Despite the advanced technology available to support programming, there are still challenges we need to be aware of. He contended that “finishing is far more complex than just a programming painting path. In fact, the path is just the beginning,” said DeGeest.There are many variables that play a role in creating programming paths and running production for robotic painting and finishing. Particularly, because there are many other factors that can greatly affect how the once perfect robots program performs. And, the idea that paint is more forgiving as opposed to welding and other applications is a big misconception.“We all know that the standard industrial painting robot options that were out there were not fast enough to automate the painting process. It wasn't adaptable to process enough parts or programs to handle finish lines,” said DeGeest. “So now, as new technology is starting to come out, people are seeing we can make a program path faster…. But, thinking that's enough is a big mistake.”The types of issues that can arise even with foolproof programming can be right or wrong application equipment, paint or powders, maintenance related, booth related, compressed air issues or even environmental. Seasonal changes are important to consider as well when programming because a programming path that was reliable in a cooler January can present a problem in a humid August.“Both your software and the connection between your equipment and your robot need to be able to adapt to make sure you're going to be successful as these variables come up over and over and over again.”LestaUSA's self-learning robots are adaptable and designed to resolve the common issues that arise for finishing applications. “This robot has specifically been made to work in finishing. That's the only thing it was designed to do and all of the software, all of the integration, and all of the different variables that people have had for decades have been addressed and found ways to overcome. Combined with the right support system from equipment supplier, distributor and integrator, finishing automation is absolutely possible,” said DeGeest.

KEY POINTS: Manufacturing automation is creating challenges for the finishing industry. Automating finishing processes is a massive undertaking that involves a significant investment. Finishing companies need to begin automating processes now if they want to stay competitive. Automating manufacturing processes is essential to addressing the labor shortage and skills gap within the manufacturing industry. More and more companies, especially those on the fabricating and welding side are automating processes to increase production. In this episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard podcast, Derek DeGeest President of DeGeest Corporation and LestaUSA discusses a topic that is not often spoken about – the capacity gap that automation is creating. DeGeest shared his observations and what he has seen in the industry when it comes to capacity and the impact automation is having in various sectors of the manufacturing industry. In a recent joint study on automation in manufacturing, Canadian Fabricating & Welding and The Fabricator magazines investigate the growth of automated technologies and the amount of money being invested. The study showed a 58% investment in the cutting side, 18% in bending, and 24% in welding. That's 76% in fab and 24% in welding with no mention of the finishing side of things at all. This may be because of the source or the research or that finishing did not fit within the scope of what they were trying to accomplish. This study illustrated that “we're going to increase rapidly the parts that are being produced. We're going to start to build and weld more and it's going to come to a screeching halt when it gets to the finishing side. The problem is finishing automation is not a quick fix,” said DeGeest. One reason for the investment is that automating cutting and welding is fairly simple. However, finishing is typically large capital investments – big legacy equipment built into the building with massive HVAC and electrical and it is not easy to adjust, not easy to add onto at times. And, all of your production will go through those systems,” DeGeest said.

KEY POINTS:LestaUSA has new distribution partnership with WagnerRobotics systems are more affordable and cost-effective than ever before.Lesta self-learning robots train on the job floor in real-time. Lesta and Wagner have over a decade of proven experience in automation together for general industry in Europe. DeGeest brought Lesta's automation technology to the U.S. to build their robotic finishing system for metal their fabrication customers and opened LestaUSA to bring those solutions to the rest of North American companies. Wagner's North American Systems group recognized the potential right away by becoming the first LestaUSA Equipment Partner and provided equipment for LestaUSA's Integration Center and Test Lab. With each successful installation, that partnership has continued to grow, and now LestaUSA has integrated one of their self-learning robots into Wagner's test lab as well. JR Rogers, National Sales Manager, Engineered Systems, at Wagner, joined Derek DeGeest to discuss this exciting collaboration of technology and expertise.With this distribution partnership, Rogers said it allows Wagner to offer a fully automated application packaged for its customers on complex parts. “Automation means a lot of different things,” Rogers said. “But when someone says I can't find labor; I can't keep labor, I need to go automated, that means 100% automation and no manual intervention from the coating application. With the partnership with LestaUSA, we have a viable solution to provide customers with something they can bring to their system.”This combination of Wagner equipment for paint applications and Lesta's self-learning finishing robots create a powerful tool that learns from the manufacturing experts who do the painting. The self-learning robots enter into a weightless learning mode and allows painters to paint a part in real time with Lesta's robot. The robot records every movement, gun angle, trigger pull and gun preset creating an automated robotic program in minutes. The painter becomes the programming expert, and the robot is the tool doing the labor. This allows the painter to step out of the booth to work on improving quality and production potential of the system. LestaUSA and Wagner will debut their partnership at IWF (The International Woodworking Fair®) 2022 in Atlanta. “I'm looking forward to having people come in and see in our booth the Lesta robot in combination with our product and seeing the different ways it can be used,” Rogers said. “And we can supply a fully automated system, not just the gun and the plural component of the pump, but we can actually supply the robot in partnership with DeGeest and Lesta Self-Learning Finishing Robotics.”

While automation is prevalent in many aspects of manufacturing, finishing and liquid applications have been slower to find the right solutions. Derek DeGeest, host of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, spoke with Product Marketing Manager Bill Heuer and Worldwide Sales Director for Automation-Liquid Finishing Paul Peterson of Graco at FABTECH 2021 about their partnership as a LestaUSA Authorized Equipment Partner in automating painting with robotics.“There's been a trend of moving from manual to automatic, and the pandemic highlighted the need for this. Finding painters is hard as well,” Heuer said. “Almost everything needs some type of finishing. Some companies also used to outsource this but now need to bring it back in with this new equipment,” Peterson explained. Graco and LestaUSA partnered to bring automation of liquid applications to the market in an accessible way. LestaUSA provides the robotics, while Graco provides the finishing products. Graco was LestaUSA's first equipment partner, working together to create an easy-to-use solution. “The automation trend is here to stay. Automotive was an early adopter, and now the general industry is catching on. With new capabilities like the ability to change colors, automation answers the need here,” Heuer shared. “We've figured it out together. There's a great relationship between our engineers,” Peterson added.DeGeest, Heuer, and Peterson described the automation process of taking the paint sprayers and moving them from an operator's hand to a Lesta robot as simple. Everything is programable and controllable in real-time, which also helps bridge the gap in recruiting new workers into the field, such as robotics programmers. “It's much more fun to use a Lesta robot than suit up and go into a paint booth,” Peterson commented.

This is another episode of “Manufacturing A Stronger Standard” live from FABTECH 2021. Host and President of LestaUSA and DeGeest Corp., Derek DeGeest, talked with Eddie Saunders, Creative Director and host at FlexLive of Flex Machine Tools. Flex Machine Tools designs and manufactures a wide range of machine tools including Waterjets, Vertical Machining Centers, Tapping Arms, and Beam Drill Lines.“Manufacturing is one of the most underrated industries in the world,” Saunders said. “I feel people aren't talking about it in an exciting manner, so it really allowed me to jump ship after 12 years in one career to say, ‘Hey, I'm going to be our storyteller, be our brand champion.'”Saunders started his career in sales at Flex, but with a die-hard passion for storytelling and marketing, he now uses that passion to connect with others and guide them to do the same.As his company's brand champion, Saunders is excited to see the company move into the future, specifically with automation. According to Saunders, the legacy product, FlexArm Tapping Arm, is difficult to automate. However, the FlexCNC line allows automation so the operator can be hands-off. They are making significant improvements in programming and installing larger machine beds so the user isn't enclosed in a small space.“This empowers the user to be able to do a lot more without increasing that risk,” Saunders said of the benefits of the FlexCNC line.

This episode of Manufacturing A Stronger Standard is live from FABTECH 2021. Host and President of LestaUSA and DeGeest Corp. Derek DeGeest, talked with Scott Francis, editor-in-chief of Products Finishing, the media brand devoted to all things finishing. The company covers the latest equipment, technology, processes, and best practices when it comes to equipment and supplies for plating, liquid and powder coating, anodizing, electrocoating, parts cleaning, pretreatment, or mechanical finishing. This is the first time FABTECH has been in person for two years, and the energy was palpable. Francis noted that he has only been in the industry since March 2020, having switched from another trade publication, Composites World, and the similarities between the sectors. “What I've been watching is the ways automation, smart solutions, and all the different advances in manufacturing are starting to pick up momentum for finishers,” Francis said. “We've already had some of these solutions, but it seems like more and more finishers are getting on board with it.” The two spoke about trends and challenges in the finishing industry. Francis elaborated that some older folks in the industry might be intimidated by the changes, such as automation. “I think some finishers might look at and be intimidated by it, but the real goal is to make it easier, more seamless, and accessible,” Francis said.

Achieving automation on the finishing side requires many pieces—two of the most important being the conveyor system and robotics. Host of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard Derek DeGeest spoke with Systems Sales Manager Matt Chorski of Richards-Wilcox Conveyors about their partnership as an Authorized Equipment Partner of LestaUSA while at FABTECH 2021.Chorski described the company: “We started in 1888. In 1920, we built the first enclosed track with a manual push conveyor. Since then, we've been adding more power and automation.”LestaUSA and Richards-Wilcox started their partnership with, as they called it, a “unique” project. Chorski said, “A local integrator recommended us, and the entire team worked together to meet the challenge and requirements.”In explaining how conveyors and robotics work together, Chorski called the robot the “quarterback.” The robot is critical, but it doesn't do the job on its own. The conveyor is essential to streamlining and automating. For companies looking to automate their lines, they should think about material handling before the robot. “It depends on the application, part size, capacity, and loading to complete the entire process of a part coming through painted and ready to go,” Chorski added.DeGeest and Chorski also spoke about robotics and conveyors for small spaces and businesses and various materials. “What I initially thought about robots is that they were only for high volume. That's not true. Those with smaller footprints can fully automate and benefit from it.” Chorski also noted, “It can be plastic or wood, including doors and windows.”

Derek DeGeest was back at FABTECH 2021 for another Manufacturing a Stronger Standard conversation. He spoke with Frank Mohar, Regional Sales Manager at Nordson, about the partnership between the companies and the future of finishing automation. Nordson is an Authorized Equipment Partner of LestaUSA.Mohar recalled that at the 2019 FABTECH was the introduction between companies. “That was the first time I'd hear of you, and we weren't sure it was real. But we soon learned that it was and began working with you.”Since that time, the two companies worked at LestaUSA's test lab to develop pre-packaged options that combine the equipment for powder-coating with robotics. Doing this helped Mohar respond to common customer objections about programming. “They would say we have a thousand parts, and it's too cumbersome to program. But because you can move the Lesta robot where you want it to go was a game changer. It's not a whole sequence or button-pushing,” Mohar explained.This technology means that finishing doesn't have to be the bottleneck, which is often the case in manual workflows. “They can't keep up with just manual guys spraying,” Mohar noted. Working on easy user interfaces was a must, so companies didn't feel they needed a robotics expert to handle them. “The communication between our equipment and the Lesta robotics is great. It's very simple for us. The Lesta robot and the gun work together seamlessly,” Mohar said.That ease of implementation and flexibility is helping Mohar's customers fill gaps in employment. “It's hard for them to get employees and see them go. They are ready to automate.”

This is another episode of Manufacturing A Stronger Standard live from FABTECH 2021. Host and President of LestaUSA and DeGeest Corp., Derek DeGeest, talked with Brad Ruppert, Engineering Manager, and Application Specialist at LestaUSA. They spoke about FABTECH and what they've done at previous shows. This is the second time that they have been at FABTECH, with the first coming in 2019, where they introduced the Lesta self-learning finishing robot to the industry, according to Ruppert. It had been the first time most had seen it, so it was an attraction among attendees. “But, now in 2021, we've brought additional technologies with it, such as Pulver control, Polifluid, and Nitrotherm,” Ruppert said. “They really take more than just a path generation, but give you that quality repeatable process.” While making a path is essential, it's important to continue to have a consistent delivery, according to Ruppert, and the same characteristics as the application. “So, to do that, you need to eliminate every variable possible, Ruppert said. “By adding Pulver control, Nitrotherm, or Polifluid, depending on the liquid or powder, you're able to have that consistent process.” This consistent process is crucial because it allows applicators to do the same thing every time. The variables include how the part is hung, how it's approached by the robot, the attack the painter uses, which the robot can mimic.

This is another episode of Manufacturing A Stronger Standard from FABTECH 2021. Host and President of Lesta USA and Degeest Corp., Derek Degeest, talked with Bill Robinson, President and Kris Bonnegent, Regional Sales Manager, at Eurosider and Coating Delivery Technology, which provides Nitrotherm and Polifluid systems to hundreds of companies around the world including OEM's Toyota, Fiat, boat manufactures, large kitchen cabinet manufactures and aerospace. They talked about improving quality and bottom line for finishing operations in the painting and coating industry. CDT is known for its Polifluid and Nitrotherm systems, and they have been doing it for a long time with a wealth and depth of experience, according to DeGeest. “Polifluid is our powder coating system for when you're spraying powder,” Robinson explained. “The Nitrotherm technology is used when spraying liquid. Both improve transfer efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs. It is a phenomenal product.” At DeGeest, they use both products, and DeGeest noted that the partnership has been a really great experience. By using both the Polifluid and Nitrotherm systems, you can eliminate the variables and control the temperature, which is why “us robot people like it,” DeGeest noted. These systems have reduced spray waste by as much as 30 points off of single gun usage, according to Robinson. They work for single gun users and larger applications. “Almost every one of those companies has a guy behind the booth with a stack of paint cans where he touches up the spots, and we're getting rid of the paint cans,” Robinson said, “...all the way up to facilities where they have 60, 70, or 80 guns running where there's a bigger installation.”

This episode of Manufacturing A Stronger Standard was live from FABTECH 2021. Host and President of LestaUSA and DeGeest Corp., Derek DeGeest, talked with JR Rogers, National Sales Manager for Engineered Systems for Wagner, a leading global manufacturer of systems for surface finishing with liquid paints, powder coating, adhesives, and sealant materials. Wagner is also an Authorized Equipment Partner of LestaUSA.This is the first time that FABTECH has been in person since 2019, and Rogers and DeGeest are happy to be in the same room. The in-person aspect is a big topic, but the next biggest is automation. “That's probably the number one question we get asked: ‘how can we get more automation because I can't get more employees. The employees I have don't want to do the job, or don't stay with the job,'” Rogers explained. “One of the things we want to do is to be able to fulfill from the manual gun to partial automation, to full automation.” This means that Wagner has to have the right tool for the right job. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Rogers noted that most folks are moving toward full automation when possible. An example would be in powder coating, where robots are utilized in the booth. Instead of having a manual operator, a robot can be trained very quickly to take over that role. “Sometimes it's just a robot, but a lot of times it's complementing the automatic guns that are there and taking away the manual portion of it,” Rogers said.

Jeff and Brenda LaSorella share insights with their wood customers and how Finishing Consultants is adapting to the needs of their customers. Jeff, Brenda and Derek discuss their collaborative partnership and how Jeff see's these solutions helping their customers.

Herb BoeKamp introduces Prime Heat solutions and their experience bringing automation to their customers. Herb explains the benefits he sees in collaborating with LestaUSA. Derek DeGeest and Herb talk about the potential of merging Prime Heat smart carts and LestaUSA self-learning and scanning technologies.

Bill Robinson explains Nitrotherm's technology and how it is helping their wood customers in their finishing operations. Bill and Derek also discuss the benefits they have seen for their customers through the LestaUSA Equipment Partnership.

Sames Kremlin's Kevin Higgins, VP of Sales and Distribution, & Bob McKenna, Regional Sales Manager, discuss with Derek DeGeest how companies are handling increased demand in production, labor shortages, and interests in automation. Kevin and Bob also explain how Sames Kremlin is evolving to meet those challenges.

Derek DeGeest, President, DeGeest Corporation & LestaUSA, and Brad Ruppert, Engineering Manager and Applications Specialist for DeGeest, provided host Tyler Kern with all the details surrounding LestaUSA's exciting "Day One" program.

North American shops demand is growing and in need of solutions to bridge the gap of available workers.Lesta's new solutions can double a shop's daily production capacity without hiring more people. Proper automation will create time for employees to improve processes and quality.

Manufacturing a Stronger Standard kicked off a new series of podcasts, titled “What's New in Finishing Technology,” with a discussion on Nitrotherm®️. This liquid spray-painting method utilizes nitrogen instead of normal compressed air. Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Corporation & Lesta USA, and Bill Robinson, President of Coating Delivery Technology, spoke about the benefits of Nitrothem, which reduces solvent consumption reduction of VOC emissions by up to 50% and provides manufacturing cost savings.

Sometimes business improvements are stumbled upon by pure luck. That was certainly the case for Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Corporation, who chanced upon Polifluid® during a recent trip to Europe.

Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Corporation & LestaUSA, and Brad Ruppert, Engineering Manager and Application Specialist at DeGeest Corporation & LestaUSA, have a passion for new technology.When they can apply that to the manufacturing finishing process, it gives them a level of excitement that is contagious. They were excited to announce a new product to their arsenal of efficiency-minded, process-improvement robots. This latest technology isn't just new to North America, but the world. Introducing Lesta's new self-learning suction blow off robots.

Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Corporation and LestaUSA, knows when the industry comes together to help each other, successful integration of robotics and automation into operations follows. After being on both sides of the coin of installing a large finishing system and shepherding in new self-learning robotic technology to North America, it's important to share the combined experiences of DeGeest Corp and LestaUSA to help manufacturing grow.

Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Corporation and LestaUSA, successfully brought self-learning robotics to their finishing operation, but it was no small feat. Navigating U.S. manufacturing hazardous location regulations' dicey waters with this new technology wasn't easy, but DeGeest accomplished it and is now creating certified solutions for other manufacturers.

DeGeest Steel Works recently announced a name change – the second in company history – to simply DeGeest, a simplification that better reflect the company’s constant commitment to expanding its range of solutions and services for its customers. This is more than a name change. DeGeest’s offerings are expanding from exceptional steel fabrication to include Finishing and Automation. On this episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, several members of the DeGeest family got together with host Tyler Kern to reminisce about the company’s origins as DeGeest Manufacturing in 1976, the growth it’s experienced since, and the bright future ahead. Tune in to hear President Derek DeGeest outline exactly what spurred this latest name change, Glenyce DeGeest harken back to the company’s earliest days, Scott DeGeest talk about his own experience in the family business, Matt DeGeest reflect on what being a part of the family business means to him, and Alicia DeGeest run down the company’s ever-present core values, and more. The company’s capabilities in the steel industry aren’t going anywhere – they’re just being joined by a wide array of other exciting opportunities to better serve its valued customers, such as robotic painting, engineering, software, robotic service & maintenance, as well as selling finishing products like LestaUSA painting and finishing robots. With ‘A Stronger Standard’ at the root of it all, DeGeest services and products continue to stand for dependability, integrity, and pride. Looking for a company with a commitment to long-term innovation and service? The answer’s simpler than ever – DeGeest. Be sure to subscribe to Manufacturing a Stronger Standard for the latest podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Learn more about this episode here: https://degeeststeelworks.com/podcasts/

In work and daily life, fear can halt business and personal progress. Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Steel Works & LestaUSA, and Jim Rieffenberger, Business Leader Coach, speaker, and author from Renue, talked about ways to address the fears that can hold businesses back. Rieffenberger, a lifelong friend and mentor to DeGeest, recently became a consultant for DeGeest Steel Works & LestaUSA to transition the leadership team and the rest of the shop as the company grows. “Jim came to me about this topic of fear,” DeGeest said. “With everything going on right now with the global pandemic, Rieffenberger developed a program and asked if he could talk with our shop. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all deal with fear. We all have adversity and struggles in our lives. To bring it all together and find a way to cope with them, we thought it was a valuable insight for our company.” “The funny thing about fear,” Rieffenberger said, “(Is) you can’t work on it unless you’re in it.” And that recognition of present fear is critical. “We want to make sure we’re talking about how we can cope and deal with fear and understand what’s happening and how we’re reacting, so we can get on the same page and work together to deal with the fear positively,” DeGeest said. One of Rieffenberger’s tips for overcoming fear is exercise. But it is not just physical exercise Rieffenberger suggests for dealing with the stressful situations in life. He recommends that people exercise their minds, both mentally and spiritually. Listening to podcasts, reading books and opening the mind to other ways of seeing a problem are things Rieffenberger suggests can provide fear-reducing benefits. Prayer is also a method Rieffenberger uses to calm himself. Be sure to subscribe to Manufacturing a Stronger Standard for the latest podcasts on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

On this episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, a DeGeest Steel Works podcast, President Derek DeGeest joined host Tyler Kern for the third installment of the duo’s series on upskilling your workforce. Upskilling refers to giving employees additional tools and skills, elevating their knowledge and capabilities – and often your entire operation. Previous episodes have touched on helping employees take ownership of the manufacturing process, even in the age of painting robots and automation, and this episode took the conversation further, highlighting how automation and robotics can be successfully implemented into your facility. Though the words automation and robotics can cause apprehension among workforces and companies concerned about the role robots will play in eliminating the need for human work in certain aspects of manufacturing, DeGeest said there are best practices to ensure automation is truly beneficial and empowering for the entirety of your operation. “One of the ways to break down that apprehension and the fear when looking at automation and whether their facility and their team are ready to add it into their operation is to start problem-solving groups,” he said. These groups help employees use their expertise to come up with processes together. This creates a united front and a team atmosphere for getting the most out of operations by thinking of ways to add automation. “Ultimately, we are developing problem solvers throughout our company.” Adding automation to your manufacturing operation needs to be looked at holistically, not in silos. Be cautious about adding one robot or adding a fast laser or a machine that does not integrate your shop. Add automation that engages workforce at all levels of your facility. DeGeest adds, “Start small, but look for ways that can be touchpoints or effective for more than one employee.” Another strategy is finding ways automation or technology can be used in multiple departments. Examples: ERP system, Scanners instead of manual entry, Quoting software, Work instruction software, Digital department status boards. Kern and DeGeest also touched on other best practices, specific examples of how these strategies, such as problem-solving groups, have elevated their business, and more.

As the technology-native Gen-Z comes of working age, flashy Silicon Valley jobs twinkle in their eye. But there’s another industry that is attracting these fresh young minds, and it is working hard to retain and invest in the people that choose to work there. That industry is manufacturing. Joined by Derek DeGeest[https://marketscale.com/industries/contributors/derek-degeest/], President of DeGeest Steel Works & LestaUSA, “Manufacturing a Stronger Standard” explores how the manufacturing industry has modernized and how it’s taking big steps now to invest in the future. DeGeest is no stranger to today’s youth, as he frequently leads tours around DeGeest Steel Works. He’s noticed it is not just the modern machinery that gets people excited, they also are interested in how our employees demonstrate autonomy, decision-making and have an active role in what they’re creating. Today’s workers don’t want to be a robot, a drone or another cog in the wheel. They want to be engaged with the whole facility, understand how their efforts help their team and company, and participating and influencing the product with new ideas and creative thought. DeGeest agrees. By investing in employees, DeGeest Steel Works creates better careers that attract new people into the industry. “Anything you’ve ever touched has been manufactured,” DeGeest said, and that hits home for many young workers who grew up purchasing the latest products. In order to be competitive on a global scale and stay that way, manufacturing must continue to improve. This requires great minds, big ideas and collaboration among new employees and old. For DeGeest Steel Works' workers, DeGeest said, this holistic collaboration between generations is empowering and a vital tool for doing a better job.

As robots, coding and technology continue to change how we live our lives, they also change how we do business. In the industry of manufacturing, robots are completely redefining the landscape. But, rather than taking jobs from humans, they’re making humans work more efficiently. In this episode of “Manufacturing a Stronger Standard,” Derek DeGeest, President of DeGeest Steel Works, explains how his company is investing in its people with technology and seeing it pay off. Many hear the word “automation” and think people are losing their jobs at the hands of a robot. But, DeGeest argued, the opposite is true. Certain laborious tasks in manufacturing are better allocated to a robot, leaving the human to do jobs that a robot cannot, like problem-solving and thinking creatively to produce new ideas. This, in turn, enhances and multiplies an employee’s efforts, DeGeest said. It all comes down to empowering employees, and technology is a key component in taking employee knowledge and elevating it. When human minds come up with new ideas, efficient systems or enhanced manufacturing practices, it empowers them to do great work and think big. DeGeest has found that employees enjoy fitting into the flow of manufacturing in this way as being valued silos of for their knowledge and experience.

Derek DeGeest, President, DeGeest Steel Works, Co. and Lesta USA, went on a search for ways to automate business processes, utilize software and technology, and help his employees accomplish more. Little did he know he was about to come across a solution that would revolutionize his business. As DeGeest Steel Works’ automation processes grew, a bottleneck formed at the final stage of production: the paint shop. “We were looking for ways to add automation to our paint process,” DeGeest said. But the nuances in the very human process of painting steel products proved a difficult challenge to automate. How did DeGeest solve this problem? Enter Emanuele Mazza, Co-Founder, Lesta Srl, in Italy. Mazza’s company manufactures robots that learn from the actions of human painters and duplicate the process. DeGeest watched online videos of Lesta’s robots but could not believe what he saw. Before long, and after a phone call to Mazza, DeGeest was off to Italy to see these self-learning robots for himself. It didn’t take long for DeGeest to realize Lesta had the solution he needed, and he purchased two robots on that trip. These robots enhance the skills of the trained painters, who now can do more, and add customization to their workflow. DeGeest Steel Works began to design their paint systems around these new learning robots and came to the quick realization that a partnership with Lesta made perfect sense. Mazza agreed, and LestaUSA formed. The collaboration and robots made their North American debut at FABTECH in November 2019. Mazza said the focus of the creation of these robots was to make life easier in the workplace and add flexibility for the people who work in the production areas. “Together, working in partnership with DeGeest Steel Works, and now as LestaUSA, we are developing new products and solutions to solve many different problems,” he said.