Podcast
U.S. Manufacturing Today
Hosted by Veryable, Inc. · EN
The US Manufacturing Today show, brought to you by the good folks at Veryable, is a podcast to keep you up to date with what's ahead for U.S. Manufacturers and Distributors. On the podcast, we discuss all things in the industrial space, reindustrialization, how to navigate Trump 2.0, tariffs, domestic manufacturing, supply chain realignment, and much, much more.
23episodes
Episodes
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From Industry 4.0 to 5.0: Human-Centric Transformation, Reliability, and Leadership with A.W. Schultz
4d ago00:34:35Tap to summarizeU.S. Manufacturing Today host Matt Horine interviews A.W. Schultz, Founder of AW Schultz Training and Industrial Transformation, about the shift from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 and what it means for manufacturers. Schultz describes Industry 5.0 as a rebalancing built on resiliency, sustainability, and a human-centric approach, arguing many digital investments underperform because people aren’t involved and change management is weak. He outlines common reliability challenges such as poor integration and gaps between strategy and execution, and explains adaptive work management as a culture-aware, non–cookie-cutter approach that emphasizes relevant metrics and organizational health. Schultz discusses maintenance strategies (reactive, preventive, predictive) using asset criticality and supply constraints, and stresses that transformation success depends on leadership, humility, and continuous feedback. He advises leaders to lead with courage, data, and heart and shares where to find his Factory of the Future Podcast.TimestampsLinksAW on LinkedInA.W.Schultz Training and Industrial TransformationFactory of the Future PodcastNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Can AI Give Procurement a CRM Moment? Spencer Penn on Modernizing Direct Materials Sourcing
2w ago00:44:51Tap to summarizeIn today's episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, Matt Horine interviews Spencer Penn, Co-founder and CEO of LightSource, an AI-powered procurement platform for direct materials. Penn recounts leading sourcing for Tesla’s Model 3 scale-up and seeing $30B of parts managed via spreadsheets and email, inspiring him to found LightSource in 2021. The conversation argues procurement is strategically critical yet undertooled compared with sales, with incentives and visibility lagging despite large P&L impact. Penn describes how AI can improve supplier discovery, should-cost estimation, negotiation support, ongoing price monitoring, and faster deployment via automated data ingestion. LightSource customers reportedly cut RFX cycle times 25–60%, improve supplier experience, and reduce cost creep; one A/B test showed 25% faster cycles and 47% lower cost creep. They discuss dual sourcing, nearshoring/onshoring realities, China’s industrial base, and advice for leaders to experiment with tools like Claude/Claude Code.Timestamps00:00 Show Intro and Big Question00:31 Meet Spencer and LightSource02:26 Tesla Scaling Lessons05:52 Elon Leadership Anecdotes07:29 Why Direct Procurement Lags09:06 The Real Money in Parts14:01 Speed as Competitive Edge16:35 Why Procurement Is Undervalued22:51 AI Use Cases in Procurement28:41 Fast Implementation Reality30:46 LightSource Results and ROI33:48 Nearshoring and China Reality38:08 Free Advice for Leaders42:12 How to Get Started43:28 Wrap Up and Call to ActionLinksLightsource AI Spencer on LinkedInNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Four Signals Point to a Historic U.S. Reindustrialization Moment in 2026
3w ago00:13:53Tap to summarizeIn a solo episode of US Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine argues that four converging developments signal the most significant U.S. industrial moment since World War II: manufacturing’s expansion, freight tightening, historic Defense Production Act actions, and defense demand spilling into commercial industry. March ISM manufacturing PMI rose to 52.7 (third straight month of expansion) with broad-based industry growth, stronger new orders, and higher business confidence, though price pressures are rising from steel, aluminum, and tariff pass-throughs. The trucking market is in a supply-driven tightening as carriers exit and driver availability constricts, with expectations for higher 2026 truckload rates and rising freight bills. The White House invoked DPA Section 303 across energy and grid categories to expand domestic petroleum, refining, logistics, and infrastructure capacity, positioning energy as a long-term manufacturing cost advantage. Finally, the Pentagon contacted Ford and GM about potential weapons production as defense capacity strains and budgets rise, reinforcing reindustrialization as national security policy. Timestamps00:00 Big Industrial Moment01:16 PMI Expansion Signals03:27 Freight Tightening Ahead05:01 DPA Energy Mobilization07:24 Energy Advantage Backdrop09:37 Pentagon Calls Detroit12:19 Reindustrialization Takeaways13:47 Wrap Up and ResourcesLinksNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Scaling Metal 3D Printing for Reshoring: Seurat Technologies’ Next-Gen Additive Manufacturing with James DeMuth
4w ago00:29:12Tap to summarizeThis episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today features James DeMuth, CEO and co-founder of Seurat Technologies, discussing why reshoring at scale requires new manufacturing methods beyond traditional casting and machining. DeMuth explains how his work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on fusion power revealed a need for alloys and complex geometries suited to 3D printing, but limited by slow laser powder-bed fusion; Seurat’s approach uses large-area projection with high-resolution patterning to increase throughput dramatically while maintaining quality. He contrasts major metal additive methods (laser powder-bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and binder jetting) and argues Seurat can deliver speed, quality, and lower cost while reducing waste and post-processing. The conversation also covers digital inventory, localized production, national security implications amid China’s subsidized manufacturing, the role of policy plus technology leadership, Seurat’s new production system, rapid material changeover via cartridge architecture, and where to learn more about the company.Timestamps00:00 Manufacturing Reshoring Stakes01:27 James Demuth Origins01:37 Fusion Challenge Sparks Breakthrough03:07 Printing Press For Metal05:35 Why Casting Falls Short08:25 Metal Additive Landscape11:32 Seurat Secret Sauce14:23 National Security And Policy19:35 Factories Of The Future23:10 Advice For Manufacturers26:48 What Comes Next For Seurat27:57 Wrap Up And ResourcesLinksJames on LinkedInSeurat TechnologiesNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Automation as a Present-Day Necessity: Building Scalable Robotics Platforms with Darragh de Stonndún
Apr 1400:37:32Tap to summarizeU.S. Manufacturing Today host Matt Horine interviews Darragh de Stonndún, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR), about why automation is accelerating and how manufacturers can deploy it successfully. He shares his path from a Guinness apprenticeship in Dublin to engineering and decades in industrial automation, emphasizing attention to detail and disciplined execution. AIR’s platform model unites specialized automation firms across the US and Europe to provide shared standards and global capacity while retaining deep domain expertise. Key capability shifts include data-driven operations, validation-ready systems for regulated industries (e.g., GMP and 21 CFR Part 11), and greater flexibility enabled by robotics, vision, and servo systems. De Stonndún says automation demand is driven by labor shortages, cost pressures, supply-chain resilience, and policy, representing a long-term structural shift tied to reshoring and reindustrialization. He outlines where projects fail (scope and integration), what roles are rising (automation technicians, process engineers, quality/data), how AI will enhance inspection and control layers, and cites a pandemic-era pharma turnkey filling system that improved throughput, consistency, and validation speed.Timestamps00:00 Automation Is Here Now01:21 Darragh’s Shop Floor Roots03:12 From Engineer to CEO04:32 Building the AIR Platform06:46 New Demands Data Validation Flexibility08:44 Why Automation Demand Is Surging10:13 Structural Shift and Reshoring12:47 Automation Augments Workers15:31 Skills That Matter Most18:11 Why Automation Projects Fail19:26 How to Deploy Automation Right20:55 Advice for First Automation Program23:46 Best Processes to Automate Now25:08 Full Systems Over Point Solutions26:33 Pandemic Case Study in Pharma28:35 AI Meets Robotics30:23 How Close to Lights Out Factories32:20 Automation Powers Reindustrialization33:51 What’s Next for AIR34:50 Where to Learn More and Wrap Up36:02 Final Takeaways and SubscribeLinksDarragh on LinkedIn Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR)Navigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Purpose-Driven Growth in Aerospace Manufacturing with Tony Kelbert and Dan Echternkamp (Replay)
Apr 800:29:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine is joined by Tony Kelbert and Dan Echternkamp, founders of Aerospace Growth Strategies, to discuss sustainable growth for machine shops. They delve into common issues in the industry, such as balancing spindle hours and morale, and why traditional growth strategies often fail. Tony and Dan share their insights on developing purpose-driven strategies that align with shop capabilities, leveraging inbound sales, and navigating the evolving aerospace and defense supply chain. They also discuss the importance of focusing on core competencies and building strong customer relationships. The conversation includes practical advice on improving business development and marketing strategies for machine shop owners.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to U.S. Manufacturing Today00:23 Meet the Founders of Aerospace Growth Strategies00:55 Challenges and Solutions in Machine Shops03:10 The Importance of Purpose-Driven Strategies04:36 Identifying and Avoiding the Wrong Work06:38 Boosting Morale with the Right Work09:57 Building an Inbound Sales Pipeline13:17 Marketing Strategies for Machine Shops17:47 Future Trends in Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing21:05 Positioning for Success in a Rebalanced Supply Chain26:29 Getting Started with Aerospace Growth Strategies28:03 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinksAerospace Growth StrategiesTony on LinkedInDan on LinkedInNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →From Pilot Purgatory to Digital Transformation: AI in Manufacturing, with Bryce Carpenter of Conexus Indiana
Mar 3100:38:38Tap to summarizeU.S. Manufacturing Today features Bryce Carpenter, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, discussing why AI and automation efforts in manufacturing often stall at pilots and how to scale them into operational results. Carpenter explains Conexus as an industry-led nonprofit working with 130 Indiana manufacturers and public and education leaders to accelerate solutions by aligning stakeholders early. He argues adoption fails when companies lead with technology instead of clear problem statements and when cultural buy-in and workforce communication are missing, fueling fears of job loss. He notes small and midsize manufacturers can have advantages due to low AI cost barriers and fewer data-standardization challenges, but many lack connected equipment and usable data. Conexus is launching Industry Exchange Workshops and building an AI use-case inventory to improve ROI confidence. The episode also highlights flexible labor models, faster micro-trainings, and technology’s role in boosting U.S. competitiveness amid reshoring and tariffs.Timestamps00:00 AI Adoption Reality Check01:12 Meet Bryce Carpenter02:26 What Conexus Does03:34 Ecosystem Bridge Building06:54 Escaping Pilot Purgatory10:44 SMB Edge in AI13:15 Roadmap and Grants Lessons15:46 Automation Upskilling Workers19:19 Training and Talent Access22:46 Flexible Labor Partnerships24:27 Data Foundations for AI28:27 Market Maturity and ROI33:36 Reshoring and Competitiveness36:00 Resources and Wrap Up37:18 Final Takeaways and CTALinksConexus IndianaBryce on LinkedInNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Freight Tightening, Driver Enforcement, and the Brent-WTI Gap: A Converging Advantage for U.S. Manufacturing
Mar 2500:11:58Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of US Manufacturing Today, the host argues that three underappreciated forces are converging to create a structural advantage for U.S. manufacturers: tightening freight capacity, trucking labor enforcement, and a historically wide Brent-WTI oil spread. Despite a soft freight narrative, carrier exits are shrinking long-haul capacity, spot rates have overtaken contract rates, and forecasts now call for stronger 2026 rate growth with more fragility to disruptions. Simultaneously, stricter enforcement of rules for non-domiciled CDL holders and English proficiency standards could remove 10%–15% of trucking capacity, raising wages for American drivers and tightening industrial-origin freight lanes. The host highlights an 11-year-high Brent-WTI gap (about $18/barrel) that lowers U.S. energy-linked input costs versus global competitors, reinforced by record U.S. production forecasts, alongside policy tailwinds and PMI/new-order strength supporting reshoring and expansion.Timestamps00:00 Macro Setup and Themes01:00 Freight Market Tightening03:00 Immigration Rules Hit Capacity04:50 Brent WTI Energy Gap08:05 Compounding US Advantage09:14 Signals and Call to Action10:37 Wrap Up and ResourcesLinksNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Workforce Innovation in Manufacturing: Gilster Mary Lee and Boone Center on Inclusion, Retention, and Productivity
Mar 1700:31:10Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, host Matt Horine interviews Tom Welge, CEO of Gilster-Mary Lee, and Troy Compardo, CEO of the Boone Center, about workforce innovation through employing people with disabilities and neurodiverse individuals. Welch shares Gilster-Mary Lee’s evolution as a long-standing private label food manufacturer and how labor shortages drove efforts starting in 2019 to recruit and support employees with autism through manager training, better job definition, and role matching, resulting in 21 neurodiverse employees and strong retention and culture benefits. Codo explains Boone Center’s mission since 1959, its pivot to contract packaging, and current operations employing 185 adults with developmental disabilities, plus community placements and job coaching. They describe a partnership sparked by a need for e-commerce fulfillment and discuss misconceptions, scalable practices, and future goals including broader adoption, career advancement, and addressing transportation barriers.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Theme01:14 Meet Tom Welge02:17 Labor Challenges at Gilster02:59 Meet Troy Compardo04:43 Boone Center Mission06:31 Gilster Food Manufacturing08:22 Partnership Origin Story11:54 Building Inclusive Jobs14:47 Myths and Retention Wins16:50 Systems That Sustain19:04 Scaling the Model Nationwide23:06 Five Year Vision28:20 Where to Learn More29:50 Closing TakeawaysLinksTom on LinkedInTroy on LinkedInGilster Mary LeeBoone CenterNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Transcribe →Bridging Operational Excellence: Vessel’s Diagnostic Platform for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
Mar 1000:43:41Tap to summarizeThis episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today features Derik Ellis and Molly Lenty of Vessel, a platform designed to help manufacturers and the experts who serve them turn operational data into insight by unifying shop-floor systems with business outcomes through smart assessments and supply chain intelligence. Molly shares her transition from 25 years in corporate banking and economic development to helping manufacturers access resources, while Derik describes his path from the Air Force and software entrepreneurship to founding Vessel in 2018 as a consulting firm that evolved into a technology platform. They discuss recurring challenges in small and mid-sized manufacturing, including limited access to resources, trust-building with consultants, misaligned stakeholders, and the need for disciplined, organization-wide diagnosis before action (e.g., ERP adoption). Vessel supports MEPs and consultants with a library of 300+ customizable assessments, multi-stakeholder alignment, longitudinal tracking, actionable reports, and aggregated ecosystem visibility to inform workforce and regional strategy.Timestamps00:00 Show Introduction01:24 Meet Molly Lenty03:16 Derik Ellis Origin Story05:20 Recurring SME Challenges06:30 Access And Resource Networks09:02 What Vessel Does10:07 MEPs And Standardized Assessments15:29 Why Consulting Often Fails17:53 Diagnosis Before Action21:29 Assessment Library And Custom Builds23:31 Multi Stakeholder Alignment26:23 Delivering Actionable Reports31:34 AI As Expert Augmentation33:05 Ecosystem Level Visibility35:51 Workforce And Policy Gaps38:06 Future Vision To 203042:09 Where To Learn More42:42 Closing And SubscribeLinksVesselMolly on LinkedInDerik on LinkedInNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
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