Manufacturing a Stronger Standard

KEY POINTS:

• The manufacturing and welding industry has labor shortages via retirees and lower numbers of new skilled trade workers

• Industries seeking younger and enthusiastic workers should consider better appealing to the demographic through technology

• Incorporating and teaching trade skills in a high school curriculum, specifically with district competitions and trips will garner strong interest not only from students but from parents as well

Keywords: labor, teacher, teach, shortage, welding, manufacturing, youth, industry, trade, skills, gannon,

The age-old adage of “knowledge is power” has evolved into “knowledge is digital.” In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, there’s a gap widening between experienced craftsmen, who have honed their skills over decades, and the tech-savvy newcomers who expect instant access to information. This so-called “skills gap” is far from new, but what sets it apart today is the urgency to preserve legacy knowledge and infuse it into next-gen technologies. This latest trend is ensuring that the knowledge of experienced workers is digitized.

But more than just preserving knowledge, it’s about fostering a synergy between the old and new. This demands a shift in how we view education, training, and technology. Derek Degeest, president of LestaUSA and DeGeest Steel Works, is a frontliner in leveraging technology to bridge this gap. He offered some background into this evolving dynamic for a “LestaUSA” episode.

Written by Alexandra Simon.

Live from FABTECH 2023; there were plenty of stories to share from the world of automation, robotics, and finishing.

In the bustling and competitive world of manufacturing, innovation is the name of the game. The rapid embracement of automation technologies is a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of efficiency and quality. A study by McKinsey suggests that the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies ranges between $1.2 to $3.7 trillion. Among these technologies, robotic automation stands out, offering a solution to labor shortages and ensuring consistent quality while reducing operational costs.

How can companies seamlessly transition to automated processes, ensuring the acquired technology is leveraged to its full potential while the workforce adapts to this paradigm shift?

In this insightful episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, presented by LestaUSA and taped live from FABTECH 2023, host Derek DeGeest, President of the DeGeest Corporation, engages Brad Ruppert, the Director of Operations for Automation at DeGeest Corporation, in a riveting discussion revolving around the integration of robotic automation in the finishing industry.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• The remarkable growth of robotic automation in the industry emphasizing the shift from initial skepticism to widespread acceptance and the consequential competitive rush toward adoption

• The unique approach of DeGeest Corporation in not just providing robotic arms but offering a comprehensive solution that encompasses understanding the specific needs of each client and tailoring the automation process accordingly

• How DeGeest's self-learning robots, coupled with a team of dedicated specialists, facilitate a smoother transition to automation, ensuring that the system adapts to varying conditions and delivers consistent quality over time

Brad Ruppert has a rich background, having grown up in a farm-based auto body shop where painting was part of everyday life. With an engineering background, he fused his foundational painting skills to carve a niche in project management within the industrial equipment sector, mainly focusing on paint systems. His journey led him to the DeGeest team, where he got his first taste of LestaUSA robots. Rupert’s ingenuity and hands-on experience have been instrumental in tailoring robotic solutions to meet the distinct needs of each manufacturing setup, thereby significantly reducing downtimes during system installations and ensuring optimal performance after that.

This episode provides a granular look into the transformative power of robotic automation, shedding light on how a holistic approach to automation can propel manufacturing entities to new heights of efficiency and competitiveness. Each conversation is a narrative that underscores the compelling reality of modern-day manufacturing – intertwining human expertise with robotic precision to foster a stronger standard of operational excellence.

The modern manufacturing industry stands at the cusp of a paradigm shift ushered in by the robust adoption of robotic technology and automation, particularly in finishing operations. While promising a leap in efficiency and precision, this transition invites many challenges and considerations. As showcased in FABTECH 2023, the amalgamation of seasoned expertise with innovative automation solutions seems to herald a new era, yet the path is laden with queries awaiting elucidation.

One pivotal question resonates amidst the technological uproar: How can manufacturers seamlessly integrate and optimally utilize robotic technology in their finishing operations to foster an unrivaled standard of excellence?

In this episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, hosted by Derek DeGeest, President of the DeGeest Corporation, DeGeest welcomes enlightening Steve Schwartz, the newly appointed National Sales Director for LestaUSA. Recorded live at FABTECH 2023, DeGeest and Schwartz provide a finishing industry update highlighting the intricate dynamics of integrating robotics in finishing operations and the myriad considerations in this transition.

DeGeest and Schwartz discuss the following:

• The significance of not merely integrating but aligning robotic technology with existing operations and local support systems to ensure a seamless transition and ongoing efficiency

• The necessity of forging partnerships with local entities servicing the finishing industry, embodying a collaborative approach to navigating the complexities of robotic integration

• The integral role of educating both distributors and end-users on the nuanced dynamics of robotics, ensuring an informed and adept transition towards automated operations.

With his four and a half decades of experience in sales and distribution management, Steve Schwartz brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at LestaUSA. His vision encapsulates a collaborative ethos, aiming to foster a synergistic relationship between LestaUSA and local entities in the finishing industry. This partnership-centric approach seeks to ensure a smooth and informed transition towards robotic automation, addressing the multifaceted challenges head-on while propelling the finishing sector into a new epoch of operational excellence.

As this finishing industry update between DeGeest and Schwartz unfolds, it becomes evident that the journey toward robust robotic integration is not solitary but a collaborative endeavor. With a precise focus on education, partnership, and ongoing support, the duo sheds light on a pragmatic pathway forward to harnessing the prowess of robotics in the finishing industry, promising a brighter horizon for manufacturers striving to thrive in the modern industrial landscape.

The rapid evolution of technology in recent years has drastically transformed the manufacturing industry, unlocking new horizons in efficiency, precision, and scalability and bringing forth proven robotic finishing solutions. This transformation into an adoption of robotics and automation is reshaping the realm of finishing solutions within manufacturing. With FABTECH 2023 serving as a veritable showcase of these advancements, the stakes are high as companies race to integrate these robotic solutions to enhance their operational efficacy and future-proof their processes against the necessities of an increasingly competitive market.

In a landscape brimming with potential yet fraught with complexity, the quintessential question looms: How can manufacturers seamlessly integrate robotics into their finishing operations to achieve an unrivaled standard of excellence?

In the latest episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, presented by LestaUSA, host Derek DeGeest, President of the DeGeest Corporation, engages in a riveting discussion with Brenda LaSorella, the COO of Finishing Consultants, and Jason White, the National Sales Manager for Finishing Consultants. Their conversation orbits around the burgeoning partnership between Finishing Consultants and LestaUSA and its instrumental role in delivering proven robotic finishing solutions to the industry.

DeGeest, LaSorella, and White’s conversation include the following:

• The criticality of coupling extensive industry experience with cutting-edge automation to deliver tailored solutions

• The symbiotic relationship between robots and finishing equipment emphasizing the vital importance of local support and service in navigating the challenges of automation

• Success stories emanating from this collaborative endeavor, with multiple repeat orders and burgeoning projects serving as testaments to the efficacy and reliability of the solutions provided

Brenda LaSorella, with a venerable tenure in the industry, brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise honed over 32 years at Finishing Consultants, a company renowned for its focus on finishing equipment. Alongside her, Jason White, although new to his role as the National Sales Manager, is fervently navigating the West Coast, assisting sales teams in identifying and leveraging burgeoning opportunities in the realm of automation. Their collaborative efforts with LestaUSA, under the aegis of Derek DeGeest, epitomize a forward-thinking approach to harnessing the power of robotics in elevating the standards of the finishing industry, thus carving a path for manufacturers eager to ascend to new pinnacles of operational excellence.