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What if the most powerful climate intervention isn't policy, but precision?Deep Dhillon sits down with Ryan Sullivan of Bridger Photonics to unpack how AI, physics, and aerial sensing are being used to hunt down methane leaks that can cost operators dearly and accelerate climate impact. Ryan explains how methane detection has matured over the past decade, and why Bridger's approach (laser-based lidar tuned to methane) can identify the specific valve, tank, or piece of equipment responsible.They walk through the full pipeline: scanning swaths over infrastructure, reconstructing plumes from point-cloud data, applying supervised learning trained on ~15 years of labeled leak history, and then having expert analysts validate results with tooling that overlays plume density, wind conditions, and site geography. Then the two zoom out to the uncomfortable questions, like why Bridger refuses to play watchdog, how trust and data ownership shape the market, and what the “north star” looks like; near-real-time detection, autonomous flight patterns, and predictive maintenance that catches failures before they happen.Learn more about Ryan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullivar/and Bridger Photonics here: https://www.bridgerphotonics.com/Check out some of our related content here: 3 Million Gallons Vanished? The AI Smart City Revolution That's Making Water Waste Visible with Ashwin Chandran of McCord DevelopmentRecycling Space Debris: The Next Frontier in Manufacturing with Gary Calnan and Walter Schroeder of CisLunar IndustriesCan AI Save Pollinators from Extinction? It Begins in Your Backyard with Chris Cosma
China has vowed to enhance regulation over photovoltaic manufacturing capacity in 2026. An industry official says the country will use market and legal measures to phase out outdated production and achieve a better balance between supply and demand.
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews: The US Software Reform Bill, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) The Inconvenient Tech Truths that Leaders Don't Want to Hear Why the Consulting Industry Is Broken We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
Solving the Unstructured Data Challenge: Preparing Manufacturing for the AI Revolution Industry 4.0 has illuminated the transformative impact of real-time shop floor data. However, vast repositories of historical engineering and supply chain data, traditionally confined to back-office systems, continue to be underutilized. To fully leverage the capabilities of AI, integration of these disparate data sources is imperative. This includes critical information residing in various forms, such as sensor readings, machine logs, customer feedback, and especially legacy 2D drawings, handwritten notes, and "tribal knowledge" trapped within the minds of experienced professionals. Traditional data processing methods often struggle to make sense of this hidden treasure, leading to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and a hindrance to true digital transformation. American manufacturers are facing immense pressure, from intensifying global competition and economic uncertainty to skilled labor shortages and the impending retirement of senior engineers who hold decades of undocumented institutional knowledge. To thrive, manufacturers must unlock the full potential of their data and embrace the AI revolution. This webinar will delve into how manufacturing companies can overcome these pervasive unstructured data challenges and strategically prepare for an AI-driven future. Join us to discover how to transform fragmented data into actionable insights, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and drive unprecedented efficiency and innovation. What You'll Learn: The Criticality of Unstructured Data: Understand why traditional data processing methods fail to extract valuable insights from diverse unstructured sources, from drawings to machine logs. AI as a Game-Changer: Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI), including machine learning and natural language processing (NLP), is emerging as a key enabler for structuring and utilizing unstructured data, augmenting human capabilities, and driving manufacturing evolution. Building a Data Foundation for AI: Discover how to digitize your entire archive of drawings, including old hand-drafted and scanned documents, and link them with crucial supply chain, quality, and procurement data to create a comprehensive "data lake". Democratizing Knowledge with AI-Powered Insights: Learn how advanced search capabilities, including patented similarity search (based on part shape) and keyword search, can empower all employees, from new hires to seasoned veterans, to instantly find relevant designs, pricing history, and supplier information, reducing reliance on individual memory or tedious manual searching. Achieving Tangible Business Outcomes: See how solving the unstructured data challenge directly leads to reduced costs, optimized supplier relationships, faster RFQ responses, improved design quality, accelerated time-to-market, and enhanced decision-making across procurement, engineering, and sales. Navigating the Future of Manufacturing: Gain insights into how embracing AI and a data-driven culture can position your organization at the forefront of the industrial revolution, fostering continuous improvement and sustainable growth. This webinar will provide practical strategies and real-world examples, demonstrating how transforming your data assets can create new value and drive long-term success. Meet Your Presenters: Chris Cope, VP of Engineering at CADDi: As VP of Engineering at CADDi, Chris will highlight strategies for leveraging AI to transform unstructured data and illuminate pathways for enhanced collaboration across engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams. Aaron Lober, VP of Marketing at CADDi: Bringing deep expertise in the transformative power of manufacturing intelligence platforms, Aaron will highlight how cutting-edge technology directly addresses industry pain points and unlocks competitive advantages. Philip Carpenito, Former Chief Procurement Officer at L3Harris: As a leader in procurement for a major industrial organization, Philip will share invaluable insights into the strategic challenges and opportunities within complex supply chains, emphasizing the critical role of data-driven decision-making in optimizing procurement processes and supplier relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to data and prepare your manufacturing operations for the AI revolution. Speakers: Chris Cope: VP of Engineering, CADDi | Aaron Lober: Vice President of Marketing, CADDi | Philip Carpenito: Former Chief Procurement Officer, L3Harris Sponsored by: CADDi Visit https://advancedmanufacturing.org/webinars for more webinars and an interactive experience with visuals.
In this short episode of Let's Combinate: Drugs + Devices, Subhi Saadeh breaks down ICH Q13 and what “continuous manufacturing” actually means. He compares batch vs. continuous, explains how a batch still exists in continuous manufacturing, and covers the essentials quality teams care about: RTD/traceability, control strategy, and disturbances/diversion plus a quick high-level note on validation, release, and lifecycle.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:00 Batch vs. continuous (and batch definition)03:00 Modes of continuous manufacturing (ICH Q13 examples)04:30 RTD & traceability06:00 Control strategy07:30 Disturbances & diversion09:00 Validation / release / lifecycle (high level)10:00 Wrap-upSubhi Saadeh is the Founder and Principal of Let's Combinate BioWorks and host of the Let's Combinate: Drugs + Devices podcast/Youtube Channel. With experience across Quality, Manufacturing Commercialization, Sustaining and R&D, Subhi has helped industrialize and launch drug delivery systems for biologics, vaccines, and generics at leading organizations such as Pfizer, Gilead, and Baxter. Subhi focuses on bridging the disconnect between drug and device development and specializes in harmonizing internal systems, aligning internal and external partners, and helping combination product teams move from siloed execution to scalable, compliant, and patient-ready solutions. He currently chairs the Rx-360 Combination Product Working Group and was the International WG Chair at the Combination Product Coalition. He has contributed to global harmonization efforts through BIO, ASTM, and AAMI. He is a certified ISO13485 Lead Auditor, CQA and CQE.For questions, inquiries, or suggestions, please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.
On Tuesday, a sprawling two-part Vanity Fair piece built from more than a dozen interviews with Susie Wiles, President Trump's chief of staff, dropped online. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most revealing portraits of an active White House power broker I can remember. Wiles describes Trump as having an “alcoholic's personality,” a striking characterization given his lifelong teetotalism. Trump, notably, did not dispute it. He later confirmed the description himself, calling it aggressive, possessive, and myopic.Wiles also took shots across the bow at several major figures. She labeled Elon Musk an “odd duck,” dismissed his politics, and triggered a very public response that included Musk taking a drug test near my own neighborhood to rebut claims of ketamine use. She endorsed JD Vance as the likely Republican nominee in 2028 while simultaneously describing his MAGA conversion as politically convenient. On Epstein, she confirmed Trump's name appears in the files, contradicted Trump's claims about Bill Clinton, and slammed Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the document release as a total failure. These were not slips. They were deliberate disclosures from someone who understands power intimately.Perhaps most telling was Wiles's admission that some Trump-era prosecutions look vindictive and that Venezuelan boat strikes were intended to pressure Nicolás Maduro politically, not just disrupt drug trafficking. That level of candor is rare. It reframes policy decisions as leverage rather than law enforcement, and it explains why the article landed like a grenade inside Republican circles.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.A Cooling Jobs Market and a Complicated Economic PitchAway from the media drama, the November jobs report offered something for everyone but reassurance. Payrolls grew by 64,000 jobs, better than feared but far from robust. Unemployment climbed to 4.6 percent, the highest level in more than four years, signaling a labor market that is cooling but not collapsing. The Labor Department flagged unusual data uncertainty due to the government shutdown, muddying trend lines even further.Supporters of the administration argue that private sector employment remains solid and that government job losses were inevitable given debt and deficits. Critics counter that Trump ran as the “economy man,” and this is not an economy that inspires confidence. Manufacturing and professional services continue to contract, while gains are concentrated in health care and education. The Fed's recent rate cut looks justified, but the promised “golden age” is difficult to sell when affordability remains front and center for voters.A Prime-Time Address and the Politics of the MomentAll of this sets the stage for Trump's prime-time address from the White House, scheduled for Wednesday night. Officially, there is no news hook. Unofficially, this looks like a straight-to-camera year-in-review and year-ahead speech, a nakedly political address designed to reset the narrative as he approaches the midpoint of his second term. If there were a major announcement, such as a Russia-Ukraine breakthrough or a stimulus package, it would not stay secret. The absence of leaks suggests there is no surprise coming.At the same time, Speaker Mike Johnson is facing an internal revolt over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Moderates in swing districts are desperate for a vote they can point to, even if it fails. Hardliners insist on abortion-related restrictions tied to the Hyde Amendment, and leadership is frozen. With discharge petitions circulating and Trump's own political strength under scrutiny, Johnson's power is only as strong as Trump's grip on the conference. Right now, that grip looks uncertain.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:01:23 - Susie Wiles in Vanity Fair00:04:49 - Kirk Bado on Susie Wiles00:35:30 - Update00:37:14 - Jobs Report00:39:43 - Trump's Primetime Address Announcement00:44:04 - Mike Johnson and the ACA00:50:37 - Kirk Bado on Nuzzi/Lizza and More01:13:57 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
A century ago, two cookware companies were born 12 miles apart in Wisconsin. One was bought right after World War II by a door-to-door salesman who converted it back to cookware after it had been repurposed for munitions. Today, those two companies have merged into SynergyOps, a 115-year-old legacy manufacturer with first through fourth generation employees still walking the factory floor.David Duecker, President of SynergyOps, joins the show from the factory floor in West Bend to discuss the company's evolution, their approach to automation, and what reshoring can look like for manufacturers. He explains how West Bend evolved with consumer demand over the decades, expanding into appliances like coffee makers and popcorn poppers, but when appliances started moving overseas in the 80s, they made a critical decision: divest and double down on their core strength, high-quality cookware.David's vision for the factory of the future isn't lights-out automation, it's highly automated with the people they have today, just doing different jobs. He also shares why manufacturing sustainability isn't just about solar panels and water recycling; it's about corrugated boxes coming from five miles down the road instead of across an ocean.In this episode, find out:How SynergyOps retains institutional knowledge across four generations of employeesWhy David looks for problem solvers who are intuitive and curious during hiringDavid's vision for the factory of the future: highly automated, but still powered by peopleHow his background as a customer in the bike industry shapes his approach to contract manufacturingThe chemistry problem the cookware industry is trying to solve around PFAS-free non-stick coatingsWhy tariffs and COVID got manufacturers seriously rethinking single-source supply chainsHow partnering with Moraine Park Technical College helps build the next generation of skilled craftspeopleWhy Synergy Ops brings retirees back to lead tours and train new hiresEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“As organizations, we're always looking to expand or go to our adjacencies to try and grow our market. Sometimes it's important to focus on your core and what you're really good at. Go all in on that and penetrate the market that way.”“The factory of the future for us is highly automated with the people we have today, who are able to solve problems and make an impact every day, but they may just be doing a different job.” “We never talk about the sustainability of manufacturing in the US. People often think about it in terms of water, air and gas, but sustainability can also mean cutting down on air, freight or ocean travel time too.”Links & mentions:SynergyOps, a contract manufacturer and private label partner with over a century of manufacturing history in West Bend, Wisconsin, specializing in cladded stainless steel and cast aluminum cookware for established and emerging brands.Moxa, delivering the reliable and secure connectivity foundation that advanced analytics and AI depend on, with solutions in edge connectivity, industrial computing, and network infrastructure. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and
Today's guest is Kun He, Lead Scientific Advisor at Bayer Crop Science. He joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to discuss how AI is transforming human talent and workforce development in agricultural manufacturing, balancing data-driven efficiency with the irreplaceable role of human gut instinct. Kun also explores practical takeaways, such as integrating genotyping and phenotyping data to accelerate crop-breeding workflows, empowering breeders to drive "step change" innovations, and treating AI as a co-pilot to check biases while prioritizing customer needs for blockbuster R&D outcomes. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the 'AI in Business' podcast!
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 Blumira. Watch this short new video, "Manufacturing's Most Concerning Cybersecurity Trends," to learn about the latest hacking trends, like how supply chains and logistics services are coming under fire, and how you can negate these vulnerabilities.Every week, we cover the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week:- Jaguar Fires Design Chief Behind Rebrand- Rare Corvette Engine Resurfaces in Original Packaging- Milk Recalled Over Potential Contamination with ‘Cleaning Agents'In Case You Missed It- Hadrian to Build AI-Powered Production Cell at Lockheed Missile Factory- U.S. Steel to Resume Steel Production at Shuttered Illinois Plant- In Colorado Town Built on Coal, Some Families are Moving OnPlease 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.
For generations, the mercury thermometer has been a staple in Chinese households, its familiar ritual marking moments of care and concern. However, in accordance with the Minamata Convention and national environment and health policies, China is officially phasing out its production. On the show: Niu Honglin, Steve & Fei Fei
The Make UK/BDO quarterly manufacturing outlook survey for the final three months of 2025 shows a bit of seasonal cheer - exports, investment and domestic demand remain positive, but the prospects for the New year are not brilliant. As Jonty Bloom explains in this latest podcast.
In this episode of GarageCast, Jesse Davis of Legend Boats shares how operating as both an OEM and a retailer shapes smarter pricing, tighter dealer relationships, and a better customer experience. We dig into retail-driven insights, standardized pricing, performance scoreboards, and how Legend is navigating tariffs and market uncertainty—a candid, back-to-basics conversation on what's working in marine retail right now.
Chris Whalen, chairman of Whalen Global Advisors and author of The Institutional Risk Analyst blog, joins The Julia La Roche Show for "The Wrap with Chris Whalen." Whalen breaks down the latest FOMC meeting, revealing a divided Fed with no clear consensus on future rate cuts. He predicts a home price correction coming and also warns of a brewing crisis in private equity, where 15-20% of companies are insolvent and relying on payment-in-kind structures. Whalen also discusses JPMorgan's surprise expense guidance this week, the Fed's Reserve Management Purchases (and whether it's QE by another name), and explains why the commercial real estate market remains a major risk. He expects higher bank earnings next year despite hidden dangers in lending to non-depository financial institutions, and shares his skeptical view on stablecoins and AI infrastructure spending.Links: The Institutional Risk Analyst: https://www.theinstitutionalriskanalyst.com/ https://www.theinstitutionalriskanalyst.com/post/theira785Inflated book (2nd edition): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inflated-r-christopher-whalen/1146303673Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/rcwhalen Website: https://www.rcwhalen.com/ Timestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome Chris Whalen00:49 FOMC meeting recap04:03 Inflation as the #1 issue for Americans05:13 Home price correction coming06:03 Commercial real estate crisis deepening07:25 Fed's Reserve Management Purchases explained09:22 Fed managing liquidity into year-end11:35 JPMorgan's surprise expense guidance14:33 NDFIs: Lending reminiscent of 1920s practices15:45 Private equity insolvency crisis? (15-20% insolvent)16:51 Deflationary risk from forced asset sales22:45 Private credit hidden risk23:53 2026 outlook24:24 Ginnie Mae vs Fannie/Freddie liquidity problem26:28 Do stablecoins make sense?27:56 Oracle CDS spiking and AI infrastructure spending30:27 Viewer question: Fed control over mortgage rates33:33 Viewer question: Manufacturing renaissance under Trump?34:57 Viewer question: Are 10-year treasuries a good investment now?36:16 Wrap up and where to find Chris Whalen
Podcast: Industrial Cybersecurity InsiderEpisode: How OT Managed Services Are Revolutionizing Industrial CybersecurityPub date: 2025-12-09Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationDino sits down with industrial automation and industrial cybersecurity expert Kevin Kumpf, fresh off the floor of Rockwell Automation Fair 2025. They discuss why OT managed services are finally becoming viable for manufacturing, the critical 80/20 split between people and technology challenges, and how the industry's "silver tsunami" of retiring talent is forcing a reckoning. Kevin shares insights on building unified platforms that can manage everything from 30-year-old paper tape systems to AI-powered smart factories, why IT's "patch now" mentality fails in OT environments, and how the DG 360 platform is delivering true cyber-physical convergence today - not tomorrow. They discuss the reality that most OT cybersecurity tools only discover 30% of plant assets, the importance of human-in-the-loop decision making, and why the OT ecosystem - not IT - must drive the managed services revolution. This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with the complexity of protecting and managing modern manufacturing facilities.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction and Rockwell Automation Fair Recap(00:01:43) - The OT Managed Services Evolution and Rebranding(00:04:15) - The Three-Legged Stool: IT, OT, and OEMs(00:07:32) - Point Solutions vs. Unified Platforms in Manufacturing(00:10:45) - The DG 360 Vision: 360-Degree Plant Visibility(00:14:28) - The Silver Tsunami and Training Challenges(00:18:22) - Alert Fatigue and Actionable Intelligence(00:22:45) - Software Defined Automation and Legacy Systems(00:26:18) - Why OT Must Drive the Cybersecurity Conversation(00:30:35) - Real-Time Demo and Implementation ReadinessLinks And Resources:Kevin Kumpf on LinkedInWant to Sponsor an episode or be a Guest? Reach out here.Industrial Cybersecurity Insider on LinkedInCybersecurity & Digital Safety on LinkedInBW Design Group CybersecurityDino Busalachi on LinkedInCraig Duckworth on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Industrial Cybersecurity Insider? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Industrial Cybersecurity Insider, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
Hidden commissions and kickbacks can still be found in China sourcing, and many importers are unaware that they're paying for them. In this episode, Adrian and Renaud unpack how these schemes work, how agents and trading companies quietly erode your margin, and what a more transparent, safer sourcing model looks like. Episode Sections: 00:00 – Intro & today's topic: hidden commissions in China sourcing 01:32 – Agents vs trading companies: who are you really buying from? 03:01 – When a middleman does add value (and when they don't) 07:48 – Transparent trading companies acting as a factory's sales office 12:44 – Buyer-side agents, double commissions, and why it's so tempting 18:01 – How traders quietly erode your margin with small opaque factories 21:48 – Short-term thinking, “circles” of trust, and why you're outside of it 24:44 – Red flags with agents: pricing control, commission structure, and resistance to change 25:47 – Red flags with traders: factory visibility, visits, and compliance documents 26:56 – Moving to a safer model: when you may need a completely new supply chain 29:14 – Simple health-check: how well do you really know your supply chain? 31:00 – Why a lack of visibility puts your IP and business at risk 31:42 – Wrap-up, “health check your sourcing” call-to-action, and Sofeast support Related content... Agent vs. trader vs. importer: what differences? Is My Supplier A Trading Company Pretending To Be A Manufacturer? Do you need a sourcing agent to buy from China? Chinese Suppliers: “Are you my factory?” Hidden commissions between China factories and sourcing agents 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 Aerotek's latest Job Seeker Survey, nearly three-quarters of more than 2,400 respondents said they're applying to manufacturing jobs, and 64% are optimistic about the industry's future in North America. We connect with Stanley Johnson, Director of Business Development for Manufacturing and Logistics at Aerotek, to discuss findings from Aerotek's job seeker survey, including why job seekers are enthusiastic about manufacturing, what factors make manufacturing feel stable and rewarding, and the biggest motivators driving candidates to apply. Additionally, learn why 60% of job seekers feel entry-level jobs require too much experience and how manufacturers can close the gap between expectations and readiness through training, mentorship, and better role definitions. If you're examining your recruitment and retention strategy heading into 2026, this episode provides insights from the perspective of job candidates.Sponsored By:
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Harlem Candle Company founder Teri Johnson started pouring candles in her Harlem kitchen with no budget and no team—just a clear sense of purpose. That focus helped her turn handmade gifts into a nationally recognized brand rooted in culture, design, and storytelling. In this episode, she shares how she validated demand early, built trust online without samples, and made tough decisions to protect her peace and profits.For more on Harlem Candle Co and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
The 'D' Got Deleted: How VC Funding Broke the Innovation EcosystemLast week's whitepaper isn't production-ready. But someone's already pitching it to your board. Kence Anderson has deployed 100+ autonomous AI systems for Fortune 500 companies—and watched venture capital create a research-to-PR pipeline that skips development entirely. The 'D' in R&D got deleted. Hype cycles got amplified.Rule-based AI—systems encoding expertise as decision logic—was the 1980s breakthrough. Overhyped, then abandoned when it couldn't do everything. But engineers kept deploying it where codified rules excel: industrial controls, diagnostics, compliance. It's running critical infrastructure today. Every AI wave follows this arc. For leaders, the lesson: stop asking which technology wins. Ask what each does well—and build modular systems that match capabilities to tasks. The fix: if AI can learn, someone should teach it the right way. Machine teaching—goals, scenarios, strategies—creates modular agents that compound capability through orchestration.Paradigm Shifts:
Urban trees don't have to become waste. With the right approach, they can be transformed into sustainable, high-quality wood products that reduce carbon footprints and strengthen local communities. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Hickman, founder of Urban Ashes, to explore the critical importance of urban wood utilization. Paul shares his fascinating journey from the scenic arts industry to creating sustainable products from urban wood, with a particular focus on ash trees affected by the devastating Emerald Ash Borer. His work demonstrates how trees that would otherwise end up in landfills can become valuable resources for woodworkers, builders, and communities. You'll hear about the Urban Wood Project and its impact on local communities, Paul's transition from manufacturing wood products to consulting and education, and why urban wood utilization is essential for reducing carbon footprints. Paul emphasizes the need for increased education and awareness about urban wood, the importance of establishing industry standards, and the valuable role organizations like the Climate Smart Wood Group play in promoting sustainable practices. This conversation dives into both the challenges and opportunities facing the urban wood movement, from building market demand to creating infrastructure that supports salvage and milling operations. Whether you're a woodworker looking for sustainable materials, interested in urban forestry and environmental impact, or curious about how communities can turn a tree crisis into economic opportunity, this episode offers compelling insights and actionable ideas. Tune in to discover how urban wood utilization is revolutionizing sustainability in the wood industry and creating new possibilities for local economies, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more conversations about innovation and sustainability in woodworking and forestry. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Urban Wood Utilization 02:52 Paul Hickman's Journey into Urban Wood 06:01 The Evolution of Urban Ashes 09:03 Urban Wood Project and Community Impact 12:01 Transitioning from Manufacturing to Consulting 14:54 Urban Wood Utilization and Carbon Footprint 17:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Wood 21:06 Education and Standards in Urban Wood 23:52 Future of Urban Wood and Climate Smart Wood Group 26:55 Conclusion and Call to Action The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork You can connect with Paul at: https://www.urbanashes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/urbanashes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmhickman
Digital Stratosphere: Digital Transformation, ERP, HCM, and CRM Implementation Best Practices
This episode of the Woodworking Network podcast was sponsored by FDMC magazine. FDMC magazine is your vital source of information to improve your woodworking business. Whether it is keeping you apprised of the latest advances in manufacturing, helping you solve your wood technology problems with Gene Wengert, or inspiring you with case histories about successful businesses and best practices, FDMC magazine is there to be the sharpest business tool in your shop. Learn more and subscribe for free at woodworkingnetwork.com/fdmc.Woodworking Network is a home for professional woodworkers, presenting technology, supplies, education, inspiration, and community, from small business entrepreneurs to corporate managers at large automated plants.You can find all of our podcasts at WoodworkingNetwork.com/podcasts and in popular podcast channels. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Thanks again to today's sponsor, FDMC. If you have a comment or topic you'd like us to explore, contact me at will.sampson@woodworkingnetwork.com. And we would really appreciate it if you fill out the survey at woodworking network.com/podcast-survey. Thanks for listening.Intro music courtesy of Anthony Monson.
Stephen Grootes speaks to Thabile Nkunjana, Agricultural Economist, about the sharp decline in global dairy and cocoa prices, and what this means for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Webinar page with video, slides, and moreWhat makes a Lean transformation last not just a few years, but two decades? At Electrolux, the answer wasn't more tools, more training, or more Kaizen events. The breakthrough came when the company realized that leadership behaviors — not Lean mechanics — were the deciding factor in whether improvement stuck.In this episode, Sandro Casagrande shares the story behind the Electrolux Manufacturing System (EMS), now in its 20th year. He explains why the early years of EMS produced uneven results, what changed when Electrolux shifted its focus to leadership habits, and how coaching routines, visual management, and leader standard work became the backbone of a sustainable improvement culture.Drawing from more than 30 years with Electrolux, Sandro details:• Why early EMS efforts succeeded in some plants but stalled in others• How leadership behaviors became the turning point in creating organizational habits• What neuroscience and habit loops taught Electrolux about sustaining change• How coaching — not directing — accelerates team development and problem solving• How sites reach gold and platinum performance levels, and why those gains hold even through turnover, new products, and process changes• Why zero-injury safety goals became both realistic and expected• How digitalization and platforms like KaiNexus now support global consistency and scaleSandro also lifts the curtain on Electrolux's leadership academy: a months-long experiential system where leaders learn by doing — running improvement cycles, receiving coaching, and ultimately becoming coaches themselves.If you're trying to build a culture where improvement happens every day, not just during events or crises, Sandro's journey offers practical, hard-earned insight into what it really takes.About the GuestSandro Casagrande is the Group Methodology & Documentation Leader at Electrolux. His Lean journey began in 1994, and he has been central to EMS from its earliest pilot projects through today's global digitalization efforts. He was the first Italian to achieve EMS Master Gear certification and continues to guide EMS implementation across all business areas.
Welcome back to previous guest Kathy Miller! Kathy is a member of the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame and has held leadership roles at General Motors, Delphi, and Rolls-Royce. She is also the co-author of Steel Toes and Stilettos and the author of a new book, MORE Is Better, which introduces practical frameworks for frontline plant leaders. She's an expert in blending academic research with real-word stories, and it's always great to hear her insights! In this episode, Kathy draws on both her manufacturing experience and her master's degree in applied positive psychology to discuss the pressure and demands faced by modern manufacturing leaders. She also shares practical tools and frameworks today's leaders can use in their own plants to strengthen culture, boost engagement, and drive operational excellence without adding any extra layers of complexity. 1:22 – Representation and diversity strengthens manufacturing culture 3:02 – Positive psychology research is a valuable tool for frontline supervisors, plant managers, and shop floor leadership teams 5:03 – Strengthen manufacturing relationships through creative safety leadership and by supporting accountability without blame 7:22 – Authenticity improves team engagement and manufacturing retention, especially in high-stress environments 08:20 - Transitioning teams from command-and-control to inclusive lean leadership is essential for creating a continuous improvement culture 12:36 - Helping employees find meaning boosts employee engagement and manufacturing retention. 15:56 – Putting curiosity over compliances helps leaders avoid punitive approaches and improves performance conversations on the floor 21:15 – Creating psychological safety encourages employees to speak up early, which fuels continuous improvement culture and operational excellence 22:56 - Finding a balance between realistic optimism and toxic positivity is essential for credible manufacturing communication and decision-making 24:41 – Relationships are the core foundation of manufacturing teamwork 26:22 – Your mindset shapes manufacturing relationships and every interaction on the plant floor 28:37 – Active listening is one of the most effective tools for better coaching in manufacturing. Connect with Kathy Miller Visit her website and check out the MORE Mentor resources Connect on LinkedIn Buy MORE Is Better Listen to her previous podcast episode
The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews: New Software Pricing Models in the Enterprise Tech Space, Q&A (Darian Chwialkowski, Third Stage Consulting) How to Rescue a Troubled Digital Transformation Project How to Create a Realistic Implementation Plan for Your Project We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.
In this episode, Julia speaks with Varsha, a WE Explorer, about discovering that her Essence of motherness is a powerful anchor for how she leads. She was part of the Women Emerging expedition for women leading in India, in partnership with Buzz Women. Varsha shares how she had never thought intentionally about leading until she realised the models she had been exposed to didn't match who she was. Growing up in a matrilineal family, she saw a form of leading that was shared, facilitative, caring but also clear and confident. The Expedition helped her name this Essence and understand that motherness is not a limitation, it is leadership. She talks about Energy; how leaders generate it by checking in on teammates, reminding teams of purpose, celebrating small and big wins, and at times stepping in with her own raw Energy when everyone else is depleted. And she is honest about the boundaries needed to protect that Energy, including saying no and switching off. Varsha also speaks of India's many feminine archetypes- nurturing, fierce, strategic - and how dismissing motherness at work dismisses the very source of strength and Energy that she brings. Her leadership, she's learned, lingers in the people she supports, the belief she builds, and the care she normalises. This episode reminds us that when women lead from who they truly are, they sustain not just themselves, but everyone around them. About the Guest: Dr Varsha Pillai leads Gender Diversity and Advocacy for Women in Manufacturing at Tata Electronics, working to strengthen workplace cultures and progression pathways for women. With over two decades in communications, her passion for exploring how media shapes gender and social change led to a PhD in Gender Advocacy in Digital Media from Symbiosis International University. Recognised with fellowships in India, the Netherlands, and Geneva, and named a Changemaker by Change.org India, Varsha brings both lived insight and analytical rigour to advancing equality in organisations and beyond.
Peggy Smedley and Kiva Allgood, advisor, World Economic Forum, talk about how lessons can help guide the next era of manufacturing. She says the World Economic Forum works at the intersection of industry, academia, and policy—and also as a part of that it gets the opportunity to pause, as part of the Global Lighthouse Network. They also discuss: · The IoT (Internet of Things) and the importance of machine data—and how the hype cycle and the investment cycle play out. · How to scale effectively in small, medium, and large companies. · The talent gap in small and medium-sized enterprises—and the direct correlation between people and tech. http://www.weforum.org
In this episode of Let's Combinate: Drugs + Devices, host Subhi Saadeh addresses five significant quality issues in the combination product space. This episode provides practical insights and strategies for overcoming these common hurdles to enhance quality and efficiency in developing combination products.00:00 Introduction and Host Background00:43 Overview of Development Processes01:51 Issue 1: Documentation Approach in Design Transfer04:45 Issue 2: Early Input from Manufacturing and Assembly SMEs07:26 Issue 3: Control Strategies and Sampling Plans10:23 Issue 4: Method Transfer and Control Planning12:02 Issue 5: Qualification of Supplied Components14:47 Issue 6: Monitoring Expectations in Combination Products16:55 Conclusion and SummarySubhi Saadeh is the Founder and Principal of Let's Combinate BioWorks and host of the Let's Combinate: Drugs + Devices podcast/Youtube Channel. With experience across Quality, Manufacturing Commercialization, Sustaining and R&D, Subhi has helped industrialize and launch drug delivery systems for biologics, vaccines, and generics at leading organizations such as Pfizer, Gilead, and Baxter. Subhi focuses on bridging the disconnect between drug and device development and specializes in harmonizing internal systems, aligning internal and external partners, and helping combination product teams move from siloed execution to scalable, compliant, and patient-ready solutions. He currently chairs the Rx-360 Combination Product Working Group and was the International WG Chair at the Combination Product Coalition. He has contributed to global harmonization efforts through BIO, ASTM, and AAMI. He is a certified ISO13485 Lead Auditor, CQA and CQE.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.
Originally uploaded October 29th, reloaded Nov. 4th. Wednesday, October 22, Jeffrey Mosher was on the road to Lansing, MI, for Michigan Manufacturers Association Announcing Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. This is part two of Michigan Manufacturers Association's John J. Walsh, introducing and welcoming several Award winners and finalists in this preview session. LANSING (October 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan's economy and improve our daily lives. MMA's Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA's Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence. WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program WHO: Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining George Cook, Vice President, TARUS Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 WHERE: MMA Headquarters 620 S. Capitol Ave Lansing, MI 48933 » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
Originally uploaded October 29th, reloaded Nov. 4th. Wednesday, October 22, Jeffrey Mosher was on the road to Lansing, MI, for Michigan Manufacturers Association Announcing Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. This video is Part 1, for Part 2 go to https://studio.youtube.com/video/fBnlSRWnpl8/edit Michigan Manufacturers Association's John J. Walsh, introduces and welcomes several Award winners and finalists in this preview session. LANSING (October 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan's economy and improve our daily lives. MMA's Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA's Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence. WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program WHO: Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining George Cook, Vice President, TARUS Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 WHERE: MMA Headquarters 620 S. Capitol Ave Lansing, MI 48933 » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
24 minute highlights from the pair of full event videos created October 29th. Wednesday, October 22, Jeffrey Mosher was on the road to Lansing, MI, for Michigan Manufacturers Association Announcing Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. This is a 24 minute synopsis of the 72 minutes in the two parts of the original video created from Michigan Manufacturers Association's John J. Walsh, introducing and welcoming several Award winners and finalists in this preview session. LANSING (October 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan's economy and improve our daily lives. MMA's Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA's Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence. WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program WHO: Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining George Cook, Vice President, TARUS Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 WHERE: MMA Headquarters 620 S. Capitol Ave Lansing, MI 48933 » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
- Ford and Renault Join Forces for EVs - BMW Picks New CEO From Manufacturing - Is BMW The First OEM To Use Blockchain For Transactions? - Piech Family Member Needs VW Dividends - Nio: Big EREV Batteries Are A Waste - Fiat to Bring Dinky Topolino To U.S. - Morgan Stanley Says No Growth in Tesla Stock - All in The Family, Automotive Style
After Thanksgiving, we take a look at poultry, especially how dove-ish the Fed is now expected to be, a sharp reversal from a few weeks ago. We also discuss the odds-on favorite for the next Fed chair and how his political leanings may (or may not) influence which direction the Fed takes. Recent employment data has been lackluster, to put it mildly, which is forcing the Fed's hand as it relates to continued cuts. To wit: Total change in private employment – Negative 32k Manufacturing and construction – Negative 27k Small businesses – Negative 100k Wage growth, especially for lower income households, is rapidly slowing, and those households spend, on average, over 70% of income on food, shelter, and transportation, all of which are seeing price increases that exceed wage growth. It seems like more pressure could be imminent on both wages and employment as AI continues to make inroads. We take a detour away from economics into the carnage in the cryptocurrency space and what it may mean for certain types of companies that have built their business models on owning crypto. In the second half of the show, we juxtapose the threat of AI for employees with the opportunity for employers. AI has been the savior in terms of growth and price appreciation for the stock market. Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, earnings for technology and communications stocks have grown 121% versus a mere 27% for all other sectors. That trend is expected to continue in 2026, with the Mag 7 forecasted to grow over 20% versus 11% for the other 493 stocks. We also discuss just how big the Mag 7 are, with some individual members of the group larger than entire sectors of the economy from a market cap perspective. We discuss whether that is healthy (or sustainable) and why a broadening market is potentially overdue (not to mention healthy). Learn more about Formidable Asset Management, Will Brown, and Adam Eagleston by visiting www.formidableam.com.
- Ford and Renault Join Forces for EVs - BMW Picks New CEO From Manufacturing - Is BMW The First OEM To Use Blockchain For Transactions? - Piech Family Member Needs VW Dividends - Nio: Big EREV Batteries Are A Waste - Fiat to Bring Dinky Topolino To U.S. - Morgan Stanley Says No Growth in Tesla Stock - All in The Family, Automotive Style
In this podcast, we spoke with Troy Ostreng, Senior Product Manager and David Burdge, Director of Cell and Gene Therapy at CPC about the development of the MicroCNX® aseptic micro-connectors and how they're helping biopharma teams streamline closed-system operations for cell and gene therapies. What unfolded was a detailed and forward-looking conversation that touched on CPC's 47-year legacy, the technical demands of advanced therapies, and the company's plans to drive the future of automation and sterility in manufacturing. A Legacy That Positioned CPC for Today's Advanced Therapy Boom When asked how CPC's long history in biologics and hospital environments prepared the company for today's cell and gene therapy landscape, David took us back to CPC's roots. “CPC was founded in 1978, so that's 47 years of innovation within connection technologies,” he said. “The first biologic was released in 1982, synthetic insulin, and we were there supporting the industry with open-format connectors on single-use bags.” From the early development of biologics through the shift to single-use and the rise of stainless-steel/single-use hybrid systems, CPC continuously evolved its connection technologies. They launched steam-through connectors as bioprocessing grew more complex, released their first aseptic connector in 2009, and introduced their first connector specifically targeted for the cell and gene therapy market in 2017. David explained how that history matters today: “Biologics has about a 35-year head start on advanced therapies. So the question becomes, what lessons can we transfer from biologics to cell and gene therapy as that industry grows at three to four times the rate biologics did in its first decade?” That perspective, combining biological manufacturing experience with the needs of new therapy modalities, forms the foundation for CPC's MicroCNX platform. MicroCNX: The First Aseptic Connector Built for Small-Format Tubing As cell and gene therapy developers began scaling up manufacturing, they quickly discovered a problem: the connectors used for biologics were not designed for small-volume, patient-specific therapies. Troy described it plainly: “Several years ago, we started hearing rumblings that current connectors weren't meeting what cell and gene therapy required.” CPC responded with a deep Voice of Customer (VOC) initiative, interviewing process engineers, operators, manufacturing leaders, and platform developers. Over and over, the same needs emerged. Operators wanted something simple. “Ease of use was the number one requirement,” Troy said. “Operators needed a product that was easy to use so they could make sterile connections in a short amount of time.” Processes demanded robustness. “Customers needed a connection they could trust—no contamination, no failures, no weak spots in the connection process,” he added. Small-volume precise applications required connectors actually designed for them. With autologous therapies, he noted, “We aren't talking about 1,000 liters; we're talking about 250 milliliters. And if there's a mishap, that could mean the difference between life and death for a patient.” All of this laid the groundwork for MicroCNX, which became the first aseptic connector engineered for small-format tubing. The “Pinch-Click-Pull” Process: Sterility Meets Speed One of the standout features of MicroCNX is its elegantly simple pinch-click-pull operation. Troy explained how simplicity came directly from user feedback. “As operators walked us through their pain points, what they needed was clear: a connector they could learn immediately. So MicroCNX has a three-step process—pinch, click, pull. You can literally do it as fast as I say it.” He continued,“Once someone does it one time, they're basically an expert. That ease of use dramatically reduces operator error.” For an industry where operator variability remains one of the biggest sources of risk and batch loss, eliminating complexity is critical. Cryogenic Challenges Call for Cryo-Rated Solutions As the conversation shifted to cryopreservation, a critical component of cell therapy manufacturing,Troy introduced the MicroCNX® ULT and MicroCNX® Nano variants. “These were really developed because therapies were being frozen to –150°C, even –190°C. You need a connector that can be frozen to those temperatures, thawed, and still be as robust as it was before.” The ULT and Nano were engineered with: Low-profile geometries to fit inside freezing cassettes Specialized materials to withstand thermal stress Chemical compatibility with DMSO and other cryoprotectants Enhanced durability to survive impacts while frozen Troy emphasized how critical it was to get the materials right: “We searched extensively for a material that could handle those harsh chemicals and temperatures. What we landed on was PPSU—polyphenylsulfone. It's chemically sound, and it's incredibly impact-resistant at very low temperatures.” CPC built these connectors because customers repeatedly told them: existing solutions were cracking, leaking, or becoming brittle. MicroCNX was engineered to overcome all of that. True Closed Systems vs. Functionally Closed Systems: Why the Difference Matters A substantial part of the conversation focused on the differences between closed, functionally closed, and open systems—distinctions that are often overlooked but critically important. Troy broke down the differences clearly: “An open system is exposed at some point. A functionally closed system is inherently open but gets closed temporarily to let fluid transfer. In comparison, a closed system is never open at any point.” Examples of functionally closed systems include: Biosafety cabinets (BSCs) Luer-based connections Closed system transfer devices These approaches require: Sanitization Careful environmental controls Operator expertise And, as Troy noted, “a mishap in one of these can mean losing a very valuable therapy.” CPC's sterile connectors—including MicroCNX minimize these risks: “Our connectors allow the system to remain closed 100% of the time. That greatly reduces contamination risk.” This distinction isn't merely academic—it has direct regulatory implications as well. David added,“In Annex 1, they refer to intrinsically sterile connection devices—like sterile connectors and tube welders—that allow operations normally requiring Grade A or B to occur in a Grade C or D environment.” That ability to operate safely in lower-grade spaces is increasingly critical as the industry tries to overcome facility and labor bottlenecks. Why Teams Are Moving Away from Tube Welding Tube welding has been part of bioprocessing for decades, but David explained why its era may be ending for CGT. “Tube welding was born out of the blood banking industry when no other solution existed. But sterile connectors don't require capital investment. They're faster. They eliminate issues like tubing alignment or pinhole leaks. They're simply more reliable.” As biologics manufacturers have already done, CGT teams are now transitioning toward connectors like MicroCNX® that provide sterile, consistent, low-burden operations. The MicroCNX® Luer Variant: Supporting Transitional Workflows Not all workflows are ready to move away from luer-based devices. That's where the MicroCNX Luer variant fits in. Troy described how it works.“You connect a syringe or bag with a luer inside the BSC, but then because the MicroCNX® connector itself is sterile, you can take it outside the hood and make a sterile connection elsewhere.” This capability bridges legacy workflows and fully closed systems—critical during process development, technology transfer, or when working with specific devices. Co-Development: The Heart of CPC's Innovation Process As the conversation returned to CPC's broader philosophy, David highlighted how important customer collaboration is. “It's all about the customer for CPC,” he said. “We start with Voice of Customer. Our business and applications managers are out in the field understanding real applications and guiding them to the right products.” This feedback fuels CPC's two major development tracks: Catalog product development (platforms like MicroCNX) Custom-engineered solutions for unique applications David added: “We maintain a full new product introduction roadmap. Some products will be released broadly. Others will be developed specifically for one customer. But both are driven by real application requirements.” This process ensures CPC's products evolve in lockstep with the needs of advanced therapy teams. Looking Ahead: Designing Connectors for Robotics and Automation Toward the end of the conversation, David turned to one of CPC's biggest focus areas: the future of automation. “The ultimate customer in this industry is the patient,” he said. “And right now we face barriers—capacity, speed, accessibility, cost. Process automation can significantly reduce those barriers.” Automation requires connectors designed not just for human hands but for robotics: Predictable geometries Features optimized for machine vision Forces and actuation steps compatible with robotic grippers Designs intended for automated loading and unloading David summarized CPC's future direction: “We're taking a fresh look at our connectors, reimagining them as something designed for robotic manipulation. It's a high priority for us.” Troy echoed the sentiment: “Our connectors are awesomely designed for humans. But automation is coming, and we're focused on the features robots need.” A Future Built on Innovation and Patient Impact The interview closed with both guests reflecting on CPC's mission. “We're incredibly passionate about innovation and meeting the needs of our customers through thoughtful product development,” Troy said.
On this episode, Dr Robert Brüll, founder and CEO of FibreCoat, joins the show to discuss their strategic partnership with Lofith Composites to develop next-generation thermoplastic composites for space. This partnership joins FibreCoat's expertise in fibre coatings with Lofith's thermoplastic tape and composite manufacturing. Together, the companies will integrate FibreCoat's coated fibres into Lofith's recyclable, high-performance composites to produce […] The post Developing TPC Materials for Extreme Conditions in Space: Interview with Robert Brüll, CEO of FibreCoat first appeared on Composites Weekly. The post Developing TPC Materials for Extreme Conditions in Space: Interview with Robert Brüll, CEO of FibreCoat appeared first on Composites Weekly.
Flow chemistry and modular continuous platforms are gaining momentum as pharma searches for faster, more flexible, and more sustainable ways to develop and scale small-molecule processes. Yet questions around integration, scale-up, and regulatory expectations continue to influence how quickly these technologies can be fully adopted. In this episode of Off Script, we spoke with Hovione's Christoph Brücher and Microinnova's Dirk Kirschneck about their collaboration on advancing flow chemistry and continuous manufacturing. They discuss how plug-and-play modular systems can accelerate process transfer, streamline scale-up, and reduce waste and energy use, as well as how digital tools and regulatory guidance under ICH Q13 are shaping the next generation of continuous manufacturing.
Economist Paul Milgrom is celebrated for his Nobel Prize-winning work on auction theory and design. But he has published a wide range of other innovative, influential research throughout his career – including a book and articles emerging from his 1991-92 CASBS fellowship. Gani Aldashev (CASBS fellow, 2024-25) engages Milgrom on highlights of this often-collaborative or cross-disciplinary work on organizational behavior, the institutional roots of trust and cooperation, social choice for environmental policy, and more.PAUL MILGROM: Stanford faculty page | Personal website | Nobel Prize page | Nobel bio | Wikipedia page| CASBS page |Gani Aldashev: Georgetown faculty page | CASBS page | Google Scholar page |PAUL MILGROM WORKS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:Economics, Organization, and Management (Prentice Hall, 1992), coauthored with John Roberts (CASBS fellow, 1991-92)"Multitask Principal-Agent Analyses: Incentive Contracts, Asset Ownership, and Job Design," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization (1991), coauthored with Bengt Holmstrom"Complementarities and Fit Strategy, Structure, and Organizational Change in Manufacturing," Journal of Accounting and Economics (1995), coauthored with John Roberts"Complementarities, Momentum, and the Evolution of Modern Manufacturing," The American Economic Review (1991), coauthored with Yingyi Qian, John Roberts"Complementarities and Systems: Understanding Japanese Economic Organization," Estudios Economicos (1994), coauthored with John Roberts"The Role of Institutions in the Revival of Trade: The Law Merchant, Private Judges, and the Champagne Fairs," Economics & Politics (1990), coauthored with Douglass North (CASBS fellow, 1987-88) and Barry Weingast (CASBS fellow, 1993-94)Learn about the Champagne Fairs on Wikipedia"Coordination, Commitment and Enforcement: The Case of the Merchant Guild," Journal of Political Economy (1994), coauthored with Avner Greif (CASBS fellow, 1993-94), Barry Weingast"Is Sympathy an Economic Value? Philosophy, Economics, and the Contingent Valuation Method," in Contingent Valuation: A Critical Assessment, J.A. Hausman, ed. (Elsevier, 1993)"Kenneth Arrow's Last Theorem," Journal of Mechanism and Institution Design (2024)Other works referenced in this episode:Oliver Williamson, The Economic Institutions of Capitalism: Firms, Markets, Relational Contracting (Mcmillan, 1985). Much of this book was written at CASBS during Williamson's 1977-78 CASBS fellowship.Works emerging from Milgrom's CASBS fellowshipsMilgrom's collaborations with, intellectual interactions with, or responses to other Nobel Prize winners in this episode:Oliver Williamson (CASBS fellow 1977-78, Nobel Prize 2009)Bengt Holmstrom (Nobel Prize 2016)Robert Wilson (CASBS fellow 1977-78, Nobel Prize 2020)Ronald Coase (CASBS fellow 1958-59, Nobel Prize 1991)Douglass North (CASBS fellow 1987-88, Nobel Prize 1993)Kenneth Arrow (CASBS fellow 1956-57, Nobel Prize 1972) Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford UniversityExplore CASBS: website|Bluesky|X|YouTube|LinkedIn|podcast|latest newsletter|signup|outreachHuman CenteredProducer: Mike Gaetani | Audio engineer & co-producer: Joe Monzel |
In this week's Security Sprint, Dave and Andy covered the following topics:Warm Open:• TribalHub Magazine, Winter 2025: A Publication For Technology Minded Professionals In Tribal Government Tribal Health, Tribal-Gaming And Non-Gaming Tribal Enterprises. Includes Tribal-ISAC happenings!• React2Shell: Risky Bulletin: APTs go after the React2Shell vulnerability within hours & Critical Security Vulnerability in React Server Components • We discussed our daily SUN and Weekly Ransomware & Data Breach Digest available via Gate 15's GRIP: Join the GRIP! Gate 15's Resilience and Intelligence Portal (GRIP) utilizes the robust capabilities available in Cyware's Collaborate platform to provide the community with technology-enhanced, human-driven analysis products. Further, our team supports the implementation and use of Cyware Collaborate at the Enterprise level. Main Topics:FinCEN Issues Financial Trend Analysis on Ransomware. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing a Financial Trend Analysis on ransomware incidents in Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data between 2022 and 2024, which totaled more than $2.1 billion in ransomware payments… Previous FinCEN Financial Trend Analyses have focused on reported ransomware payments and incidents by the date the activity was filed with FinCEN. Today's report shifts the focus to the incident date of each ransomware attack and offers greater visibility into the activities conducted by ransomware actors.• Reported Ransomware Incidents and Payments Reach All-Time High in 2023• FinCEN Data Shows Ransomware Payments Top $2.1B in Just Three Years• Financial Services, Manufacturing, and Healthcare were the Most Impacted Industries• The Onion Router (TOR) was the Most Common Communication Method Reported• ALPHV/BlackCat was the Most Prevalent Ransomware Variant Between 2022 and 2024• FinCEN analysis shows scope of ransomware problemFive-page draft Trump administration cyber strategy targeted for January release; The six-pillar document covers a lot of ground in a short space, and could be followed by an executive order implementing it, according to sources familiar with the draft. America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine• Here's what the new National Security Strategy says about threats to critical infrastructure• New US National Security Strategy reveals Trump administration's latest stance on TaiwanFBI PSA: Criminals Using Altered Proof-of-Life Media to Extort Victims in Virtual Kidnapping for Ransom Scams. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns the public about criminals altering photos found on social media or other publicly available sites to use as fake proof of life photos in virtual kidnapping for ransom scams. The criminal actors pose as kidnappers and provide seemingly real photos or videos of victims along with demands for ransom payments… Criminal actors typically will contact their victims through text message claiming they have kidnapped their loved one and demand a ransom be paid for their release. Oftentimes, the criminal actor will express significant claims of violence towards the loved one if the ransom is not paid immediately. The criminal actor will then send what appears to be a genuine photo or video of the victim's loved one, which upon close inspection often reveals inaccuracies when compared to confirmed photos of the loved one. Examples of these inaccuracies include missing tattoos or scars and inaccurate body proportions. Criminal actors will sometimes purposefully send these photos using timed message features to limit the amount of time victims have to analyze the images.Quick Hits:• US leader of global neo-Nazi terrorist group signals retribution for arrests• ASD: Information stealers are on the rise, are you at risk? • UK NCSC: Prompt injection is not SQL injection (it may be worse)
In this episode of the ABB Solutions Podcast, host Mike Murphy continues the discussion with Abel Cavazos and Wayne Paschal from ABB's High Power Division. This second installment focuses on how environmental conditions, enclosure selection, and proper monitoring can significantly impact motor life and reliability, especially in high-power and high-criticality applications. Tune in to hear insights on:Motor Enclosure Selection: How WP2, TFC, TX, and TWAC designs differ, when each is appropriate, and how contamination, cooling efficiency, and horsepower size influence enclosure choice.Environmental and Cooling Considerations: Why airborne contaminants, restricted airflow, dirty cooling tubes, and clogged filters can lead to overheating, and which enclosure types help mitigate these issues.Maintenance Practices: Practical steps facilities can take to maintain high-power motors, including differential pressure monitoring, tube cleaning, fin maintenance, and planning for long turnarounds.Monitoring for Reliability: How stator RTDs, bearing RTDs, vibration checks, and temperature delta tracking help plants shift from reactive to predictive maintenance.Criticality and Feature Selection: How CR1 through CR4 ratings influence the level of monitoring required, and why adding diagnostic features helps reduce unplanned downtime.PCIC Presentation Insights: Background on the paper titled The Cost of Specifications Reducing Motor Features Based on Process Criticality Without Sacrificing Reliability, how it ties into API 541, API 547, and IEEE 841, and why it sparked new thinking around criticality at PCIC.References:Transforming industry with energy-efficient motors and reliable power generators: https://new.abb.com/motors-generators
Wednesday, October 22, Jeffrey Mosher was on the road to Lansing, MI, for Michigan Manufacturers Association Announcing Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. In this brief excerpt from the event, Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America, is introduced by MMA's John J. Walsh, and then offers some remarks as Bekum is the Manufacturing Talent Champion for 2025. Opportunity to Speak Directly with Groundbreaking Manufacturing Executive LANSING (October 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan's economy and improve our daily lives. MMA's Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world. MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA's Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards. To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence. WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program WHO: Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining George Cook, Vice President, TARUS Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 WHERE: MMA Headquarters 620 S. Capitol Ave Lansing, MI 48933 » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
Some conversations feel scripted. This one… absolutely did not. Larry Robbins walked in ready to talk life, passion, family, culture, workholding, philosophy, and whatever else popped into his head — and somehow it all connected back to manufacturing. This episode of MakingChips is one of the most unhinged, hilarious, honest, and wisdom-packed conversations we've ever recorded. Larry has been in the industry for nearly 46 years, and he's collected enough stories, scars, and laughs for ten careers. From his father dragging him into the business ("long hair doesn't work here") to his famous explanation that SMW makes "magic hands," Larry blends humor and experience into lessons every shop owner needs to hear. His passion for the industry is unmatched — and his candor is even better. Throughout the episode, the crew dives into culture, leadership, lying (don't), modularity, flexibility, high-density workholding, predictable setups, financing equipment, and why you should stop crawling across a dollar to pick up a dime. Larry opens up about the future of manufacturing, warns against bad advice, and reminds everyone that machining touches every single thing in the world. If you're ready for an episode that's equal parts educational and unhinged in the best possible way, buckle up — Larry Robbins is in rare form. Segments (1:00) Larry's background, early failures, and the stories that shaped his approach to leadership (3:31) An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business (3:32) Culture, loving your work, and leadership lessons (5:07) Entering the family business, retirement humor, and long-term commitment (7:23) The reality of workplace culture, honesty, and handling difficult employees (10:02) Integrity, truth-telling, and early lessons on character (13:18) Appreciating machinists and the unseen parts of manufacturing (15:05) Workholding vs. cutting tools and why workholding matters more than people think (16:09) "Magic hands" — Larry's explanation of workholding for a 5-year-old (17:20) Workholding misconceptions and the cost of poor setups (19:00) Vendor trust, trying equipment, and choosing partnerships wisely (20:22) Setup reduction, rigidity vs. flexibility, and predictable processes (22:12) Cutting 12-hour setups and the value of internal vs. external setups (24:16) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing (25:24) Expensive machines + cheap vices = lost potential (27:26) Modular workholding, infinite adjustment, and the origins of the industry (29:18) When not to sell a customer — long-term trust over short-term gain (30:19) Why shops "don't know what they don't know" about proper workholding (31:58) Financing workholding and proving ROI to shop owners (33:09) Tooling certs and buying the solution, not just the machine (35:24) High-density workholding and maximizing machine real estate (37:12) Protecting customers from bad investments and the role of good vendors (38:01) The LEGO analogy and building reusable workholding systems (40:13) Trusting experts and using the right resources in decision-making (41:19) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (41:57) Buzzwords like Industry 4.0 vs. solving real problems (43:49) Competing with global labor costs and running unattended (44:19) Extending the life of old machines with better processes (46:41) Universal truth: If you're not making chips, you're not making money Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Larry Robbins and SMW Autoblok An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Smart Money Moves: Equipment Financing Tips with Ty Willis Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
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 Redzone. Watch "Claremont Foods Shares the Secret to OEE," right now.Every week, we cover the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward. This week:- Guilty Pleas Follow Scheme to Smuggle Illegal Baby Formula Into U.S.- New Solar Motorcycle Design Inspired by Leopards- Campbell's Fires Executive Who Was Recorded Saying Company's Products Are for 'Poor People'In Case You Missed It- Bagged Salad Maker Faces $1M in Fines After Workplace Fatality- Supply Chain Delays, Rising Equipment Prices Threaten Electricity Grid- Gen Z in Manufacturing: Young Workers Want More Skills, Not More TitlesPlease 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. The Best Pizza Franchise OpportunityAnthony & Luca's Pizza Kitchen is the hottest new Cheesesteak & NY Pizza Franchise.
In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, we chat with David Beker, founder and president of A Better Design Company. As the Christmas season approaches, David shares insights from being a social worker to a successful toy inventor. Known for creating products like the Cornhole Shootout, a finalist for Toy of the Year in 2025, David discusses how his company focuses on reimagining and enhancing traditional toys. He emphasizes the importance of 'active play' and shares stories about his innovative products, including organic whole grain ice cream cones. Perfect for parents and toy enthusiasts, this episode offers a glimpse into the creative process behind some beloved toys and highlights the value of non-digital play.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:14 David Beker's Background and Journey to Inventing02:11 The Ice Cream Cone Business04:34 Innovating Existing Products07:10 Entering the Toy Industry10:34 Cornhole Shootout and Toy of the Year12:05 Focus on Active Play and Future Projects16:02 The Process of Bringing a New Product to Market16:54 The Importance of Research for Inventors17:50 Navigating the Manufacturing and Royalty Process19:46 Understanding Patents and Provisional Patent Applications22:36 Challenges and Resilience in Israel26:38 Rapid Fire Questions with David30:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
Tiny improvements won't move the company forward unless leaders also make the big decisions. Lean is life-changing, but you can't lean your way into a clear vision. You have to choose it. That means looking honestly at customers, pricing, equipment, automation, space, and your team, and fixing what really bugs you at the highest level. That lesson is at the crux of this jam-packed episode which also covers: visual controls that save mental energy, smarter checklists that stop cultural drift, and a simple light-curtain jig that turns a tedious sewing task into an effortless one.
PREVIEW — Chris Riegel — US Tariffs Devastate Chinese Manufacturing and Economic Stability. Riegel reports that American tariff policies have severely damaged Chinese manufacturing sectors, catalyzing emergence of dark factories with minimal human employment and declining utilization rates. Riegel documents that China's attempted export pivot toward Russia cannot compensate for lost Western markets, leaving China's economy unstable beneath catastrophic debt burden functioning as structural sword of Damocles. Riegel emphasizes that China's debt-constrained economic model prevents stimulus and infrastructure spending necessary to absorb factory closures and employment displacement from American trade restrictions. V
Let's talk about Trump, manufacturing, trucks, and nine months of contraction....