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.

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.

Jan Bendier with Harro Hoefliger

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Jan Bendier, Business Development Manager at Harro Hoefliger about “From lab to production”.

The conversation features Scott MacKenzie from the Industrial Talk podcast, discussing the MD&M West event in Anaheim, California, with Jan from Harro. Jan, originally from Germany, has been with Harro for 10 years and is currently based in California. Harro specializes in automation equipment for the pharma, medical, and biotech industries, focusing on custom applications and the “from lab to production” approach. They have been in business since 1975 and maintain a strong presence in the US market. Jan highlights the trend towards self-administration in healthcare and Harro’s use of AI for predictive maintenance. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Jan on LinkedIn and attend MD&M West 2027.

Alfonso Aramburo – Master of Ops

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Alfonso Aramburo, Master of Ops about “Strategies for manufacturing optimization”.

The conversation revolves around the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, highlighting innovations in the manufacturing industry. Scott Mackenzie interviews Alfonso Aramburo, a manufacturing expert with 17 years of experience, about his role as a “Master of Ops.” Alfonso discusses common challenges in manufacturing, such as operational readiness for business development projects and the importance of process mapping to streamline operations. He emphasizes the need for companies to address inefficiencies and improve workforce development. Alfonso also mentions his book on cultural change and the reluctance of employees to adopt new processes. Contact information for Alfonso is provided for further insights.

Marian Schneider with Planar Motor

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Marian Schneider, Applications Engineer at Planar Motor about “Innovative, Smart conveying systems”.

Marian Schneider, a mechanical engineer from Germany now living in Vancouver, discussed the innovative technology of Planar Motors at the MD&M West conference. Planar Motors uses magnetic levitation for motion, offering six degrees of freedom, including rotation, tipping, and tilting. The technology, which has been around for 10 years, is modular, flexible, and programmable, making it suitable for various assembly and packaging lines. Schneider highlighted the system’s scalability, with applications ranging from small payloads to large systems with up to 1000 units. The technology is maintenance-free, relying on solid-state electronics and permanent magnets.