Manufacturing Tomorrow

Manufacturers are connecting more of their plant floors to enterprise systems and the internet — and in doing so, they’re opening doors they may not know how to close. Today’s guest has spent more than two decades at the intersection of industrial operations and cybersecurity, and he has seen what happens when those doors stay open. Rick Kaun is the Global Director of Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation, one of the world’s largest industrial automation companies, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At Rockwell, Rick leads the SecureOT practice — a unified suite of professional and managed security services designed to protect the complex, aging, and highly regulated systems that keep factories running. Before joining Rockwell, he served as VP of Solutions at Verve Industrial Protection and as Global Business Manager for Industrial IT Solutions at Honeywell Process Solutions. Today we’re talking about why operational technology security is fundamentally different from protecting your office network, what makes patchwork plant floor environments so vulnerable, and what small and mid-sized manufacturers can actually do about it — even without a dedicated security team. Keywords: OT cybersecurity, industrial automation, IT/OT convergence, ransomware, manufacturing security

What does it take to buy a 100-year-old precision manufacturer in the middle of a pandemic — and grow it? Mike Adkins, Owner and Principal of Performance Results Plus (PRP) in Columbus, Ohio, joins host MFG TMW to talk about stepping into an established operation and immediately expanding its reach. PRP’s core business is hydrological instrumentation — the precision equipment that measures flowing water for municipalities, agricultural districts, universities, and government agencies. Their customer list includes the U.S. Geological Survey, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson, and Yellowstone National Park, with a growing global footprint stretching from South Korea to Chile. In this episode, Mike walks us through what precision manufacturing actually looks like on the shop floor — more than 10,000 machined parts produced across steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and plastics — and explains why low-volume, high-precision production is a fundamentally different discipline than high-volume manufacturing. He also shares how lean principles drive growth, not just cost reduction, and how he’s extending that philosophy to other small Ohio manufacturers through Lean Performance Plus. We also discuss the headwinds every small manufacturer is navigating right now: tariffs, reshoring pressures, supply chain volatility, and workforce pipelines — and what Mike sees as the real opportunity hiding inside all of it.Keywords:  precision manufacturing, hydrological instrumentation, lean manufacturing, small business, veteran-owned business Manufacturing Tomorrow is produced by the Ohio Manufacturing Institute at The Ohio State University.

What if a machine could learn your quality standards just by watching your production line — and start catching defects in minutes, not weeks? In this episode of Manufacturing Tomorrow, Milind Karnik, CEO of Elementary, shares how the company’s AI-vision inspection platforms inspect over one billion parts annually across six countries for Fortune 500 manufacturers. Milind brings 30+ years of experience commercializing cutting-edge technology — from AI and cybersecurity to semiconductors and storage systems — and has led organizations of more than a thousand people delivering nearly a billion dollars in revenue. Under his leadership, Elementary developed VisionLink, the first machine-vision system that learns quality standards directly from the production line, eliminating weeks of traditional setup time. We explore what AI-powered inspection really looks like on the factory floor, how manufacturers can escape pilot purgatory and scale fast, what Industry 4.0 adoption means for the workforce, and where the future of smart manufacturing is headed. If you are a manufacturer ready to modernize — or just want to understand what intelligent quality assurance looks like in practice — this is your episode. Keywords: AI vision inspection · machine vision · quality assurance · defect detection · Industry 4.0 · smart manufacturing · manufacturing automation · workforce development · process engineering

In this episode, we are excited to welcome back Chuck Ridgeway, Automation Technology Manager and Senior Customer Advocate at Horner Automation, a division of Horner APG headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. With more than 30 years of experience in automation and robotics, Chuck is a trusted voice in the field and a dedicated advocate for helping practitioners, educators, and learners apply industrial automation technologies. Chuck’s expertise spans programmable logic controllers (PLCs), operator interfaces, I/O systems, and industrial networking. He is frequently featured on podcasts and industry stages, sharing insights on emerging trends in automation and teaching. This conversation centers around Horner Automation’s recently launched Academic Program, designed to strengthen automation education, expand access to hands-on learning, and support the next generation of engineers and technicians. Keywords: Workforce development, OCS controllers, automation education This episode offers valuable insights for educators, industry leaders, and anyone interested in preparing students for the evolving world of automation and manufacturing technology.

We sit down with Michael Lefenfeld, President, CEO, and Chair of the Board at Hexion Inc., a global leader in adhesives and performance materials headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Since joining Hexion in early 2023, Michael has been leading an ambitious transformation—positioning the company as an AI‑first, technology‑driven materials innovator. From manufacturing and supply chain to R&D, he’s integrating artificial intelligence and advanced analytics across the enterprise to reshape how the company operates. Before Hexion, Michael served as CEO of Cyanco, led SiGNa Chemistry, founded Alkami Consulting Group, and launched Blood Gas Diagnostics. He holds more than 100 patents and patent applications, was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and guided SiGNa Chemistry to win the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Award. In this conversation, we explore: The breadth of adhesives and performance materials Hexion manufactures What it truly means to shift a global organization to “AI‑first” Practical examples of AI in plant operations The biggest operational gains from predictive maintenance, process optimization, and energy management How to overcome legacy systems and data integration challenges What mid‑sized manufacturers should know before starting their AI journey The future of sustainable materials—including bio‑based chemistry and lignin adhesives How AI accelerates the development of greener, smarter materials The emerging technologies poised to reshape manufacturing over the next 3–5 years Join us for a forward‑looking discussion on AI, sustainability, and the future of materials science with one of the industry’s most innovative leaders. Keywords: AI Manufacturing • Materials Innovation • Sustainability • Industry 4.0

In this episode, we’re joined by Kyle Ewing, Founder and CEO of TerraSlate—a Colorado-based manufacturing company and global leader in waterproof, tear-proof paper and ultra-durable printed materials. Kyle has grown TerraSlate from a basement startup into a $40 million vertically integrated manufacturing enterprise, serving customers ranging from the U.S. military and NFL teams to Michelin-starred restaurants and Fortune 500 manufacturers. Remarkably, he built the company with zero outside funding and still owns it outright. TerraSlate is a compelling example of modern American manufacturing in action: lean operations, same-day fulfillment for 95% of orders, in-house innovation of nano-coated and military-grade materials, and a culture-first leadership approach. The company competes head-to-head with low-cost imports—while keeping production in the U.S. and pushing the boundaries of advanced materials. Kyle also brings deep insight into scaling without outside capital, building resilient manufacturing systems, and leading teams with kindness, clarity, and discipline. He is the author of Ideas to Empires, where he shares lessons on building factories that can scale sustainably—even without the founder in the room. Join us for a conversation on growth, innovation, operations, and culture—and what it truly takes to build a successful advanced manufacturing company from the ground up. Keywords: manufacturing leadership, advanced materials, vertically integrated manufacturing, workforce culture

Prasoon Saxena serves as president of the Global Products Business Unit at NTT DATA. A veteran leader with more than 25 years of experience in digital transformation and global operations, Prasoon has played a pivotal role in helping some of the world’s largest manufacturers harness technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness. At NTT DATA, he guides industry strategy and product innovation across manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, transportation, and logistics—industries undergoing rapid change as AI and advanced digital systems reshape how products are designed, built, and delivered. Over his eight years with the company, Prasoon has strengthened NTT DATA’s leadership in digital and AI solutions used by many of the world’s top enterprises, including 75% of the Fortune Global 100. Before joining NTT DATA, Prasoon held senior leadership roles at Dell Services and Wipro, where he helped global organizations navigate complex operational and technological transformations. In 2025, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where he contributes to national discussions on manufacturing competitiveness, policy, workforce development, and innovation strategy. Keywords: digital transformation, AI in manufacturing, Industry 5.0, agentic AI, cybersecurity, data strategy, workforce development, National Association of Manufacturers

Charles Cohen serves as president of Fotofab, a Chicago-based specialty manufacturer recognized for photochemical machining and the production of high-precision metal components. Founded in 1967 and later becoming the first company acquired by The Partner Companies (TPC), Fotofab serves critical industries, including aerospace, defense, medical devices, and electronics.  Charles joined Fotofab in 2000 as Chief Financial Officer and was named president in 2010. He has been instrumental in modernizing Fotofab’s operations, expanding its customer base, and guiding its integration into TPC’s network of specialty manufacturers. Under his leadership, Fotofab continues to push innovation in photochemical etching to meet emerging market needs for lighter, thinner, finely detailed components with fast turnaround.  Most recently, Charles was elected to the Board of Directors of the Photo Chemical Machining Institute (PCMI), where he helps advance technical exchange, education, and benchmarking across the photochemical machining community.  Keywords: Photochemical Machining, Precision Metal Components, Manufacturing Innovation, Aerospace & Defense, Workforce Development

Michael Masser is group product manager at Plex, a Rockwell Automation company, where he leads initiatives in supply chain and smart manufacturing solutions. Since joining Rockwell, he has been responsible for shaping product strategy, guiding roadmap development, and aligning customer requirements with emerging technologies to strengthen supply chain management capabilities. His role includes working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure product offerings address the operational and business needs of manufacturers.  Prior to Rockwell Automation, Michael held leadership positions in product management, business development, and logistics. At World Options Inc., he oversaw initiatives in shipping and logistics that informed his broader approach to supply chain efficiency. His combined background in business development, logistics operations, and product management gives him a comprehensive understanding of how digital tools can drive measurable improvements in manufacturing and supply chain performance.  Keywords: Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain Innovation

Russ Bukowski is president of Mastercam, the world’s most widely used CAM software. With decades of experience driving product innovation and strategic partnerships, Russ is leading Mastercam into a new era—where AI, advanced automation, and precision programming are reshaping how machinists and shops operate. Under his leadership, Mastercam 2026 introduces powerful new features designed to boost productivity, efficiency, and usability—while helping manufacturers stay globally competitive. Chris Basgall is CEO of Catamount Machine Works, a precision machining company based in the Tampa area. Catamount delivers high-quality components for industries ranging from aerospace to energy, and Chris brings a unique perspective as both an engineer and business leader. He’s navigating the real-world challenges of workforce development, automation, and staying ahead in a fast-moving supply chain.

Robyn Bolton is founder & chief navigator of MileZero, an innovation consultancy that helps manufacturing leaders turn bold ideas into tangible results.   Robyn began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she led the North American launches of Swiffer and Swiffer WetJet, and shaped strategy for P&G’s $2B Household Needs portfolio at Walmart. She went on to become a partner at the firm founded by Clayton Christensen, the Father of Disruptive Innovation, before launching MileZero.  Her work spans multiple industries, from manufacturing to energy, advising leaders at industrial and consumer goods companies as wide ranging as Nike, Medtronic, Baltimore Aircoil (BAC), and Motif Food Works. She is the author of Unlocking Innovation: A Leader’s Guide for Turning Bold Ideas Into Tangible Results. 

Rosemary Coates is the the founder and executive director of the Reshoring Institute (reshoringinstitute.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding U.S. manufacturing supply chains. She is also president of Blue Silk Consulting, a global supply-chain management consulting firm.  With more than 35 years of experience, Rosemary has advised over 100 companies worldwide on global supply chain strategies. She is a best-selling author of five books, including The Reshoring Guidebook and Legal Blacksmith – How to Avoid and Defend Supply Chain Disputes. She is a frequent contributor to media outlets such as CNN, Forbes, and IndustryWeek.  Rosemary also serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving global supply chains. She is a board member of the University of San Diego’s Supply Chain Management Institute, and she teaches Global Supply Chain Strategy at UC Berkeley. She earned an MBA from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in business logistics from Arizona State University. 

Today’s guest is Jason Corso, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Voxel51 and professor of Robotics and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Michigan. With over 20 years of experience in computer vision and nearly 150 published papers, Jason has been a driving force in advancing AI tools that have become increasingly relevant to manufacturing.  Voxel51 helps manufacturers bring visual AI applications from concept to the production floor—powering solutions for defect detection, predictive maintenance, and quality assurance. In this episode, we’ll dive into what it really takes to implement computer vision systems in manufacturing environments, from managing messy real-world data to unlocking smarter, more efficient operations through AI.  Jason graduated with honors in Computer Science from Loyola College and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Kendra DeKeyrel is the Vice President of Software at IBM, where she leads global strategy for AI-powered asset management and intelligent operations in manufacturing. With a passion for helping manufacturers navigate digital transformation, Kendra focuses on deploying emerging technologies—including AI/ML, generative AI, and automation—to improve efficiency, worker safety, and sustainability. Her work has driven transformative change at some of the world’s most respected companies, including Ford and Novate Solutions, using innovations like real-time data insights, AI agents, and connected systems to streamline manufacturing workflows. She is a frequent contributor to industry media and a recognized thought leader in Industry 4.0, smart factories, and technology-driven productivity. Whether it’s advancing ESG goals, reducing operational risk, or preparing for the future of work, Kendra is a champion of the next generation of manufacturing excellence. Keywords: Industry 4.0, AI in manufacturing, Predictive maintenance, Digital transformation, Manufacturing productivity

Dan Konstantinovsky is strategy director at RH Blake, a marketing agency specializing in the manufacturing sector. Dan shares insights from RH Blake’s latest research on industrial thought leadership and discusses how manufacturers can stand out through digital strategy, content marketing, and data-driven storytelling. From building trust in long sales cycles to reshaping public perception of the industry, this episode explores how smart marketing is transforming the future of manufacturing. Dan also weighs in on emerging technologies, including AI’s role in driving engagement and growth. Prior to joining RH Blake, Dan held marketing leadership roles at industrial and B2B technology companies, such as Terex, HD Supply, and ABB, where he developed go-to-market strategies and digital engagement initiatives. He holds an MBA in marketing from Kent State University Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in transportation and logistics from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business.  Keywords: manufacturing thought leadership, AI in B2B industrial marketing, content marketing for workforce development

Bill Rokos is the Chief Technology Officer at Parsec Automation and the driving force behind TrakSYS, the company’s powerful manufacturing operations management (MOM) platform. Since 1999, Bill has led the development of TrakSYS, working closely with manufacturers worldwide to design a solution that integrates seamlessly across operations—improving visibility, boosting efficiency, and reducing downtime. His collaborative approach has not only shaped the platform’s robust feature set but also informed the development of a comprehensive global training curriculum. A member of the Forbes Technology Council, Bill is deeply invested in helping manufacturers navigate the dual challenge of digital transformation and workforce evolution. As labor shortages persist across the industry, he advocates for the strategic adoption of smart manufacturing technologies to both enhance productivity and reimagine the shop floor experience—making manufacturing more attractive and accessible to the next generation of talent. Keywords: workforce development, new talent, technology, sustainability

In this episode of MFG TMW, we sit down with Melanie Hellwig-White, CEO and owner of Hellwig Suspension Products, a certified woman-owned business known for its cutting-edge suspension solutions for the automotive and RV industries. Under Melanie’s leadership, the company has honored its 79-year legacy while embracing innovation, modernization, and sustainability. A champion for women in manufacturing and the automotive sector, Melanie has spent over 20 years at Hellwig, spearheading initiatives that drive industry progress. As chair-elect of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)—the world’s largest automotive business association—she is set to shape the future of the industry in a historic leadership role. Join us as we discuss her vision for SEMA, the evolution of Hellwig Suspension Products, key trends in the automotive and RV markets, and the critical role of advancing workforce development initiatives in manufacturing. Keywords: SEMA, suspension technology, automotive industry trends, manufacturing workforce development, automotive aftermarket

We welcome Erik Dullea, a partner at Husch Blackwell, who brings over 30 years of experience in government, law, and business. Specializing in cybersecurity and legal issues affecting the manufacturing sector, Erik recently co-authored the Cybersecurity section of Legal Insights for Manufacturing: Outlook for 2025, offering critical guidance on evolving regulations, including cybersecurity rules for critical infrastructure and new SEC requirements.A retired Navy officer, Erik served as a fighter pilot on active duty and later as a naval intelligence officer in the reserves. His expertise at the intersection of law, technology, and manufacturing is further strengthened by his legal background—holding a J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Law from the University of Maryland. Erik recently returned to Husch Blackwell after serving in the Office of General Counsel at the National Security Agency, where he focused on cybersecurity law.

Hank Holland, CEO of Amaero International, is a leading force in reshoring and expanding U.S. production of titanium alloy powders. Under Hank’s leadership, Amaero has established the nation’s largest capacity for producing these critical materials, strengthening U.S. manufacturing resiliency through advanced manufacturing and additive technologies.  In 2023, Hank led a transformative $55 million investment to build Amaero’s R&D and manufacturing headquarters—a cutting-edge 100,000-square-foot facility in the Tennessee Valley. With a recent long-term supply agreement with The Perryman Company, Amaero is now at the forefront of scalable domestic production of premium refractory and advanced alloy powders.  Before taking the helm at Amaero, Hank founded Pegasus Growth Capital and played a pivotal role at LogicSource. Hank holds a master’s degree in agricultural sciences from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Methodist University. 

Mike Nager is a renowned author and influencer in Smart Manufacturing, consistently recognized among the Top 10 and Top 100 Influencers for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). As a Business Development Executive at Festo Didactic, Mike co-founded the Solution Center, partnering with colleges to develop Smart Learning Factories that deliver hands-on manufacturing education. He also serves as Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Industrial Insights, where he focuses on bridging the manufacturing awareness gap through education, outreach, and workforce development efforts. With firsthand experience visiting more than 500 manufacturing facilities across the Americas and Europe, Mike offers a deep understanding of the rapidly changing manufacturing landscape. A prolific speaker and writer, he has authored multiple books, including All About Smart Manufacturing and The Smart Student’s Guide to Smart Manufacturing.

Mariana Cogan is chief marketing officer at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, a global leader in manufacturing technologies. The company offers precision measurement systems, software, and automation solutions to optimize operations and ensure product quality in manufacturing processes.  Before joining Hexagon, Mariana held key positions in various organizations, including People.ai, PTC, and MathWorks, where she successfully implemented marketing strategies that improved customer engagement and accelerated business development. Mariana is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to create compelling marketing narratives and promote solutions that optimize manufacturers’ operations.   She has developed hard-earned insights on reshaping manufacturing’s image to appeal to younger workers, dismantling barriers for underrepresented groups, and the importance of mentorship in building a more inclusive workforce.  Keywords: talent shortage, Gen Z workforce, women in manufacturing, mentorship. Hexagon, Ohio Manufacturing Institute, Ohio State

Daniel Joseph Barry serves as vice president of Product Marketing at Configit, a global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions. With over three decades of experience in telecommunications and IT, Daniel brings a unique perspective on how CLM is transforming the manufacturing industry. Having held technical and commercial leadership roles across global giants like Ericsson and several startups, Daniel now focuses on articulating the value of CLM, helping manufacturers meet the demands of increasingly complex and customizable products. Join us as we explore how CLM supports digital transformation, enhances productivity, and drives innovation for manufacturers worldwide. Keywords: Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM), digital transformation, product complexity, sustainability

Marki Huston serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Viega, a global leader in the manufacturing of pipe fittings and valves for the plumbing and heating industry. Viega is currently building a cutting-edge 220,000 sq ft facility in Northeast Ohio, set to open in 2025. This new facility reflects the company’s strong commitment to clean manufacturing, as it will be 100% carbon neutral from the first day of operation.  As COO, Marki is responsible for overseeing Viega’s manufacturing operations and Technology Hub. She joined Viega in 2022, bringing with her over 20 years of global manufacturing experience in the aircraft industry, including with Spirit AeroSystems and at Cessna. Marki is also an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and serves on the advisory board for the Department of Industrial Engineering at Wichita State University.  Marki holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Wichita State, a Six Sigma Black Belt certification from Newman University, and a materials management certification from The Ohio State University.  Keywords: sustainable manufacturing, Industry 4.0, pipe fittings and valves

As a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing and CEO of LightManufacturing, Karl von Kries has been instrumental in developing innovative, eco-friendly production techniques, including the breakthrough Solar Rotational Molding process. This technology leverages solar energy to produce plastic products more efficiently and sustainably, with applications already in use by companies and the US Military. In addition to his work at LightManufacturing, Karl serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Technomad, the global leader in ruggedized high-performance audio systems. His career spans a wide range of expertise in manufacturing, including his previous role at Hardigg Industries, where he rose from staff engineer to head of New Product Development for their leading protective case solutions. Key Terms: Solar Rotational Molding, Sustainable Manufacturing, Eco-Friendly Production, New Product Development

Join us as we dive into a conversation with Berk Birand, co-founder and CEO of Fero Labs, a leader in advancing manufacturing efficiency and sustainability through cutting-edge technology. Under Berk’s leadership, Fero Labs has revolutionized industrial operations by integrating data science with manufacturing processes using their Augmented Intelligence Platform. Before Fero Labs, Berk co-founded Tuuum Inc and founded UhuruPacs, playing a pivotal role in guiding large industrial companies on their digital transformation journeys with machine learning. Berk holds a PhD in electrical engineering from Columbia University, where he was also an IBM PhD Fellow. He’s an innovator with multiple patents in IoT systems for resilient fiber-optic networks. Keywords: future of manufacturing, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, AI’s role in industry

We chat with Randy Carr, the dynamic president and CEO of World Emblem, a global leader in embroidered patches and emblems. Randy’s journey in the manufacturing world started at just 17, and over the past 21 years, he’s turned his father’s business into a powerhouse, crafting over 1 million emblems daily for iconic brands like New Era, Cintas, and Levi’s. Discover how Randy’s vision and leadership have propelled World Emblem to set industry standards in speed and quality, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategically placed facilities across North America. In this episode, Randy shares insights into the company’s commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and strong family values that underpin its success. Keywords: scaling family businesses, technology investments, nearshoring

John Kevin Koehler serves as manufacturing gofor at KK Tool Company, a custom tooling and parts manufacturer established in 1972 in Springfield, Ohio. KK Tools specializes in contract manufacturing, with a strong focus on tool and die design for the manufacturing industry. Their services encompass prototype design and manufacture, process development, and full-scale production.  John has been supporting KK Tool’s production, quality control, and logistics departments for the past 11 years, although his exposure to the family business began at the age of eight.  In addition to his professional background, John was an Olympic USA Swimming hopeful, training with Indiana University, the Dayton Raiders, and Gator Swim Club. He earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Indiana University.  Keywords: tool and die, contract manufacturing, Industry 4.0, family business

Dave Evans, CEO of Fictiv, co-founded the global manufacturing company in 2013 with his brother, Nate, to simplify sourcing for custom manufacturing. Fictiv offers an intelligent manufacturing operating system that leverages a distributed network of vetted vendors to help teams streamline prototyping and product development cycles. Dave is a distinguished member of the Fast Company Executive Board and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 honoree. His entrepreneurial journey has been highlighted on Discovery, TechCrunch, Inc., and cheddar news. Prior to Fictiv, Dave was Ford’s Silicon Valley Innovation Lab’s inaugural hire within the Global Research and Advanced Engineering Division. He also accumulated expertise through roles at Forsch Marine, MagCanica, and Slidepad Technologies. Dave graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Lieutenant Colonel Kathy Gallowitz, founder and CEO of Vanguard Veteran, is a seasoned 30-year Air Force veteran. In response to 9/11, she designed and led a novel statewide outreach program for the Ohio National Guard to educate and engage civilians in support of troops and their families.   Kathy is the author of Beyond ‘Thank You for Your Service:’ The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians, where she describes how civilians from all segments of society can become Veteran Champions and provide meaningful, practical support for those who serve.  Through her business Vanguard Veteran, she helps employers source, hire and retain Veteran talent.   She is a past chair of the Governor of Arizona’s Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission and the Southwest Veteran Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is the veteran hiring advisor for the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management. Her practice and perspectives are framed by master’s degrees both in nursing from UT Health San Antonio and political science at Ohio University.  Keywords: workforce development, veteran employment, manufacturer employers

As Chief Learning Officer at HumanWRKS and Principal Industrial Strategist for Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence. Brent Kedzierski’s primary roles at both companies are to improve the worker experience by creating a more human-centered approach to digital transformation.   At Shell, Brent served as Head of Learning Strategy and Innovation,  and Global Manager of Manufacturing Learning. He was the driving force behind many of Shell’s most critical global learning transformations, earning the company recognition as a world-leading human resource management and learning organization.   In addition to an executive leadership program at The Wharton School, Brent earned his master’s degree in Human Performance Systems at Marymount University and a bachelor’s degree in training and development at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  Keywords: Industry 4.0, human-machine interface, workforce development, AI-infused data insights

Meghan Kennelly is head of Global Marketing at German Bionic, a robotics firm headquartered in Germany and the US that develops and produces wearable technologies, including connected exoskeletons driven by artificial intelligence.   Under Meghan’s leadership, German Bionic has secured a number of accolades, such as Fast Company’s “Innovation by Design Award,” the CES 2023 “Best of Innovation” Award, the German Entrepreneur Award, and a coveted Hermes Award nomination at the Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industry trade fair.  Prior to German Bionic, Meghan worked as Director of Global Marketing & Communications at Yamaha Unified Communications, and as Marketing Manager for the CIO Executive Council at IDG. She earned her master’s degree in digital marketing at Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at Worcester State University.    Keywords: AI, exoskeletons, manufacturing workforce, Industry 4.0

Adam Gluck is CEO & Founder of Copia Automation, building DevOps tools for controls and automation engineers that streamlines operations, reduces downtime, and improves innovation and delivery of applications and services. Copia’s flagship offering provides Git-based source control for PLC programming.  Adam was an early hire on Uber’s driver engineering team and later was the founding engineer on Uber’s engineering strategy team. At Uber, Adam worked on multiple rewrites of Uber’s driver app what was distributed to millions of drivers each month, and helped redesign Uber’s overall microservice architecture. He founded Copia to bring the same best practices to the fundamental technology that runs industry.   Adam was recently recognized in the 2022 class of Forbes 30 under 30 in the category of Manufacturing and Industry. He received a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Sociology from the University of Chicago.  Keywords: automation, manufacturing processes, PLC coding, digital transformation

Jay Timmons has served as president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers since 2011 and chairman of the board of the Manufacturing Institute, the NAM’s workforce development and education partner. The NAM is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector.  Since Jay took the helm, the NAM has more than doubled in size, dramatically expanded its issue advocacy and enhanced the organization’s influence and mobilization efforts outside of Washington, D.C. With manufacturers facing an urgent need for talented and skilled workers, Jay is also a champion for connecting more Americans with rewarding careers in modern manufacturing and for closing the opportunity gap.   In recent years, the MI has dramatically expanded its reach and impact, and together the NAM and MI launched an unprecedented, multimillion-dollar workforce development campaign, Creators Wanted.  Keywords: manufacturing industry, Industry 4.0, workforce development, Creators Wanted

Oleksandr Zadorozhniy is CEO and co-founder of CIoEE, which provides companies with SaaS based Industry 4.0 solutions to improve customers’ productivity by increasing production efficiency, improving quality and yield. CloEE also helps companies measure and control carbon emissions to reduce energy consumption and minimize the number of required machine tools. Olexandr’s team has served more than 400 industrial firms and 25,000 machines worldwide in 25 countries, including the US, Canada, EU and Asia.  Oleksandr has amassed extensive experience in Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), and software-as-a-service solutions for manufacturing supply chains. Prior to CloEE, Oleksandr managed business development at a Finnish IoT company, where he was responsible for launching international business in Industrial IoT, scaling up to 70 full-scale implemented projects in 2 years. He also was responsible for global sales and business development at leading IoT startups Logmore in Finland and BlueBox Systems in Germany.  Keywords: Industry 4.0, IoT, digital twins, data management

Christelle Keefer, Global Product Manager for Robotics Education at ABB Robotics, leads the Global Solutions Center for Education and collaborates with colleagues and educators worldwide to determine the educational products and solutions needed to train the future workforce in robotics and automation. Her current position is informed by her prior roles as Business Development Manager and Director of Training, where she developed competitive analyses and benchmarked industry trends for training programs. She also created and implemented certification programs for industry professionals, educators, and students.  Christelle earned her master’s degree in Training and Development and Instructional System Design and her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development from Oakland University.  Key words: manufacturing workforce education, Industry 4.0, women and underrepresented minorities

John Brandt, CEO and founder of The MPI Group and the former editor-in-chief and publisher of both Chief Executive and IndustryWeek magazines. He is an accomplished management innovator and an internationally recognized expert on manufacturing and technology. His book, NINCOMPOOPERY: Why Your Customers Hate You—and How to Fix It, is based on groundbreaking research into leadership and performance excellence across more than fifty thousand organizations. At IndustryWeek, John led the development of the IW Value Chain Survey, the IndustryWeek 1000, the World’s Best Managed Companies Program, and the IW Census of Manufacturers. And during his tenure, the magazine garnered more than 70 editorial awards for excellence. We discuss the MPI Group’s work in collaboration with the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Ohio Manufacturing Institute on Digital Transformation for Manufacturers, a NIST MEP-funded pilot program. Key terms: digital transformation, Industry 4.0, manufacturing innovation

Gary Bertoline is senior vice president for Purdue Online & Learning Innovation as well as distinguished professor of Engineering Technology & Computer and Information Technology at Purdue University. While serving as dean, he co-founded the Polytechnic Institute and the Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center. The author of multiple textbooks in computer-aided design and engineering design graphics, Gary is principal investigator for an NSF grant in collaboration with the National Academy of Engineering and the American Society of Engineering Education to develop a curriculum framework for an innovative, adaptive and inclusive engineering education model relevant to the 21st century. Gary is also the visionary leader for the Purdue Polytechnic High Schools located in Indianapolis and South Bend, with more schools planned. Gary earned his doctorate in Technology Education at The Ohio State University and was on the faculty at the College of Engineering for three years before departing for Purdue University. Keywords: engineering technology, workforce development, next-generation manufacturing

Glenn Daehn, PhD, is principal investigator and director of a new $52 million National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center called “Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing, Moving from Evolution to Revolution” otherwise known as HAMMER. The Ohio State University is the lead institution of a consortium that is dedicated to quickly transitioning new manufacturing processes and technologies to manufacturers’ use.  Glenn is the Mars G. Fontana Professor of Metallurgical Engineering at Ohio State and was Ohio Manufacturing Institute’s founding executive director. He has served as a leader in several Ohio State programs related to manufacturing technology development, including the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, the OSU-Honda Partnership and the Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow (LIFT) Manufacturing USA Center. His research includes electromagnetic and high-velocity, impulse-based metal forming.  He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Materials Science & Engineering at Stanford University.  

Jay McCoy serves as Vice President of Manufacturing at Ariel Corporation , the world’s largest manufacturer of reciprocating gas compressors. During Jay’s 17-year tenure at the Mount Vernon, Ohio, based company, he has also worked as Director of Manufacturing – Machine Shop and as Superintendent. One of his previous positions was as VP of Operations at American Plastics Extruding. Jay earned his bachelor’s degree in management at Ohio Dominican University after studying chemistry at Otterbein University.   Keywords: energy industry, sustainability, Industry 4.0, workforce

Jeannine Kunz serves as Chief Workforce Development Officer at SME (the Society of Manufacturing Engineers), where she provides end-to-end workforce and training solutions for communities, companies and educational institutions by leading new partnerships, programs and service offerings.  Prior to this newly created role, Jeannine served as vice president of Tooling U-SME. She is a recognized leader on manufacturing workforce education and training with regular contributions to IndustryWeek, Training Magazine, NPR Marketplace and the Chicago Tribune. She serves on several industry advisory boards as well as the executive committee of America Makes and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (or ARM) Education & Workforce Advisory Committee. She is also a founding member of the Skilled Trades Coalition. Jeannine earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing with a concentration in economics from Eastern Michigan University.  Keywords: manufacturing workforce education, Industry 4.0, automation and robotics, instructor training

Natan Linder, our 100th guest, is CEO and co-founder of Tulip, a manufacturing software company that builds digital applications to bridge the human-automation gap for frontline operations. Tulip’s platforms are based on over a decade’s worth of breakthrough research by world-class experts on technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), human-computer interaction, augmented reality, and machine learning.  Natan is also co-founder and chairman of Formlabs, which develops affordable high-resolution 3D printing for professionals in a diverse set of industries and serves as an advisory board member of RightHand Robotics. He was a former Intel Fellow in the Fluid Interfaces Group at MIT Media Lab and co-founder of Samsung Telecom.   He earned his doctorate in media arts and science at MIT and a BA in Computer Science and Business Administration at Reichman University.  Keywords: Industry 4.0, human-centric manufacturing, workforce education

Bob Willig, executive director and CEO of SME (also known as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers), and John Dyck, CEO of CESMII – The Smart Manufacturing Institute, recently announced a partnership to accelerate smart manufacturing adoption.   Bob joined SME a year ago after more than 30 years’ experience holding multiple leadership positions at global manufacturing companies, most recently at Stoneridge Inc. where he was president of the Control Devices Division. Prior to Stoneridge, he served as president and CEO of Plasan Carbon Composites and was president in the Americas for GKN Driveline, an automotive industry supplier. Earlier in his career, Bob was president of both Power Transmission and Powertrain at The Gates Corp. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical systems design at Lawrence Tech University and an MBA from Wayne State University.  John began his tenure at CESMII in 2018 after securing his reputation as a domain expert on applying innovations like the Cloud and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in diverse manufacturing industries and supply chains. Prior to joining CESMII, John held senior leadership positions in large corporations like GE and Rockwell Automation and was effective in raising venture capital funding and building a successful software startup called Activplant. He has been awarded a number of patents for IIoT and analytics applications in manufacturing workflows and business processes. He received a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from Conestoga College.  Key Words: smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, workforce development

Zach Douglas is a North American Product Manager at QleanAir Scandinavia. He is responsible for US product management, including moving the company’s supply chain from Europe to North America and scaling the company to meet rapid growth. Prior to that role, he worked as an Operational Excellence Manager for Outdoor Living based in Columbus, Ohio, and ran his own Wikipedia consulting company. Zach received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering at The Ohio State University and is certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

During her 13-year tenure at Honda, Meredith Reffey, engineering manager at American Honda Motor Company, has worked in various North American manufacturing facility weld departments, creating specifications for weld equipment with a focus on final body welding and construction. After serving as the weld equipment project leader for the 2018 Honda Accord and 2021 Acura TLX, Meredith recently moved into a management position, leading associates who conduct new model project roles within weld, paint, and assembly departments. She is a graduate of Honda’s Leadership Advancement Mentorship Program, otherwise known as the LAMP training program, and is the founder and co-chair of the Women Powering Honda business resource group. She obtained her BS in Industrial Engineering Technology with a minor in Quality Assurance from the University of Dayton.

During a recent Materials Week webinar Ned Hill, a faculty associate at the Ohio Manufacturing Institute, spoke about OMI research on digitally connected manufacturing enterprises and what is needed strategically and operationally to support them along the Industry 4.0 pathway. This first segment covers Ned’s presentation on “Lies, Damn Lies and Consultants: What Manufacturing and Supply Chain Leaders Need to Know about Digital Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things.” The next segment will feature an expert panel reacting to this presentation. In addition to his work at OMI, Ned is a professor of economic development at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and is affiliated with the Institute for Materials Research Discovery Theme on Materials and Manufacturing for Sustainability. A special thanks to the Institute for Materials Research for hosting this forum and particularly Executive Director Steve Ringel and Director of Innovation Jay Sayre for inviting us.

A self-professed Industry 4.0 champion and digital transformation leader, Ted Rozier serves as director of engineering at Festo Didactic North America. The company is a global leader in designing and implementing Industry 4.0 learning laboratories, educational equipment and programs that train people to perform in highly dynamic and complex industrial control and automation environments. Ted has managed the development of several user-friendly automation control turnkey systems on a global scale. Before joining Festo Didactic, Ted spent 18 years leading the Automation Engineering Department for Doosan Infracore Machine Tool Corporation. He specializes in the design and development of robotics and machine tool turnkey systems for the automotive, aerospace and pharmaceutical industry.

Mary’beth Ramey, control systems engineer for the Delrin area of DuPont Transportation & Industrial talks to us about her career path in engineering and the innovative products she has worked on at the Washington Works Site in in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Dupont is a spinoff of the world’s fourth-largest chemical company, DowDupont, and is focused on speciality products that serve both industrial and consumer markets. Dupont polymers are used in everything from mobile phone components and insulin injector pens to electronics for autonomous vehicles, even roller blades. Mary’beth has also worked as process engineer for DuPont’s Zytel product line. She is currently the membership chair and webmaster of the Columbus Chapter of the International Society of Automation, or ISA, and she serves on the ISA Standards Committee on Human-Machine Interfaces. She received her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Virginia Tech.

Brandon Cornuke, vice president, and Alec Simon, director of Startup Services at the Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET) talk about this year’s MSPIRE pitch challenge, which has gone virtual this year. Brandon leads the organization’s efforts to help innovators turn manufactured product ideas into viable businesses. He specializes in strategy development, business model design, and lean innovation. He also teaches MBA students as an Adjunct Professor of Design and Innovation at Case Western’s Weatherhead School of Management. His career includes time as director of Digital Strategy and Innovation at American Greetings, as well as co-founder of his own consumer products company, Joyce Labs. He directed Target’s consumer TV sales strategy and was an IT strategy consultant with Hitachi’s global consulting team. He received his MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Before serving as startup advisor at MAGNET, Alec served as a ventures associate at the Plug and Play Tech Center in Cleveland. He has worked as a retail transformation strategy analyst at Key Bank and senior business analyst at Capital One. He earned his MBA at Case Western’s Weatherhead School of Management and his bachelor’s degree in Operations Management at Ohio State.

Matt Garbarino, Director of Marketing Communication at Cincinnati Incorporated outlines his career at one of the oldest machine tool manufacturers in the U.S., producing press brakes, laser cutting systems, shears, PM presses, and additive equipment. Cincinnati was the first company to use Big Area Additive Manufacturing, or BAAM, technology to print the world’s first 3D printed car, the Strati from Local Motors then later, a Ford Cobra. Matt manages all marketing, branding and communications initiatives for the company. Before his second term at Cincinnati Incorporated, he served as president and COO at MachineTools.com and founder and CEO of The FabZone.com, a B2B website that matches buyers and suppliers in the metal fabrication industry. He also worked as sales manager at SigmaTEK and as manufacturing engineer in the Delco Chassis Division at General Motors. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology at Purdue University and pursued an MBA at Wright State University.

Norman Jones, PhD, dean and director of The Ohio State University at Mansfield and Aimee Ulstad, associate professor in Integrated Systems Engineering at Ohio State, talk about the new Bachelor of Science in Engineering Program being offered at the regional campuses beginning this Autumn 2020. We discuss the workforce needs, the types of students, and the manufacturing partnerships that are factors in the program’s development. Prior to his appointment as dean at Mansfield, Norman served for two years as the interim dean. Norman oversees an academic community of more than 1,000 students, 100 faculty and 60 staff members. He also assists with the management of shared services with North Central State College, Ohio State Mansfield’s co-located college. He joined Ohio State’s faculty in 2004 and has taught undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on American literature, the Bible and film. Norman earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Yale University, and a master’s degree and doctorate in English from the University of California at Los Angeles. Prior to joining the faculty at Ohio State, Aimee was an industry professional and practicing engineer with more than 30-years’ experience in various fields. She began her career as a packaging equipment engineer at Procter & Gamble, then moved to Anheuser-Busch where she worked for 27 years as a project manager, engineering manager and finally as the resident engineer, managing all technical areas of the facility. Aimee received her degrees in Mechanical Engineering and her MBA from The Ohio State University. [[Full disclosure: I am heavily involved with the development of the BSET program]]