Adam Zurligen with Country Morning Farms
Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Adam Zurligen, Process Engineer at Country Morning Farms about “eMaint and Milk Processing”.
Adam Zurligen, a process engineer and reliability engineer, discussed his role at Country Morning Farms, a family-owned dairy operation in Warden, Washington. Adam implemented Fluke’s eMaint x5 to track maintenance costs, which had doubled in 2025. He highlighted the use of GPS trackers on mobile equipment to automate maintenance tasks and reduce costs. Adam also mentioned the integration of AI-powered capabilities to streamline data entry. Despite a small maintenance team, early results showed improved efficiency and reduced downtime. Adam’s story underscores the importance of technology in managing assets and costs in the dairy industry.
Brian Romano with The Arthur G. Russell Company
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Brian Romano, Director of Technology Development at Arthur G. Russell about “Automation Solutions”.
Brian Romano from Arthur G. Russell discussed the company’s focus on custom-designed automation, particularly for the medical device industry. Romano highlighted the importance of nimble solutions due to rapid market changes and technological advancements. He emphasized the need for continuous learning and training within the workforce, mentioning initiatives like a mini MBA and augmented reality glasses for remote support. Romano also noted the significant skills gap in automation, with only 16,000 graduates annually against 60,000 job openings. He stressed the importance of staying ahead in technology to maintain U.S. manufacturing leadership.
Robert “Bob” Voigt with Penn State University – METAL Program
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Robert “Bob” Voigt, Professor with Penn State University about “Educating the Future Manufacturing Leaders”.
The conversation highlights the importance of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, scheduled for November 3-5, 2023. The Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, features an interview with Robert Voight, a professor at Penn State Behrend, discussing the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program. Voight emphasizes the hands-on experience provided to students, including foundry visits and practical metal casting. He also discusses the evolution of materials like austempered ductile iron and the integration of digital technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality. Voight’s contact information is available for those interested in learning more.
Zach Bauer with Murrelektronik
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Zach Bauer, Sales Development Program Manager at Murrelektronik about “Automation Insights”.
Zach Bauer, Sales Development Manager at Murrelektronik, discussed the company’s innovative solutions for industrial automation at MD&M West in Anaheim, California. Murrelektronik specializes in automated machinery infrastructure, offering decentralized, agnostic systems that reduce labor requirements and improve efficiency. Their SIP safety fusion block consolidates safety signals on the machine, reducing wiring and improving connectivity. Bauer highlighted the company’s manufacturing facilities in Georgia, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and emphasized the importance of data collection and edge computing in modern manufacturing. He also shared his background in industrial automation and the company’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Dr. Paul Lynch with Penn State METAL Program
Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Dr. Paul Lynch, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering with Penn State about “Educating the Future Industrial Leaders”.
Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions. In this episode, he interviews Dr. Paul Lynch, who oversees the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program at Penn State Erie. Dr. Lynch discusses the importance of manufacturing in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the METAL program’s role in training the next generation of skilled workers. He emphasizes the need for hands-on training and collaboration between industry and academia to address the workforce shortage. The program aims to inspire interest in manufacturing careers and provide practical skills through boot camps and apprenticeships. Dr. Lynch also highlights the upcoming new center for manufacturing competitiveness at Penn State Erie.
