Ep. 37 | 'Made in Richmond' with Brian Hewitt of Quanex on The Hub with Michael Allen

Brian Hewitt, Production Manager at Quanex in Richmond, Indiana, joins host Michael Allen on The Hub to explore the work behind products most people step over every day. A door threshold might seem like a small detail, but keeping out water, sealing an entryway, and helping secure a home takes careful manufacturing and a team that understands why those details matter. Brian shares what the Richmond plant produces, including entry thresholds, astragals for French doors, and a newer line of Marvin screen doors available in dozens of colors and oversized dimensions. He explains the coordination behind daily production, from sourcing materials and managing multiple warehouses to shipping finished products and maintaining quality while competing with imported, preassembled alternatives. The conversation also explores how automation is changing the factory floor. Brian discusses robots and machines that use barcodes to guide production, explaining why greater efficiency does not have to mean fewer opportunities for employees. Training, maintenance, programming, and a strong safety culture all play a role in helping people grow as the work changes. Michael and Brian also discuss what makes a dependable employee and an effective leader. Attendance, effort, and timeliness matter, along with listening to the people doing the work and involving them in solving problems. Together, they offer a practical look at manufacturing, workforce development, and the people helping build Eastern Indiana’s business community. The Hub with Michael Allen is sponsored by Manpower Eastern Indiana. Follow the show, share this conversation with someone interested in local manufacturing, and leave a rating or review to help more people discover The Hub. Learn more about The Hub and explore all episodes at: https://www.mpeasternindiana.com/the-hub-podcast Support the show