July 24, 2024

The Future of Millwork: Technology and Trends with Geoffrey Athey

58 minutes

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In this episode, we delve into fascinating discussions with our guest Geoffrey Athey and host Jacob Edmond. Together, they unpack the challenges and opportunities in the millwork and wood industry, focusing on machinery, technology, and manufacturing operations. Tune in as we explore the impact of the current labor shortage, the influence of younger generations, and the intricacies of the millwork industry's future. Join us for a captivating and educational episode as we unravel the complexities of technology, industry progression, and the future of millwork.

What you'll learn

00:00 Medically retired from army, transitioned to corporate roles.
03:59 Custom wood products led to innovative manufacturing.
08:50 Limited industry communication, shared learning opportunities missed.
11:18 Sales team identifies bottlenecks and offers help.
14:18 Flexibility and elasticity are crucial for system capacity.
18:46 Wood industry catching up with technology.
20:49 Importance of cycle time for manufacturing operations.
24:34 Engineers focusing on efficient job scheduling.
29:41 In the retail industry, delays are common.
32:33 Lack of experienced craftsmen affects design reliance.
35:44 Challenges in choosing career for young people.
40:03 Oklahoma company improves efficiency through process overhaul.
42:07 Labor market challenges addressed through strategic approach.
45:40 Opportunity in industry but needs better advertising.
48:24 New committee by AWI, focused on technology.
51:08 Embracing automation reduces physical strain in processes.
54:19 Encouraging industry-focused education at Pittsburgh State University.

www.duckworksmw.com//podcast/the-future-of-millwork-technology-and-trends-with-geoffrey-athey