As integrated solutions like automation, robotics, and process development become more and more integrated in the manufacturing industry, we decided to sit down with Dan Allford, president of ARC Specialties, to get some insight on his industry and break down just why “manufacturing became cool again.”

"One thing that I see that proves my point is all the high school robotics programs. We’re very active with U.S. First for example, where the kids design and build robots. I’ve been working with them since 2001, and it’s a great program. It’s just like when I was a kid except we didn’t have a formal outlet for it," Allford said. The ARC Specialties President also talked on how he built ARC right out of his garage, what to look for in building the right team, his development on the first collaborative welding robot, and how innovation in manufacturing technology is affecting global trade.