Podcasts about Manufacturing

1897 ENTRY OF THE KING OF PERSIAThe following individuals joined the discussion to analyze the current geopolitical and economic landscape: (1)*   Gordon Chang, Columnist and co-host *   Peter Huessy, President of Geostrategic Analysis and Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrent Studies *   Alan Tonelson, Manufacturing and trade expert who blogs at *Reality Check* *   Rebecca Grant, Vice President of the Lexington Institute (2)### Summary of Geopolitical Instability and Global Consequences (3)Global Economic "Tsunami" and Resource Shortages The potential closure or instability of the Strait of Hormuz poses a threat far beyond the price of oil, described by participants as a looming economic "tsunami". Critical shortages are building for products like fertilizer (urea), sulfur, and petroleum products used in high-end manufacturing. Sulfur is particularly vital as it is required to process the copper used in semiconductors and high-end electronics. While the U.S. may be self-sufficient in fertilizer, the heavy technology-dependent economies of East Asia, including Taiwan, face significant risks to their semiconductor production if these supply chains are severed. Recent reports indicate this threat is immediate, with three cargo ships, including a bulk carrier from Bangkok, recently hit by projectiles in the Strait. (4)China as a Hostile Trade Partner and Provocateur China is characterized as a "hostile trade partner" and an "enemy combatant" that wages proxy wars through Russia in Ukraine and Iran in the Middle East. Experts note that Iran's military capabilities are heavily supported by China, which provides supersonic missiles and the semiconductors found in Iranian drones. Furthermore, Iran's nuclear program is described as a subset of the North Korean program, which was historically promoted by China to keep the U.S. pinned down. Domestically, China continues to ignore promises to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors, with participants noting that leader Xi Jinping has now "dishonored" four such promises to U.S. presidents. (5)U.S. Navy Operational Limits The U.S. Navy is currently facing significant strain, described as being "tightly squeezed" regarding its aircraft carrier fleet. The USS Gerald R. Ford has seen its deployment extended to 11 months, performing continuous combat operations in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Similarly, the USS Nimitz, which was scheduled for decommissioning, has had its service extended to participate in Southern Command exercises. Although these carriers possess "layered defense" systems capable of neutralizing Chinese supersonic missiles and drones, the Navy lacks a sufficient number of ships to maintain these global commitments indefinitely; while law requires 11 carriers, experts argue the current global challenge requires 15. (6)The "Brothers of Mayhem" Alliance The participants argue that China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea act as a coordinated group of "brothers of mayhem". This alliance is not merely fighting over territory or reputation but is engaged in a fundamental contest over "what kind of world we're going to live in". While the West seeks to maintain the status quo and open trade routes, this opposing bloc utilizes economic warfare, proxy conflicts, and the threat of nuclear escalation—such as China's hinted "first-strike" nuclear posture—to challenge Western hegemony. (7)

13. SEG 13: Simon Constable reports on skyrocketing European energy prices due to Middle East conflict. Shortages in sulfur and bromine threaten global semiconductor manufacturing and food security as fertilizer costs nearly double for struggling farmers. (13)1866 SUEX CANAL

Chris Holman welcomes back Faces of Manufacturing show Co-Host Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, MI. What's happening in Manufacturing and CAMC at this time? Tell me about the event you have coming up? Why is it important to celebrate Rosies? What activities and speakers will be attending? How does this support women in STEM careers and young ladies in the talent pipeline? Where can people find more information? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ (LANSING, MI) — Michigan's manufacturing and agricultural legacies will unite on Friday, March 13, 2026, as the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day arrives at the Capital Region International Airport. This year's celebration marks a major expansion for the event, bridging the worlds of aerospace and industry with a first-of-its-kind tribute to Michigan's wartime “Rosies on the Farm.” The gathering honors the women who redefined the American workforce during WWII and the trailblazers leading Michigan's industries today. Emceed by Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame inductee Sheri Jones, the afternoon is a vibrant, multi-generational celebration featuring a breathtaking vintage aircraft flyover and a veteran pin ceremony led by Retired Col. Frank J. Walker. A robust lineup of keynote speakers will address the crowd, including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and leaders from UAW Region 1, Jiffy Mix, and the Michigan Department of Corrections Vocational Village. The program will also feature the presentation of ten Rosie Awards, honoring outstanding women in industry from across the state, Rosie families in memoriam, and educators dedicated to empowering their students with the Rosie spirit of grit and innovation. “Michigan Rosie Day honors the women whose skill and resolve kept Michigan moving during wartime,” said Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “We hope their example inspires today's women in STEM and the skilled trades to pursue bold careers, and that these stories continue to shape how we teach, recruit, and remember.” “Seeing my grandmother's story honored alongside these incredible women is more than just a history lesson—it's a homecoming. For our family, this day is about ensuring that her courage and hard work aren't just remembered, but are used to fuel the dreams of her great-grandchildren,” said Madelyn Taylor, daughter of Clara. “The women who built planes in the 1940s share the same spirit as the people in our shops and on our farms today. By honoring the ‘Rosies on the Farm' alongside our manufacturing pioneers, we're showing the next generation that there is a place for everyone in Michigan's workforce,” said Tanya Blehm, event coordinator. Experience Hands-On History The airport event space will serve as a hands-on history hub where Michigan's legacy comes to life. Featuring interactive exhibits from Impression 5 Science Center, local robotics teams, and Jiffy Mix, the event is designed for kids and grandparents to explore side-by-side. In a tribute to the legendary “Doughnut Dollies,” the American Red Cross of Michigan will be in attendance dressed in historic character to share the story of the brave women who served on the front lines during WWII. From the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and the REOlds Transportation Museum to the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and the League of Enchantment, there is something to spark curiosity in every generation. Grab your favorite red polka-dot scarf, throw on some denim, and help Michigan keep history alive! EVENT DETAILS WHEN: Friday, March 13, 2026 TIME: 4:00 PM WHERE: Capital Region International Airport (4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI) WEBSITE: Visit mirosieday.org

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop sits down with Andre Oliveira, founder of Splash N Color, a bootstrapped 3D printing e-commerce business selling consumer goods on Amazon. The two cover a lot of ground — from how Andre went from running 40 FDM printers out of South Florida to offshoring manufacturing to China, to how he's using Claude Code to automate inventory management and generate supplier RFQs across 200+ SKUs. The conversation stretches into bigger territory too: the San Francisco AI scene, the rise of AI agents and what they mean for the future of the internet, whether local on-device AI will eventually replace cloud-based tools, and why building physical products will stay hard long after software becomes easy. It's a candid, wide-ranging conversation between two self-taught builders figuring things out in real time. Follow Andre on X: @AndreBaach.Timestamps00:00 — Andre introduces Splash N Color, his Amazon-based 3D printing e-commerce business and explains the grind of running 40 FDM machines in South Florida.05:00 — The conversation shifts to Claude Code and how Andre built an inventory automation system to manage sales velocity and RFQs across 200+ SKUs.10:00 — Stewart and Andre compare notes on Opus 4.6, debate Codex vs Claude, and Andre breaks down the new Agent Teams feature in Claude Code.15:00 — Discussion turns to the San Francisco AI scene, the viral OpenClaw launch event that drew 700 people, and what's capturing the city's imagination right now.20:00 — The pair wrestle with data privacy, the illusion of it since 2000, and whether full transparency of personal data might actually serve people better.25:00 — Stewart pitches his vision of local on-device AI replacing cloud tools entirely, and they debate the 10–15 year timeline for mainstream societal adoption.30:00 — Andre traces his origin story: a high school dropout from Brazil who spotted a 3D printing opportunity on Facebook Marketplace and got lucky timing with COVID.35:00 — They explore whether AI-generated 3D models and DfAM will automate physical manufacturing, and why proprietary specs keep the space stubbornly hard.Key InsightsLifestyle businesses deserve more respect. Andre spent months feeling inadequate scrolling through Twitter watching founders announce funding rounds, before realizing his cash-flowing, location-independent business was already the goal. The social media version of entrepreneurial success warped his perception of what he actually had built.Claude Code is becoming an operating system. Stewart describes running Claude Code as having a second OS on top of MacOS — one that makes the underlying machine legible in ways it never was before. Both guests use it not just for coding but as a primary interface for understanding and operating their businesses.Agent Teams changes how work gets done. Andre explains that Claude's new multi-agent feature lets you assign a team lead and specialized roles that communicate with each other in parallel, essentially running an autonomous task force inside your terminal — a meaningful leap beyond single-instance prompting.Physical manufacturing will stay hard. Even as AI-generated 3D models improve, tolerances of 0.5 millimeters can mean the difference between a product working or not. Design for manufacturing is a separate discipline from design itself, and proprietary specs mean open source models rarely hit commercial quality.The internet is heading toward agents. Both guests agree that AI agents will increasingly handle tasks humans currently do manually online — booking services, making payments, coordinating logistics — with the human internet potentially becoming secondary to a machine-to-machine layer.Iteration is the real value of 3D printing. Andre pushes back on 3D printing as a business unto itself, framing it instead as a prototyping tool. The true value is rapid iteration on housing, tolerances, and fit — not the printer, but the speed of the feedback loop it enables.Technology compounds in layers. Andre closes with a tech-tree analogy: each generation normalizes the tools of the previous one and builds the next layer on top. Agentic coding today is what the internet was in the 90s — the foundation for something we can't yet fully see.

At 17 years old, Michael King bought a brand-new CNC machine despite never having seen one in person. With no formal trade school background or apprenticeship, he relied on years of self-directed learning, curiosity, and a steady stream of YouTube machining content to take the leap. He sectioned off space in his dad's warehouse, installed a Haas DM2, and started figuring it out in real time. What began as a personal interest in building things quickly turned into real production work. A stainless steel contract gave him early traction. A used Swiss machine that arrived broken forced him to learn diagnostics and hand-code thousands of lines of G-code. Over time, one machine became several, including a dual-spindle lathe and a five-axis Matsura, forming the foundation of what is now The Monk Works. In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we talk through how Michael has approached growth with unusual discipline. He's kept overhead low, relied entirely on word-of-mouth instead of advertising, and leaned heavily into technology from day one. Rather than scaling by adding headcount immediately, he's focused on automation, standardized tooling, and building systems that allow the business to operate beyond what he can personally track in his head. The conversation also explores how he thinks about cash flow, process maturity, quality, and long-term sustainability. At just 20 years old, married with two kids, Michael is already navigating the tension between capacity and structure, ambition and patience. His story challenges the idea that manufacturing has a high barrier to entry while reinforcing that longevity still depends on discipline and intentional decision-making. Segments (0:00) Buying a brand-new Haas DM2 at 17 (before ever seeing a CNC machine in person) (1:24) RC planes, 3D printing, Fusion 360, and discovering machining through YouTube (6:24) The YouTube channels that shaped Michael's journey (8:27) Paperless Parts: secure AI-powered quoting built for manufacturers (9:42) Landing the first year-long stainless contract and realizing the machine had more capacity (11:00) How Michael learned business fundamentals from his dad (12:21) Becoming a firefighter, HVAC tech, drone pilot, and getting married (13:38) The $5,000 "working" Swiss machine and the lessons that followed (16:39) The Monk Works brand story: small, fast, agile, and intentionally different (18:58) IMTS 2026: Why getting out of the shop and into the show matters (20:07) Financing growth: bootstrapping under an established family business (21:44) Homeschooling, self-directed learning, and defining meaningful work (22:38) Faith, diligence, and quality as a leadership philosophy (23:52) Realizing systems must scale before workload does (25:35) Building his business entirely through word-of-mouth (26:52) Launching proprietary titanium suppressor accessories alongside contract work (28:00) Certifications, ERP systems, and preparing for higher-regulated industries (29:47) Embracing paperless workflows, CAM, automation, and standardized tooling (33:09) Adding automation to unlock capacity without adding labor (35:50) SMW Autoblok, RASRAM, and the seven habits of highly effective workholding (37:50) Advice for young entrepreneurs: low overhead, low risk, and just start Resources mentioned on this episode The Munkworks Connect with Michael on LinkedIn TITANS of CNC NYC CNC John Grimsmo Adam Savage Hacksmith Industries Donnie Hinske Paperless Parts Join us at IMTS 2026 SMW Autoblok Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Andrew shares a recent experiment in his shop: installing a full Sonos sound system and changing the structure of morning meetings and 3S time to give employees more room to pursue real improvements. Meanwhile, Jay discusses several new internal tools he has built, including an AI-powered quoting system and digital production boards designed to replace traditional analog shop boards.The conversation also includes the difference between Two Second Lean and traditional TPS-style lean, how AI is changing the speed of experimentation inside businesses, the hidden problems with too many meetings in manufacturing organizations, and what shop tours can teach you (and why you should never show up as a tourist.

President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has inaugurated a new pasta manufacturing factory by Olam Agri Ghana, a leading agri-food company, at Kpone in the Kpone-Katamanso Municipality. The facility is expected to boost local food production, create jobs, and support the country's agro-industrial sector

Greg and Dan talk with Chris Setti about the Illinois Defense Manufacturing Consortium and the military in Peoria. They discuss how the program supports and grows manufacturing careers in the defense industry, the importance of readiness, and ensuring supplies are prepared when needed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary In this episode, Jason Wong shares his entrepreneurial journey from immigrant roots to building Packing Duck, a innovative packaging manufacturing platform. Discover how he leveraged social media, strategic factory investments, and AI technology to disrupt traditional manufacturing and sourcing industries. Keywords Entrepreneurship, Packaging Industry, E-commerce, Manufacturing, AI Technology, Business Growth, Sourcing, Content Marketing, Small Business, Innovation Key  topics Jason Wong's background and entrepreneurial journey Pivot from e-commerce to packaging manufacturing Leveraging social media and content marketing Innovating with AI and factory partnerships Scaling through technology and factory standards Key  frameworks Factory Standardization Model AI-Driven Manufacturing Platform Action  items Follow Packing Duck on Instagram @duck Connect with Jason Wong on LinkedIn Titles From Immigrant to Industry Disruptor: Jason Wong's Packaging Revolution How Packing Duck Is Changing the Packaging Game with AI and Global Factories Sound bites "Work hard, create value from age eight" "Everyone overpays for packaging by 40%" "Lost 30 million followers overnight on Tumblr" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Business 08:04 Building Relationships and Sourcing in China 15:56 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Packaging 23:57 Going All In: The Decision to Leave School 30:22 Organizational Structure: Managing a Growing Business 36:44 Overcoming Challenges: The Reality of Entrepreneurship 41:58 Pivoting to Packaging: A Strategic Shift 48:40 The Future of Business: Embracing Technology and AI Resources Packing Duck Website - https://packingduck.com Jason Wong on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jasonwong Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jasonwong

Alex "Fro" Frommeyer is an American entrepreneur and executive best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Beam Benefits (originally launched as Beam Dental/Beam Technologies). He started the company in 2012 with a background in engineering (educated at the University of Louisville), initially focusing on innovative dental insurance tied to smart toothbrush technology and rewards for healthy habits (like the Beam Perks program).Under his leadership, Beam evolved into a digitally native employee benefits provider, expanding to offer dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health coverage. It modernized the ancillary benefits industry with an online platform, AI-powered tools, and incentives for wellness. The company raised significant funding (over $160–170 million reported in various rounds), grew to operate in dozens of U.S. states, and became a notable InsurTech player.He's been recognized on lists like Forbes 30 Under 30 (Manufacturing & Industry in 2015) and has appeared on podcasts and in media discussing disruption in insurance, startup culture, and building in Ohio (where Beam is based in Columbus).More recently, as of 2026 profiles, he's listed as the Founder and CEO of Stack Health, described as an operating system for personalized health plans to accelerate individualized coverage.He's commonly referred to as "Fro" in professional contexts and on social media (@AlexFrommeyer on X).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Send a textDaniel Gledhill is a seasoned manufacturing and engineering leader whose career bridges high-risk industrial operations and precision-driven medical device manufacturing. Daniel leads engineering teams responsible for multiple production areas supporting transcatheter heart valve delivery systems—products where quality, reliability, and patient safety are absolutely critical.Daniel's journey to medical devices began in heavy industry, where he worked as a process, chemical, and metallurgical engineer at Rio Tinto, including leadership roles at copper smelters overseeing sulfuric acid plants, powerhouses, and byproduct operations. These early roles shaped his systems-level thinking, comfort with complex processes, and respect for disciplined operations—skills that would later translate powerfully into regulated medical manufacturing environments.Over nearly ten years at Edwards Lifesciences, Daniel has progressed from manufacturing management into senior engineering leadership, guiding teams through scale-up, process improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational change. His work sits at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, quality, and leadership—where decisions directly impact both operational performance and patient outcomes.Daniel holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah, along with an MBA from the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business. This combination of technical and business education informs his balanced approach to leadership—one that values data, people, and long-term system health over short-term wins.In this conversation, we explore what it really means to lead engineering teams in medical device manufacturing, how leadership expectations evolve as engineers move into management, and what lessons from heavy industry can sharpen execution in highly regulated, patient-critical environments.LINKS:Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gledhill-a6155237/Guest website: https://www.edwards.com/  Aaron Moncur, hostDownload the Essential Guide to Designing Test Fixtures: https://pipelinemedialab.beehiiv.com/test-fixture Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us on the web at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus

Prefabrication does not fail because of technology. It fails because of systems and culture. In this episode of Prefab, Unfiltered, recorded live at Advancing Prefabrication, Todd Weyandt sits down with Jim Wallner to explore what it really takes to scale prefabrication inside an electrical contractor. Moving work into a shop is not the same as building a manufacturing operation. Scaling prefab requires systems, realistic goals, inventory discipline, and field trust. Without those foundations, even the best intentions can create resistance and friction. This conversation dives into the operational realities of industrialized construction, how to avoid forcing prefab onto crews, and why sometimes the right strategic decision is to say no. If you are involved in prefabrication, modular construction, electrical contracting, or manufacturing-based construction delivery, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on what actually works.   You'll Learn Why forcing prefabrication creates field resistance The difference between construction thinking and manufacturing thinking How to set achievable prefab goals When not to fabricate and why that discipline matters How grassroots shop training builds long-term adoption What systems are required to scale industrialized construction   Meet Our Guest Jim Wallner began his career in sales and manufacturing before transitioning into the electrical trade at Staff Electric. He later shifted his focus toward growing and systematizing the company's fabrication operations. With experience on both the manufacturing and field sides of the business, Jim brings a practical and disciplined perspective to scaling prefabrication inside a real-world contracting environment. His approach centers on achievable goals, strong systems, and earning buy-in through results.   Todd Takes You Cannot Force Prefabrication. Prefab adoption must be earned. When leadership mandates fabrication without proving value to the field, resistance grows. Prefabrication scales when it consistently makes installation easier and more predictable. Manufacturing Thinking Requires Systems. Construction rewards speed. Manufacturing rewards discipline. Scaling prefabrication requires documentation, inventory management, realistic production planning, and repeatable workflows. Without systems, efficiency does not appear. Sometimes the Right Answer Is No. Not every project should be fabricated. Strategic discipline means knowing when prefab adds value and when it introduces unnecessary risk. Scaling prefab is about doing the right work in the shop, not simply doing more work there.  More Resources Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd's LinkedIn Jim's LinkedIn Staff Electric's Website   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn Autodesk's Website  

On this latest episode, Lisa Anderson, President of LMA Consulting Group joins the podcast. Lisa is one of the most respected voices in manufacturing strategy, supply chain transformation, and SIOP. She's the author of a recently released book titled AI & Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing, where she explores how manufacturers are using AI and advanced analytics to drive real, […] The post Where AI Is Actually Delivering Value in Manufacturing Supply Chains first appeared on Composites Weekly. The post Where AI Is Actually Delivering Value in Manufacturing Supply Chains appeared first on Composites Weekly.

Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. v. Squires

Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. v. Squires

In This Episode AI is powerful—but without structured processes and reliable data, it cannot deliver meaningful results. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Bryan DeBois about how artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing and industrial systems. Bryan explains why the excitement around generative AI often overlooks the unique realities of plant-floor operations, where errors can have serious consequences. In high-stakes environments like manufacturing, organizations must carefully choose the right type of AI for the job. Adi and Bryan discuss the difference between generative AI, predictive models, and autonomous AI systems. Bryan shares how manufacturers can use predictive analytics to forecast product quality, optimize set points, and improve operational performance. These models are designed to solve operational problems rather than simply generate information. The conversation also highlights a critical systems principle: AI only works when businesses have already documented their processes and established strong data collection practices. Bryan explains how companies capture expert knowledge through a process called "machine teaching," allowing AI systems to learn from experienced operators and apply that expertise to improve future performance.  

In Episode 318 of China Manufacturing Decoded from Sofeast, Adrian hosts and is joined by CEO Renaud and Supply Chain Management dept. Head, Kate, to examine how the escalating Iran conflict is already affecting, and could further disrupt, manufacturing and supply chains tied to China. The conversation covers the geopolitical context, immediate market reactions, and practical implications for buyers, suppliers and logistics managers. Key takeaways for importers and manufacturers: expect higher material and freight costs, allow extra time for shipments, budget potential additional US$3–4k per container today, consider delaying non-urgent shipments where possible, and monitor the situation closely for rapid changes to insurance and routing. Renaud and Kate emphasize that impacts are likely to scale with the duration of the disruption and that more updates may be needed as the situation develops.   Episode Sections: 00:29 – Introduction to the Iran Conflict 00:58 – Impact on Manufacturing Costs 06:02 – Uncertainty in the Global Market 07:01 – Shipping and Logistics 07:32 – Rising Insurance Costs 11:16 – Freight Cost Implications 12:35 – Shipping Delays and Bottlenecks 14:30 – Effects on Transit Times 15:55 – Preparing for Future Challenges   Related content… US and Israel launch attack on Iran (CNN) IRGC says Iran in ‘complete control' of Strait of Hormuz amid Trump threats (Al Jazeera) Oil and gas prices surge as Iran war disrupts Middle Eastern output (Reuters) Chinese refiners begin run cuts as Iran war tightens oil supply (Reuters) Don't worry about the Iran conflict's impact on oil prices—yet (Atlantic Council) Carriers rush to impose war risk surcharges as Middle East crisis deepens (Lloyd's List) The Red Sea Crisis (Impacts on global shipping and the case for international co-operation) (International Transport Forum)   This episode is brought to you by The Sofeast Group and includes links in the show notes to our blog posts and resources, and recommended books. For help with manufacturing in Asia, inspections, auditing, new product development, contract manufacturing, 3PL warehousing and fulfillment, visit sofeast.com.    Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

In this episode, we are joined by Craig Nicol, Founder and CEO of Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG). Craig provides a comprehensive update on the company's transition from development to commercial scale, highlighting the recent update on the Gen 2.0 Graphene Manufacturing Technology plant. Craig also discusses the expansion of their global sales team, and the real-world performance testing of their flagship products. Key Discussion Points: The Gen2 Production Leap: Craig explains how the new facility will increase capacity to 10 tons of graphene per annum using the same natural gas input as current operations. High-Performance Partnerships: A look into the collaboration with Tickford Racing, where GMG's G® Lubricant and THERMAL-XR® are being put to the ultimate test in the Australian Supercars series. Commercial Revenue & Sales Strategy: With over 15 sales professionals now active globally, the company is focused on converting a growing pipeline of test orders into major commercial contracts. Thermal-XR & Data Center Opportunities: An update on the EPA approval process in the U.S. and the massive potential for graphene coatings to reduce energy consumption in data centers. Graphene Aluminum-Ion Batteries: Craig explains the competitive edge of GMG's battery technology vs solid-state batteries.   Please keep the questions coming! Email me at Fleck@kereport.com. Click here to visit the GMG website to learn more about the Company.    ------------------- For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks:  The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/  Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/ Investment Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Investing in equities, commodities, really everything involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.

The February jobs report isn't out until Friday. Still, experts are all but certain the manufacturing sector will have lost jobs compared to last year. In this episode, a weak single-family housing market and chaotic tariff policy prevent U.S. manufacturers from bouncing back. Plus: Hiring managers don't trust resumes in the era of AI, Americans are spending less of their income on food than ever before, and a sparse snow season in Colorado stresses all sorts of businesses.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The February jobs report isn't out until Friday. Still, experts are all but certain the manufacturing sector will have lost jobs compared to last year. In this episode, a weak single-family housing market and chaotic tariff policy prevent U.S. manufacturers from bouncing back. Plus: Hiring managers don't trust resumes in the era of AI, Americans are spending less of their income on food than ever before, and a sparse snow season in Colorado stresses all sorts of businesses.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

If you had told Jan a year ago she would bring a member of Congress onto this show, she would have said you were crazy.But this isn't about politics.It's about survival.It's about supply chains, tariffs, China, semiconductors, and the reality that policy decisions now move faster than most production lines.In this episode of the Automotive Leaders Podcast, Jan Griffiths sits down with Congresswoman Haley Stevens, often called the “manufacturing geek,” for a direct conversation about industrial policy, public-private partnership, national security, and what automotive leaders should expect from Washington.Whether we like it or not, policy volatility is now a leadership variable.Themes Discussed in this EpisodeWhy Manufacturing Mondays keep policymakers grounded in shop-floor realityLessons from the 2008–2009 auto rescue and bipartisan public-private partnershipThe Chips and Science Act and reshoring semiconductor productionChina's 95% dominance in rare earth processing and why it mattersCritical minerals, battery recycling, and national competitivenessTariff volatility and the cost of policy uncertaintyUSMCA review, Canada relationships, and North American stabilityThe Chinese OEM threat and rule-based trade enforcementWhat automotive leaders can expect from policymakers moving forward

Patrick McKenzie (patio11) deconstructs the "original sin" of payments: building a global financial substrate on shared secrets that were distributed promiscuously to function. He examines the multi-decade game of Whack-a-Mole played by the industry to balance the "optimal amount of fraud" against the catastrophic conversion hit of high-friction security. From the physical failure of terminal buttons to the smartphone finally solving the lifecycle problem of cryptographic tokens, Patrick explores the technical and social reasons why we've moved from "something you know" to the "continuity of access" provided by the device in your pocket.–Full transcript available here: www.complexsystemspodcast.com/secondary-auth/–Presenting Sponsors: Mercury & GranolaIf you have more interesting hobbies than managing your money, Mercury Personal is built for you. It allows you to automate movement between accounts—allocating paychecks and tax prep the moment they hit—with a sensible permissions model for partners or accountants. It works the way tech people expect banking to work. Go to mercury.com/personal to experience banking built by the same folks Patrick trusts for his business. If meetings consistently leave you with hazy action items and lost context, Granola handles the transcription so you can actually participate and gives you searchable notes afterward. Try it free at granola.ai/complexsystems with code COMPLEXSYSTEMS–Links:Emily Sands on Complex Systems: https://www.complexsystemspodcast.com/episodes/the-past-present-and-future-of-ai-with-stripe/ –Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:32) Publishing the shared secret… again(03:39) Manufacturing shared secrets at scale(07:51) Something you own, take one(10:10) Sponsors: Mercury | Granola(13:48) Something you own, take two(18:26) Something you own, take three(21:24) One other semi-successful method: positive pay(24:45) Wrap

In this episode, the founders of Basil share how they spotted an opportunity in India's school essentials space and built a design-led brand trusted by over 1.5 lakh families.After careers at Uber and Amazon, they set out to solve a simple but overlooked problem. Kids' essentials did not have to be boring, low-quality, or purely functional.We discuss• Identifying whitespace in consumer categories• Designing for both children and parents• Marketplace-led growth• Building operational depth in hardware• Lessons for founders building in D2CThis is a must-watch episode for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone building consumer brands.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:00 – Founders' Backgrounds03:00 – Inspiration Behind Basil04:20 – Explaining Basil to Kids06:00 – Why Start a Startup07:00 – Early Product Challenges08:30 – Market Response & Pricing Insights11:40 – Design-First Philosophy13:00 – Manufacturing & Scaling19:57 – Who Really Buys: Kids vs Parents22:56 – Designing Products for Children25:10 – Smart Product Design for Organic Growth31:05 – Building a Brand That Can't Be Copied35:09 – Power of User Observation40:13 – Amazon-Inspired Processes45:21 – India's ₹60,000 Crore Kids Market45:23 – Building Consumer Love51:28 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, Vlad and Dave sit down with Travis Cox and Kevin McCluskey from Inductive Automation to unpack what was actually proven at ProveIt and why it matters for teams trying to modernize plants without building a fragile mess of point to point integrations. If you have ever looked at a shiny demo and wondered what the real architecture looks like, how it scales beyond a single line, and what it takes to roll out across multiple sites without turning every change into a high risk event, this conversation is for you.Travis and Kevin walk through their ProveIt Enterprise B build and the thinking behind it. The core idea is simple but powerful: treat the factory like a system that needs a shared digital infrastructure, built on open standards, where data is contextualized and reusable. They break down how they used Ignition Edge close to PLCs for resiliency, local HMIs, and disciplined data modeling, then moved data through MQTT into a Unified Namespace so multiple applications can consume the same trusted signals and context. This is the difference between “we can connect to anything” and “we can scale without rewriting everything every time the business changes.” Open standards show up repeatedly in the conversation because ProveIt is specifically designed to force interoperability and practical implementation tradeoffs. Inductive Automation has also written about ProveIt as a place where MQTT, OPC UA, and SQL show up as real foundations rather than slogans.From there, the episode gets into the part that should make both OT and IT teams pay attention: modern deployment practices applied to industrial applications. Kevin outlines a clear maturity path from a single designer workflow to version control, then to containerized deployments, and finally to full GitOps style promotion across dev, staging, and production using tools like Argo CD, Helm, Kubernetes, and release promotion concepts that look like what the software world has used for years. Argo CD is explicitly built around Git repositories as the source of truth for desired state, which is exactly why it fits this style of deployment. The live portion of the conversation demonstrates how fast this can get when the infrastructure is treated as code: they spin up a brand new “site four” by submitting a form, generating a pull request, merging it, and letting the pipeline do the rest.Timestamps00:00 Welcome back and why this ProveIt recap matters01:35 Meet Travis Cox and Kevin McCluskey from Inductive Automation03:10 What ProveIt is and the key vendor questions it forces05:20 Enterprise B architecture overview from PLC to Edge to site to enterprise07:30 HMI walkthrough across liquid processing, filling, packaging, palletizing09:05 Why deploy Ignition Edge instead of only a centralized site gateway12:05 Design once, reuse everywhere and what that means for scaling quickly14:35 On prem realities versus cloud infrastructure in the ProveIt environment17:10 MCP, n8n workflows, and bringing live operational context into AI20:40 i3X style API access to models, history, and alarms for interoperability23:15 GitHub, Docker Compose, Helm, Kubernetes, Argo CD, Cargo and GitOps promotion36:55 Spinning up a new site live and what it changes for multi site rolloutsAbout the hostsVlad Romanov is an electrical engineer and MBA who has spent over a decade building and modernizing manufacturing systems across industrial automation, controls, and plant operations. Through Joltek, Vlad works with manufacturers to assess current state OT foundations, reduce modernization risk, improve reliability, and build internal capability through practical training and standards that stick.Dave Griffith co hosts Manufacturing Hub and brings a practitioner lens focused on what works on the plant floor, how architectures survive real constraints, and how industrial teams can modernize without breaking production.About the guestsTravis Cox is Chief Technology Evangelist at Inductive Automation and has spent over two decades helping customers and partners design scalable architectures, apply best practices, and deliver real solutions with Ignition.Kevin McCluskey is Chief Technology Architect at Inductive Automation and works with organizations on architecture decisions, platform direction, and enabling the next generation of industrial applications.Learn more about Joltekhttps://www.joltek.com/serviceshttps://www.joltek.com/book-a-modernization-consultation

We sit down with Dave Evans, CEO of Misumi America and founder of Fictiv, to unpack findings from the 11th Annual State of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Report.

Industrial manufacturing finance is complex by nature. Multiple ERPs, acquisitions, intercompany activity, and heavy Excel reliance can make it difficult for leaders to gain clear visibility into performance. In this episode, we explore how modern finance teams are turning that complexity into clarity using a unified CPM platform. Through three real-world transformation stories from the industrial manufacturing sector, we break down how finance leaders solved critical challenges around working capital visibility, post-acquisition carve-outs, and operational reporting. You'll hear how organizations used OneStream to establish a single source of truth, introduce structured workflows, and give executives the transparency they need to confidently answer questions about cash flow, receivables, and business performance. If you're a CFO, Controller, or FP&A leader navigating the realities of manufacturing finance, this episode highlights what it takes to build an "ironclad" finance function, one that replaces fragmented processes with visibility, accountability, and faster decision-making.

A quarterly check-in with the National Federation of Independent Businesses finds optimism in many industry sectors, led by Manufacturing. Host Gene Marks says he's hearing the same things when he speaks at association events. On the not-so-rosy side, almost 70% of HR leaders expressed concern over a lack of data to make effective decisions on raises and promotions – citing fragmented systems and manual entry. OpenAI ready to release another gadget: a smart speaker with a speaker that could change the way we make purchases. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Peter Giddings of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership joins to discuss the UK’s industrial growth plan for offshore wind, the five priority supply chain areas being targeted, and how OWGP helps businesses scale from small suppliers into globally competitive manufacturers. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly newsletter on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on YouTube, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Welcome to Uptime Spotlight, shining Light on Wind. Energy’s brightest innovators. This is the Progress Powering Tomorrow. Allen Hall: Peter, welcome to the program.  Peter Giddings: Thanks for having me out.  Allen Hall: The UK right now is just a global leader in offshore wind, which I think a, a lot of us in the United States don’t even realize that, but the UK is a. Giant leader in offshore wind. Uh, but we keep hearing about the supply chain constraints that are threatening some of the timelines here. What are some of the fundamental problems that the UK offshore wind supply chain has today?  Peter Giddings: We are in a great situation for supply chain, but the 2000 companies, some of them with 25 years experience. At the scale where we can deliver the four gigawatts a year for the next five years that we need to hit our 2030 deployment targets and to keep that deployment rolling. So we are [00:01:00] brilliant at the UK of planning, developing and deploying wind farms. We have a really strong maintenance base. We do some great supply chain work, and IWGP Offshore Wind Growth Partnership has helped those businesses grow, but we don’t have as much capacity as we would like. For the major items. So we have a great set of facilities making blades. We have good facilities, uh, great facilities in JDR making cables, but we don’t capture as much of the manufacturing value of our deployment as we would like. That means we create fewer jobs, we create less economic benefit, and those developers are exposed to more supply chain risk. Specifically, we want to build globally competitive supply chain capacity. We, we we’re, we’re not a charity. We are building businesses that can win contracts. They are attractive to the procurement teams and they’re sustainable, they grow, right? Competitive capacity is what we’re after. Um, and that’s, that’s really what [00:02:00] we’re after. Allen Hall: And if the UK doesn’t really address these problems now, what does that look like for the supply chain? Because you’re talking about moving from roughly 16. Gigawatts in the water to approximately 50 gigawatts, 45, 50 gigawatts by 2030 and beyond. So that’s, you know, it’s roughly a tripling of the amount of capacity in the water supply chain becomes then really critical to that and in order to feed that. But what happens here, if the supply chain has not grown locally,  Peter Giddings: it’s a missed opportunity. I mean, the businesses that are here today would be an incremental growth. And that’s not bad. That’s an okay outcome. But if your deployment is a huge opportunity and you get an okay outcome, that’s not acceptable. That’s not a way to run an industry, right? We have this massive opportunity in front of us. There’s a huge amount that we could do that the UK is great at that the opportunity is to stretch [00:03:00] and help communities all around the coast have. Hundreds, thousands of jobs that are there. They’re stable, they’re good quality, and they are prosperous. It’s a real community initiative. Those towns, which are probably seeing a decline in oil and gas revenue or are strapped to tourism or kind of don’t have an industry, those towns, those people as humans are gonna have a much better future. There’s a, actually a really nice exemplar, um, it’s not. The biggest component, but Cable protection Systems is something that the UK is already globally renowned for. If you open up a tender pack, if you’re allowed to in other markets kind of anywhere, and you look to the CPS package, you would more than likely see a couple of, if not all four of CRP techmark, sub C and Balmoral, right? They, they serve the UK market real well, but they are globally renowned. [00:04:00]That’s, that’s one example. We are looking to do that for the priority sections of the industrial growth plan. You know, we’re going to pick and are picking the areas of the supply chain where we think the UK can be genuinely competitive and we have something to offer. A developer is not gonna choose a substandard product that’s a bit more expensive, but we can build up supply chains that offer fantastic products. Cable protection systems, and we can capture big market share there. Develop a product that can be exported, or if it’s a bit too far to ship, develop a business which can open up a new base. You know, so we, we get that, um, combination of local demand being served. And when I say local, I mean like the North Sea in Baltic and that global opportunity. So it’s, but it’s not gonna be everything. You know, people might. I might get a little bit heat for this, but [00:05:00] if you spread the jam too thin, it doesn’t taste very good. You haven’t committed to win a few things rather than come second and third everywhere. We have to choose what we win at.  Allen Hall: Let’s get into the industrial growth plan, ’cause I wanna understand that a little bit better and how OWGP. Fits in that as the delivery body. Right? So you have this industrial growth plan, OWGP is, is sort of administering it and, and taking action on it. How does this system work and, and why is it different than other attempts at supply chain development?  Peter Giddings: Uh, a couple of years ago, 2023, um, most of the major institutional stakeholders came together and said, oh, that we see this big opportunity coming. We want to make sure that the UK benefits from having all that deployment. So if you’ve got a bunch of demand and you [00:06:00] don’t have much supply, you don’t have as much supply as you want, that’s an obvious gap to fill. And the Crown of State, the Crown of State Scotland, the departments from government, the Offshore Wind Industry Council, a consortium of developers in the uk, uh, came together. Um. And funded a piece of work that allowed, um, a team to bring in lots of industry input. Look at what the big opportunities were in the market. So where is there substantial value? Where is there substantial demand? And match that up to where does the UK have capability and where could we grow a competitive advantage? So. What prizes are worth winning? What prizes can we win? And we’ve matched those up and there’s kind of five priority areas that we’ve selected. Um, it’s kind of the first things we’re gonna go after. Um, [00:07:00] they’re, they’re quite broad, those five. It’s advanced turbine technologies, deep water foundations, cable and electrical systems, uh, smart environmental services, and, uh, smart operations and maintenance. If you kind of open those boxes up, there are some very specific supply chains that are prioritized. So I’ll take the one that, uh, is the first one that we’re looking at. Advanced turbine technology. Uh, we talked just before we started recording, um, that the UK has real strength in blades. Blades is a big opportunity. We have a really well established composite industry. We have a great facility up in Hull. We have an r and d base and an onshore, um, factory on the isle of White with Vestas. And I think the thing we don’t really say is we have chief engineer for blades of Vestas in the UK structures lead. The r and d team is 140 strong down on the island [00:08:00] and we have a really productive facility in Hull. Um. That is putting product out, has been making, um, recyclable blades, is making the one 15. We have depth, so it’s a good opportunity. We have strength, we have a massive innovation ecosystem, so that’s a really obvious win. And we’ve been through the rest of the supply chain taking cables, good capacity, excellent experience from oil and gas, and so that’s a priority area. Okay. Going through those supply chains, finding big opportunities that the UK has, the ability to win contracts in, and then mapping out what do you need to do to make that capacity happen? How much capacity, at what cost, with what performance? And that’s, that’s kind of the OWGP role is owning that plan, bringing input from industry, [00:09:00] bringing input from experts. Turning the ambition of we want to have the ability to supply 50% of UK demand and export into a tangible plan of, cool, these businesses need this investment by this time to stand up a facility so they’re ready. It’s not just a blade factory. Right. That’s, um, that’s important. It’s the 20 businesses that sell product, that sell services into that. We talk about pyramids, right? You’ve got one facility at the top and a big wide base with lots of people who are employed in that big wide base. And I think, you know, it’s natural. Everybody looks to the top of the mountain. We’re looking to build the whole thing, and that’s a really powerful reason for industries to stay for the long term. So I think tracking back to your [00:10:00] question. What’s our role? We own that plan. We bring together the expertise and convert it into a set of measurable steps really. And that kind of second part is coordinate. Everybody needs to be playing the same game, aiming at the same targets. And that’s a really important part. Allen Hall: Well, I think for a lot of people outside the UK, it’s hard to envision the amount of industry that exists. In the UK you’re about 70 million people, so you’re roughly maybe a quarter of the population size of the United States roughly. But you’re, you, you have internal industries there and other areas that have that supply chain growth. So you’ve watched it in aerospace, which is one I’m familiar with, but in other industries, you, automobiles and a number of other areas, uh, you have that supply chain. So you know how to, the UK knows how to do that, but, but that hasn’t really necessarily happened in offshore wind, which I think is where the [00:11:00] opportunity is because I think watching. Being around this industry for as long as I have. One of the key elements is that, uh, the, the smaller businesses are sort of tier twos or tier threes that make the tier ones possible are kind of forgotten about. But the UK historically has looked at tier two and tier three as being the fundamentals to a successful product delivery and, and a, a global marketplace. Is, is that where the initial focus is? Because just listening to. And going to your website, uh, which I encourage everybody to do, you see where there’s smart decisions being made to create that base and what does that look like? And when you’re trying to attack that base on offshore wind, obviously cables and turbine technology, anything to do basically with being in the water, which the UK is great at. Do you see that being a relatively quick exercise because the UK has done it before in other industries? Or [00:12:00] is this problem just a little bit different because of the scale of it?  Peter Giddings: It’s really similar to, uh, the way supply chain’s been supported in aerospace, for example. Um, the Airbus has a deep supply chain in the UK and has a very strong voice into government. Their supply chain is supported. They’ve built that base. Um, and so from the outcome, that’s gonna be pretty similar? I think so. We, we have a template. I’ve worked in aerospace, many colleagues, um, that we’re, we’re calling on have, um, I guess the difference is, uh, maturity of industry. So the developers are very mature businesses. They’re global. They have been big for time. They know how to do supply chain development from oil and gas, where you build enormous unicorns. Exactly. Once, [00:13:00] then move on. You know, an oil and gas project is, is a one time deal. It’s tremendous, but you don’t have to make a hundred of them and it’s slightly different. So you end up with a, a single point, and if you are. Experience and your, um, relationship with government sits with developers that can create some really, um, it, it takes time to build up your supply chain so that they have the same experience of running, um, large development programs. They have the stability as businesses to kind of build through. It’s really important to remember that turbine OEMs and the tier ones haven’t had 30 years of stable business modeling wind. Because 30 years ago, wind wasn’t really a big industry, right? They have had plenty of success scaling their business, and we’re just entering the phase now where you can, um, pretty credibly say that wind is [00:14:00] a global business with a long-term future. And it needs to find the right way for those OEMs, those big tier one manufacturing businesses to support their business in the long term. That is, I would say quite new. Um, hopefully I don’t get pilled for saying that, but Airbus, spin Airbus for 2, 3, 4 generations. Right. So they know their game. Same with roles, same with, you know, Nissan and Toyota. It’s, it’s gonna take a little minute for the manufacturing part of the wind industry to settle and learn what works. We think OWGP and our partners, GB Energy, crown State, we think. We have a good starter for 10. You know, it’s modeled off what we’ve done in other industries. It provides stability, provides capital and a plan. I think that’s a really good mix. Um, [00:15:00] and I think it’ll just take a bit of time to mature those relationships and get everybody comfortable. Um, the developers have been really supportive. The OWGP money comes from. A developer contribution. So they are playing their part. Absolutely they are. We need to find the right way for manufacturing businesses to scale and then start pumping in innovations into that capacity so it stays competitive. You know, it’s a build capacity that’s competitive today. Feed it with innovation so it stays competitive and gets better and better and better.  Allen Hall: How far off the technology chain do you want them to be before you consider them to be part of the supply chain  Peter Giddings: today? Uh, 21st of January, 2026. There is good money for people that are within about a year of getting their technology to market. So that’s the, the approximate. Um, you’ll notice I dodge TRLI don’t think it’s super helpful. Um, time to market is, uh, is, is [00:16:00] really a good indicator. Yeah. Alan’s, give me the thumbs up of someone that’s done a TRL assessment or two. Um, we, we are looking for businesses that are commercially. Viable. They have relationships with customers. Um, they’re trading the earliest currently, and it’s currently, um, is like a year, maybe two years to market at the outside and up, um, we’re working with. And so that’s not just OWGP, that’s across the funding streams that are available. Um, and there are many we are working with and hopeful in the next week or two to have, um. A positive result from the UK government on earlier stage innovation funding so that we can align the early stage innovation at the problems that really count for making businesses competitive. You know, to be super clear, that’s not gonna be OWGP Cash. Our hope is that it’s OWGP derived questions [00:17:00] delivered by the innovation institute’s offshore renewable energy catapult, the high value manufacturing catapults. Academia, innovative businesses. Those guys do the innovation and we work together with them and with industry to really find the questions that count and we can focus our attention on commercializing that and scaling up the things that are commercial.  Allen Hall: Peter, walk us through how a UK supply chain company actually engages with OWGP. Uh, what does that. Uh, look like. And what are the, sort of the different options to, to engage with OWGP?  Peter Giddings: So I, I think the first thing to say is you, you don’t have to be UK today. We would love to attract businesses from overseas. Um, you can start a UK entity quite quickly. The first people, first place people tend to engage is in our, um, business, uh, support services. So we help, uh, businesses orientate themselves commercially. Understand how the contracting works, understand who [00:18:00] their, their pot potential customers are. Um, and that’s, yeah, it’s on our website. It’s Business Transformation Services, the West Program, wind Expert Services. There’s a t in there, there’s something else. Um, but that’s really the entry point for businesses that need to orientate themselves in the UK market. And we, and that. Intensity and the, the depth of the commercial support kind of ramps up through base and up to sig sharing in growth. Um, and you’ll also see us in the next year or two, um, take a, a more proactive approach to supporting businesses commercially. Um, I’m actually down with a, a fantastic business in the blade supply chain, um, composite integration in Saltash, helping them build a strategic, um, business plan. So a little more than just going, oh, this is where you get your contract. Actually helping them model what a future bigger business would look like and what they will need to do to, to reach it. You know, commercial support is growing for us. I think it could be really important, right? It’s [00:19:00] new for us, so, you know, we’ll learn. But the first point of call, go to the website, get in touch with the team, um, and often people choose that commercial support, the business transformation. We also run grant funding. Um, we have innovation calls. Um, we have a whole range of different calls going from innovation up to development into Dev X. So manufacturing, um, facility support program, they’re all grant. You can choose to pay them back. You do need to be UK entity, but you need to be quite close to market that one to two year zone with commercial traction. Um, and again, information is available. There is a team of people. Who are really great at taking those triaging, figuring out what’s right for you, what’s not, and if it’s not something from us, we do and we are delighted to pass you on to other people. You know, if you talk to us, we will make sure you find a home.[00:20:00] I think that’s really important to say.  Allen Hall: I think that’s very critical and one of the more difficult. Periods for, uh, it’s a smaller company to become bigger and be part of this massive supply chain, is that sort of 1 million pound, the 5 million pound kind of business, which has a technology which has proven itself and is delivering something or very close to delivering something. That transition is incredibly hard and getting some help there and some advice even would make the transition so much shorter and more efficient than what it typically is. That’s what OWGP does. So it’s not just the money. Obviously money helps everything generally. It’s the context, it’s the advice, it’s the knowledge that, uh, OWGP brings to the table that helps you grow your technology, your small business, into that mid-tier business and takes that mid-tier business into that gigantic world leader business. Those are the things that are, [00:21:00] are so hard to quantify, to put some, uh, some people in place. Boy, OWGP can really ramp up and has, the UK in general has done this many, many times. So I, I, I just encourage everybody who’s listening to this podcast to think about OWGP as a contact point and reach out. And Peter, how can they do that? What are the first steps to contact OWGP?  Peter Giddings: It’s always best to come in through our website. So my contact details will be in the, um, in the show notes, but you, you can look at the different programs there are contact US buttons all over it. Um, it also gives you sight of the industrial growth plan, um, and the priority areas. We are trying where we can to focus our efforts on those priority areas, and we would absolutely be delighted to hear from businesses active in the IGB priorities. Um, if you are, if you are not in one of those, you’re not excluded, come talk to us and we, we are supporting ambitious [00:22:00] businesses. We’re just focusing most of our efforts on the ones that are aligned to priority. We’re, we’re on your team. We would like to hear from you. Um, yeah, do, do start with the website. Hit one of the contact buttons you’ll come into to one of the team and we will connect you in. Um, I think that’s probably the, the best way  Allen Hall: and the website is ow gp.org.uk. Very easy to get to. You can just Google it and it’ll come right up. There’s a ton of information on that website. Peter, thank you so much for being on the podcast. I really appreciate this. Learned a lot and very excited for what the UK is about to do.  Peter Giddings: I’m looking forward to talking to you again.

The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews:   Mastercard AI Payment Demo, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) Inside the Mission Control AI War Room Why Employees Are Quietly Resisting AI We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.  

March 4, 2026- We talk about tariff ambiguity, emissions restrictions and energy demands with Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association.

Getting a product into Walmart isn't just a “great product” problem. It's a buyer problem, a packaging problem, and an inventory cash-flow problem.In this episode of Founder Talk, Alex Sheridan sits down with Joe Barron, founder of Gray Matters Games—a family-owned business that designs and publishes family and adult party games sold in thousands of stores worldwide. Joe shares what it really takes to go from a single idea to national retail shelves, including how his team has scaled into major retailers, what they learned the hard way, and why retail is “pressure right out of the gate.”It's a grounded conversation about entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and making better founder decisions when the stakes are real.Q&A-Style Takeaways00:00:00 Introduction00:06:08 How should founders set expectations with friends-and-family investors?A: Align on the real payoff timeline upfront (often at a sale), keep communication tight, and avoid structures that force early cash payouts in a capital-hungry business.00:09:23 What does board game manufacturing look like—and what is MOQ?A: Manufacturing is spec-driven down to materials and colour. MOQ (minimum order quantity) often starts around 1,500–3,000 units, so founders must plan demand, cash, and storage early.00:11:01 What gross margin target makes a physical product business viable?A: Joe targets strong gross margins and uses a simple pricing rule of thumb: MSRP should be roughly 5x cost of goods to leave room for retail and distribution economics.00:14:47 How do you describe a product in 10 seconds so it actually sells?A: Lead with the features and benefits people instantly “get,” not the detailed mechanics. If it can't be explained fast, customers and retailers tune out.00:18:11 How do founders actually get in front of Walmart or Target buyers?A: Find the category buyer through trade shows and relationships, then build a distribution path that helps you show up prepared—because access alone doesn't win the shelf.00:26:40 Is influencer marketing worth it for consumer products—and what's the right approach?A: Yes, when it's relationship-based and volume-based. Launch with a wide creator set, let creators create, then turn proven organic winners into paid ads.00:41:33 What can go wrong with a big retail launch—and how do founders avoid cash trouble?A: Early retail mistakes (packaging, pricing, forecasting) can trigger over-ordering and cash stress. If the first product underperforms, buyers may not want the next one.Watch the full episode to hear the complete conversation and the real-world founder lessons behind getting a product onto major retail shelves.

Welcome How Winning Manufacturers Put Historical Data At The Center Of Their Business Transformation American manufacturing has been on a negative trajectory for the last half century. In the last 20 years alone, 30% of Americas small and midsized manufacturers have been absorbed by larger competitors or gone out of business. Trade policy alone isn't enough to save the American Manufacturer. To dominate the 21st century, American Manufacturers need to innovate faster than ever before. Fortunately a fresh crop of leading innovators in this new AI-powered era is beginning to emerge. We're here to bring you their stories. Consolidating components purchasing across a global supply chain. Speeding up DFM to get products to market faster. Enforcing reuse to avoid unnecessary duplication and carrying costs. These are just a few of the success stories that CADDi customers have pioneered over the last year. We're here to deep dive some of these for you. The CADDi team will get under the hood on approaches used by our top customers so you can deploy them in your own business. Don't miss this chance to grab the AI-enabled playbooks that are making companies like, Subaru, Kawasaki, Dairy Conveyor Corp, Denso, Ebara, and others so successful at improving QCD Brought to you by: CADDi  SPEAKERS: Aaron Lober VP of Marketing CADDi Aaron Lober is an accomplished marketing executive with a foundation in product marketing at companies like Procore Technologies, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Blameless (acquired by FireHydrant). He holds an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Chris Cope VP of Engineering CADDi Chris Cope is a seasoned technology leader with expertise in SRE, AI, Architecture and Security. Formerly with Xometry and Laconia, Chris excels in optimizing production workflows and spearheading automation projects. He is known for driving innovation and scaling teams to enhance operational efficiency and earned a Masters in Computer Science from DePaul University. Patrick Harrigan VP of Partnerships CADDi Patrick Harrigan, VP of Partnerships at CADDi, formerly of Hexagon AB and Tulip Interfaces, fosters a partner network to expand CADDi's AI platform, driving operational efficiency, cost reduction, and knowledge democratization. Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.

In this episode of the Cape Coffee Beans Podcast, I interview Henlo van der Westhuizen about his South African espresso-machine manufacturing startup. We talk about how Henlo got started and his unique approach to designing coffee equipment.You can learn more about Henlo's espresso machines on our website.

One Half of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, New York Times bestselling author and former CIA officer Buck Sexton joins Lisa to break down the escalating conflict with Iran, the strategic realities behind “Operation Epic Fury,” and what regime change would actually require. Drawing from his time in the CIA’s Iraq office after the WMD intelligence failure, Buck explains why wars in the Middle East are never simple—and why Iran presents unique challenges. Is there a viable ground partner inside Iran? Can air power alone force regime change? And how does jihadist ideology impact internal power struggles within the regime? Buck also details the tactical intelligence successes under President Trump—from joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program to high-level capture operations—and why he believes renewed American resolve has reshaped global deterrence. Then the conversation shifts to his New York Times bestselling book, Manufacturing Delusion. Buck outlines how radical movements—whether jihadist, communist, or modern leftist—use psychological tactics like public confession, identity coercion, and collective pressure to enforce ideological conformity. How do these methods compare to Stalinist regimes? What role does social media play in amplifying modern-day mass delusion? And why are moral binaries of “oppressor vs. victim” so effective at mobilizing movements? This episode covers: The real strategic stakes of the Iran conflict Lessons from Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan Why regime durability often surprises policymakers How radical ideologies build loyalty and suppress dissent The dangers of mass delusion in the digital age Purchase Buck's NEW Book HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Adrienne Zepeda, VP, Growth Portfolio Lead at Informa Markets about "Manufacturing, a community built on connections". The conversation highlights the success and impact of the MD&M West event, organized by Informa. Adrienne Zepeda, Vice President at Informa, discusses the event's significance, noting over 12,000 attendees and the extensive planning involved, starting two to four weeks post-event. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, leveraging feedback from exhibitors and attendees, and planning events up to two years in advance. Despite challenges, such as COVID-19, the event maintained its schedule, showcasing innovative technologies and fostering human connections. Adrienne's role involves overseeing six events, including MD&M West, and ensuring the success of each event through meticulous planning and collaboration. Outline MD&M West Event Overview and Introduction Industrial Talk, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, highlighting the event's focus on medtech automation, packaging, plastics, and design.Scott emphasizes the importance of attending MD&M West, describing it as a significant event for manufacturers solving market challenges.Scott mentions the involvement of Informa in organizing MD&M West and introduces Adrienne Zepeda, a professional from Informa, to discuss the event's details. Adrienne Zepeda's Role and Event Planning Scott and Adrienne discuss the scale of MD&M West, with over 12,000 attendees and still one more day to go.Adrienne explains the extensive planning involved in organizing the event, starting as early as two to four weeks after the current event.Adrienne shares his background, mentioning his role as Vice President at Informa, overseeing six events, including MD&M West.Adrienne describes the cross-collaborative nature of his team, involving sales, operations, digital marketing, and event technology teams, totaling around 50 to 60 people. Measuring Success and Event Impact Adrienne measures success through feedback from exhibitors and attendees, such as increased booth activity and lead generation.Adrienne highlights the importance of creating experiences that resonate with attendees and provide value throughout the year.Scott and Adrienne discuss the challenges and rewards of organizing such a large-scale event, including the need for continuous planning and improvement.Adrienne shares his personal motivation for organizing the event, focusing on the impact on the industry and the lives of people. Impact of COVID-19 and Event Adaptation Scott inquires about the impact of COVID-19 on MD&M West and the industry's resilience.Adrienne explains that the need for manufacturing products remained constant during the pandemic, allowing the event to continue with some adjustments.The event schedule was adjusted to accommodate the changing circumstances, with shows held in February 2020, August 2021, and April 2022.Adrienne emphasizes the importance of maintaining human connections and the unique value of in-person events. Innovation and Technology at MD&M West Scott and Adrienne discuss the rapid pace of innovation and technology in the manufacturing industry.Adrienne shares his fascination with the industry's continuous advancements and the impact of new technologies on manufacturing processes.Scott highlights specific examples of innovative products and technologies showcased at MD&M West, such as the magnetic maintenance device.The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining a forward-thinking approach to stay ahead of industry trends. Future Plans and Industry Trends Scott asks about Adrienne's plans for the next year and the future of MD&M West.Adrienne expresses excitement about bringing the industry together again and incorporating feedback from surveys and advisory boards into future planning.The discussion includes the importance of adapting to changing industry needs and maintaining a focus on creating valuable experiences for attendees and exhibitors.Scott and Adrienne reflect on the significance of the event in fostering connections and driving innovation in the manufacturing industry. Final Thoughts and Contact Information Scott and Adrienne wrap up the conversation, expressing mutual appreciation for the work done at MD&M West.Adrienne provides contact information for those interested in participating in future events, including the MD&M West website and social media links.Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Adrienne and explore the various events organized by Informa.The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of attending industry events to build meaningful connections and drive success. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! ADRIENNE ZEPEDA'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennezepeda/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/informamarketsmanufacturing/ Company Website: https://www.imeeventscalendar.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/fPwarC3Xo7g THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

How do you market a company that can't always show what it makes? In this episode of The Kula Ring, Alex Dove, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist at August Electronics, shares her unconventional path from sales into manufacturing marketing. With a background in textiles, furniture, and drapery manufacturing, Alex brings both inside and outside sales experience to her role, blending data-driven thinking with deep relationship building. Alex explains how August Electronics, a low-to-mid volume contract electronics manufacturer based in Alberta, markets partnership over product in a horizontally aligned industry. She discusses navigating NDAs, marketing capabilities instead of finished goods, aligning marketing and sales around shared KPIs, and proving service through video and transparency. The conversation also explores long-term brand building vs. short-term revenue pressure, what sales often misunderstands about marketing, and why curiosity and operational knowledge are essential for success in manufacturing marketing.

In this special keynote spotlight episode of Problem Solved, IISE's Frank Reddy sits down with Dr. Mark Benden, researcher, inventor of nearly 30 patents, and longtime leader in ergonomics innovation. With more than four decades of experience across military service, industry, and academia, Dr. Benden has helped generate over $2.5 billion in economic impact through human-centered design and workplace innovation.In this conversation, he shares:How everyday frustration becomes inventionWhy “nuisance is the father of invention”How AI, motion capture, and wearables are transforming worker healthThe shift from injury response to real-time preventionAnd how to take ergonomic improvements from idea, to protection, to commercializationJoin us for this inside look at one of AEC's keynote voices. And don't miss Problem Solved LIVE on-site at AEC, where we'll be capturing insights from innovators shaping the future of ergonomics.Applied Ergonomics Conference sponsored by Applied Ergonomics SocietyLearn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)Problem Solved on LinkedInProblem Solved on YouTubeProblem Solved on InstagramProblem Solved on TikTokProblem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth GrimesInterested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org

Is China competing—or executing a long-term strategy to dominate global industry? In this episode of The China Desk, legendary CEO advisor Ram Charan joins Steve Yates to break down his book China's 90% Model: China Has America by the Throat — Here's How to Fight Back and Win. Charan argues that China's strategy is deliberate: build capacity to meet 90% of global demand, sell below marginal cost, subsidize exports, and destroy competitors across entire industries. Drawing on six decades advising global executives—including more than 50 Chinese companies—Charan explains how this model has hollowed out American manufacturing in sectors like solar, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced materials. He describes why many CEOs understand the threat privately but hesitate to speak publicly, and why investors may be underestimating long-term risk. The conversation explores: How industrial dominance becomes national security leverage Why excess capacity and currency policy matter The strategic risk of supply chain choke points like magnets and critical inputs The need for a cabinet-level Department of Manufacturing and Technology Why economic security and national security are now inseparable Charan argues that America and its allies still possess overwhelming economic strength—but only if they coordinate industrial policy, rebuild manufacturing capacity, and communicate the stakes clearly to the public and business leaders alike. This is a high-level strategic conversation about economic warfare, industrial capacity, and what the next seven years could determine for the global balance of power. 00:00 — Introduction and Ram Charan's background 02:40 — What is China's 90% Model? 04:19 — Industrial dominance and strategic execution 05:18 — The origins of China's long-term strategy 08:19 — How to measure industry capture and market share 12:06 — Why CEOs stay silent and investor blind spots 14:11 — The October wake-up moment 16:22 — When companies must exit China 18:26 — Building an allied industrial coalition 21:44 — Economic security equals national security 23:17 — War-time leverage and supply chain choke points 25:21 — Proposal: Department of Manufacturing and Technology 27:35 — Seven-year strategy and public awareness 30:27 — Where to find the book and follow Ram Charan Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@ChinaDeskFNW

A 'Skip in your Step'! Why we can't resist Snacks. And the 'holy grail' in Manufacturing! That's what Paul is BuZzin' about today on The Daily BuZz!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ReCor Medical, Inc. v. Medtronic Ireland Manufacturing Unlimited Co.

Join us for our weekly discussion of America’s favorite black rifle: The AR-15 ! This week the guys sit down with Austin from Sentry Manufacturing to discuss some of their innovative products and why charging handles matter so much.   Our Sponsors: Patriot Patch Co – https://patriotpatch.co/ VZ Grips – https://vzgrips.com/ code: AR15POD15 Klecker Tactical Use code AR15PODCAST […]

Join us for our weekly discussion of America's favorite black rifle: The AR-15 ! This week the guys sit down with Austin from Sentry Manufacturing to discuss some of their innovative products and why charging handles matter so much.   Our Sponsors: Patriot Patch Co – https://patriotpatch.co/ VZ Grips – https://vzgrips.com/ code: AR15POD15 Klecker Tactical Use code AR15PODCAST for 10% off at kleckertactical.com Shop Our Merch: https://ar-15-podcast.creator-spring.... Help the show by clicking through our affiliate links below. https://gideonoptics.com/?aff=78 Code: AR15PODCAST for 10% off and Free Shipping! Hard Head Veterans https://www.hardheadveterans.com?sca_... Faxon Firearms https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t... – Faxon Firearms affiliate link Palmetto State Armory https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t... – Palmetto State Armory affiliate link My Medic https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t... Trigger Interactive https://triggerinteractive.com/?aff=7 Valiant Dynamics https://www.valiant-dynamics.com/ Code: AR15 Contact us! AR15podcast2.0@gmail.com Intagram: @ar15podcast2.0 Facebook: / ar15podcast

Stewart Alsop sits down with Ulises Martins on the Crazy Wisdom podcast to explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally disrupting professional careers, labor markets, and the pace of human adaptation itself. They discuss everything from Dario Amodei's concept of "technological adolescence" to the possibility that we're approaching a point where AI advancement accelerates beyond our ability to keep up, touching on topics ranging from the economics of software development and the future of warfare to generational differences in how people will respond to AI-driven change. Martins emphasizes that while we may not be able to predict exactly what's coming, we need to dramatically increase our efforts to learn and adapt—potentially doubling the time we invest in understanding AI—because this isn't optional change, it's disruption happening at an unprecedented speed. Connect with Ulises on Linkedin to follow his work in AI and generative technology.Timestamps00:00 — Stewart introduces Ulysses Martins, framing the conversation around accelerationism and the future of work.05:00 — Ulises uses the parent-child analogy to argue humans will no longer play the dominant role as AI surpasses us.10:00 — Both agree learning AI is non-negotiable, urging listeners to double their investment in staying current.15:00 — Discussion shifts to software as media, the collapsing cost of building products, and the risk of big players like Anthropic making your idea obsolete overnight.20:00 — Ulises raises ecology vs. cosmic ambition, questioning whether humanity should aim for civilizational-scale goals like the Dyson sphere.25:00 — Stewart's ESP32 hardware project illustrates AI's current blind spots beyond software, while both predict physical-world AI will arrive as a byproduct of bigger industrial goals.30:00 — Tesla's birthplace in Croatia sparks a reflection on human genius as luck versus deliberate investment, invoking the Apollo program as a model.35:00 — The US-China AI race is compared to the Cold War Space Race, with interdependency acting as a brake on outright conflict.40:00 — Drone warfare and AI reframe military power, making troop size irrelevant and potentially reducing total war.45:00 — Agile methodology and generational shifts are linked, asking how Gen Z's values will shape the AI era globally.50:00 — Argentine vs. American Zoomers are contrasted, with millennial expectations versus Gen Z's pragmatism explored.55:00 — Ulises closes urging everyone to enjoy the ride, taking the infinite stream of change one episode at a time.Key Insights1. The Death of Traditional Career Paths: The concept of professional careers as we know them—starting as a junior and progressively advancing—is becoming obsolete due to AI's rapid advancement. This applies far beyond just software and SaaS companies, extending to all industries as robots and AI systems gain capabilities that fundamentally disrupt labor markets. The question isn't whether we'll adapt, but whether humans can adapt fast enough to keep pace with exponential technological change.2. The Acceleration Imperative: People must dramatically increase their investment in learning about AI immediately. Whatever time you were previously dedicating to staying current with technology needs to be doubled or tripled. This isn't optional—it's comparable to the necessity of basic education. Unlike previous technological transitions where you had years to learn new frameworks or tools, the current pace demands immediate, intensive engagement or you risk becoming irrelevant.3. Software as Media and the Collapse of Development Economics: Software has become media—easily reproducible and increasingly commoditized through AI assistance. The fundamental economics of software development are collapsing because if building software requires dramatically fewer development hours, the value and price of that software must necessarily decrease. Entrepreneurs need a new evaluation framework that assesses the risk of their ideas being replicated by AI or absorbed by major players like Anthropic or OpenAI.4. The Parent-Child Analogy for AI Development: Humanity's relationship with AI will inevitably mirror that of parents with increasingly capable children. Initially, we understand and control what AI does, but as it advances, it will surpass human capabilities in most domains. Just as parents cannot control fully grown adult children who exceed their abilities, humans will need to reconcile with creating something superior to ourselves. Attempting to permanently control such systems may be both impossible and potentially pathologic.5. The Kardashev Scale and Civilizational Ambitions: AI represents a civilizational-level technology that should redirect humanity toward grander goals like capturing stellar energy through Dyson spheres and expanding beyond our solar system. The competition between China and the United States over AI mirrors the Apollo program's space race but with higher stakes—potentially making traditional concepts like money less relevant if we successfully crack general intelligence. This requires thinking beyond planetary constraints.6. The Changing Nature of Warfare and Geopolitics: AI and autonomous weapons systems are fundamentally changing warfare by making human soldiers less relevant, similar to how nuclear weapons reduced the importance of conventional military force. This shift may actually reduce bloody civilian casualties in conflicts between major powers, as drone warfare and AI-driven systems create new equilibriums. The geopolitical map may fracture into more sovereign states and city-states as centralized control becomes less effective.7. Generational Adaptation and Unpredictability: Different generations will respond uniquely to AI disruption based on their values and experiences. Generation Z, having grown up during the pandemic without traditional expectations, may adapt differently than millennials who experienced unmet expectations. However, we must remain humble about our predictive abilities—we're not good at forecasting technological change or its timing. The best approach is maintaining openness, trying to understand developments as they unfold, and accepting that we cannot consume all information in an era of unlimited AI-generated content.

The Today in Manufacturing Podcast is brought to you by the editors of Manufacturing.net and Industrial Equipment News (IEN).This week's episode is brought to you by Interpower. Why pay more for power cords when you don't have to? Made in the U.S.A., our cords are made from the best raw materials—and undergo rigorous testing. Need reliable power cords? Get them with no minimum orders. Why play cord roulette with imports?We're on a roll—tariff-free cords by Interpower®. Every week, we cover the three biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week:- Tennessee Volkswagen Workers Ratify First Union Contract- Rendering Facility Sued for 'Boiling Blood and Death' Odors Detected 10 Miles Away- Dead Vehicle Crowned America's New Cheapest CarIn Case You Missed It- Autodesk, U.S. Paralympian Partner to Advance Next-Gen Prosthetics- AI is Not Replacing Factory Workers, It's Elevating Them- Apple Ramps Plans to Make Mac Mini in TexasPlease make sure to like, subscribe and share the podcast. You could also help us out a lot by giving the podcast a positive review. Finally, to email the podcast, you can reach any of us at David, Jeff or Anna [at] ien.com, with “Email the Podcast” in the subject line.

Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a strong jump during the weekend as the U.S. and Israel killed the Supreme Leader of Iran and bombarded most of the country. War drums tend to be bullish for safe-haven assets. Although Bitcoin has not reacted as such lately, investors may turn to it if things get worse.~This episode is sponsored by BTCC~BTCC 10% Deposit Bonus! ➜ https://bit.ly/PBNBTCC00:00 Intro00:10 Sponsor: BTCC00:50 Market open02:15 This week03:30 Gold surges05:00 4-weeks05:30 Jake Tapper: The Big one is coming06:30 Anthony Scaramucci: capital boycott08:00 Manufacturing vs tourism10:30 Tom Lee: March could be an up month11:50 Tom Lee buys more ETH12:20 S&P never lost a war13:40 March returns14:00 Fed rate hike odds15:00 Trueflation cooked?16:40 Household debt#Crypto #bitcoin #Ethereum~WAR Panic! vs Crypto

Richard Epstein argues that tariffs reduce national productivity and cannot replace income taxes, as modern manufacturing requires significantly fewer workers than in the 1950s era. 4.1910 LA

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Brandon Neer, Tait Stensrud and Matt Redden at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, features a discussion with Brandon, Tait, and Matt from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Brandon manages portable devices sales, Tait oversees stationary device measurement, and Matt focuses on production software. They discuss the importance of measurement in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical, emphasizing quality control and automation. Hexagon's solutions integrate AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy, reducing costs through automated processes. The team highlights the significant ROI from integrating quality into manufacturing, leveraging AI to assist programmers and improve production. Listeners are encouraged to connect with them on LinkedIn for more information. Outline MD&M West and News and Brews Introduction Scott introduces the episode of Industrial Talk, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, highlighting the event's focus on medtech automation, packaging, plastics, and design.Scott reiterates the podcast's mission to celebrate industrial professionals and the solutions they bring to manufacturing.Scott mentions the importance of attending MD&M West to connect with industry leaders and discover innovative solutions. Introducing the Guests: Brandon, Tait, and Matt Scott introduces the three guests: Brandon, Tait, and Matt, and suggests using their first names for ease of conversation.Brandon shares his background, mentioning his 16 years with Hexagon and his role in managing the portable devices sales team.Tait introduces himself, stating his 26 years with Hexagon and his management of the stationary device measurement team in the southwest.Matt shares his experience, mentioning his three and a half years with Hexagon and his expertise in production software and CAD CAM solutions. Hexagon's Role in Manufacturing and Quality Control Brandon explains Hexagon's role in manufacturing intelligence, focusing on measurement, sensors, and software.Tait emphasizes the importance of quality control and measurement in critical industries like aerospace and medical devices.Matt discusses the role of production software in driving CNC machines and ensuring part quality.Scott shares a personal anecdote about his brother-in-law's CNC shop, highlighting the precision and quality of the manufactured parts. Future of Automation and ROI in Manufacturing Brandon discusses the future of automation in manufacturing, aiming for full cycle automation in inspection and reverse engineering.Tait highlights the significant ROI in automating quality control, reducing future rejects and costs.Matt explains how Hexagon integrates AI tools into production software, assisting in automating programming processes.The discussion touches on the importance of AI as an assistant to programmers, leveraging decades of data for high-confidence results. AI Integration in Hexagon's Solutions Matt elaborates on the integration of AI tools in production software, using partnerships with companies like Microsoft Copilot.Tait emphasizes the role of AI in assisting programmers and measuring features with high confidence.Brandon adds that AI can visualize geometric features in parts, driving programming accuracy.The conversation concludes with a discussion on the necessity of human interaction in manufacturing and the efficiency gains from AI tools. Contact Information and Closing Remarks Scott asks the guests how listeners can connect with them, suggesting LinkedIn as the best platform.The guests agree, mentioning their individual LinkedIn profiles and the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence page.Scott thanks the guests for their flexibility and participation, mentioning the importance of building a network in manufacturing.The episode concludes with a reminder to attend MD&M West and connect with the News and Brews crew for more insights and solutions. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! BRANDON NEER'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonneer/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hexagon-manufacturing-intelligence/ Company Website: https://hexagon.com/company/divisions/manufacturing-intelligence TAIT STENSRUD'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tait-12a366234/ MATT REDDEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattredden1/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/B4eLqv_zzWs THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount