Max Meegan, Head of Sales for North America at FPT Industrial, explains how FPT—one of the world’s largest diesel engine manufacturers—supports power‑generation OEMs with a broad 30–800 kW engine portfolio, flexible packaging options, and a 300–400‑location North American service network. He highlights two major market challenges: under‑loading in rental/prime power applications, which FPT solves with a unique exhaust‑brake system that applies artificial load to protect after‑treatment reliability; and rapidly growing data‑center power demand, where long lead times for large 1–3 MW engines are pushing customers to deploy multiple smaller FPT gensets in parallel for faster delivery and higher uptime. Max also details FPT’s major after‑treatment advantage—optimized combustion that eliminates the need for a DPF and regeneration downtime, making their Stage V engines more efficient and reliable than typical EGR/DPF systems. Overall, he underscores a booming power‑generation market and FPT’s strong position in meeting fast, modular, and dependable power needs.
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Adrienne Zepeda, VP, Growth Portfolio Lead at Informa Markets about “Manufacturing, a community built on connections”.
The conversation highlights the success and impact of the MD&M West event, organized by Informa. Adrienne Zepeda, Vice President at Informa, discusses the event's significance, noting over 12,000 attendees and the extensive planning involved, starting two to four weeks post-event. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, leveraging feedback from exhibitors and attendees, and planning events up to two years in advance. Despite challenges, such as COVID-19, the event maintained its schedule, showcasing innovative technologies and fostering human connections. Adrienne's role involves overseeing six events, including MD&M West, and ensuring the success of each event through meticulous planning and collaboration.
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Brandon Neer, Tait Stensrud and Matt Redden at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.
The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, features a discussion with Brandon, Tait, and Matt from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Brandon manages portable devices sales, Tait oversees stationary device measurement, and Matt focuses on production software. They discuss the importance of measurement in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical, emphasizing quality control and automation. Hexagon's solutions integrate AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy, reducing costs through automated processes. The team highlights the significant ROI from integrating quality into manufacturing, leveraging AI to assist programmers and improve production. Listeners are encouraged to connect with them on LinkedIn for more information.
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Frederic Borne, VP at Resonetics about “Medtech manufacturing and microfabrication solutions”.
Fred Borne, a physics engineer and leader at Resonetics, discussed the company's expertise in medtech manufacturing, particularly in interventional cardiology, advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive surgeries, and bioelectronics. Resonetics specializes in microfabrication, including laser micromachining, and has expanded its capabilities through acquisitions, such as MemorySays for nitinol production. Borne highlighted the company's role in developing fiber optic sensors and implantable batteries, emphasizing their applications in neuromodulation and cardiac devices. He also touched on the potential of brain-computer interfaces and the future of neuromodulation technology.
Industrial Talk is talking to Klaus Andersen and Nils Olsson with Tacton about “Redefining buyers engagement for manufactures of complex products”.
Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevo Tech, a company offering ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions, and then transitions to discussing Tacton, a Swedish company specializing in advanced manufacturing configuration. Tacton's CPQ solutions help customers configure complex equipment, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel interactions. The platform integrates with existing systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP, aiming to increase win rates, efficiency, and reduce errors. Tacton's AI capabilities can cut configuration time by up to 80% by structuring unstructured product data. Implementation times vary, typically between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope.
Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to John Shegda, CEO at KMM Group about “Solving complex, high-precision manufacturing challenges”.
John Schegda, CEO of KMM Group, discussed the company's unique capabilities in high-tolerance machining and grinding, emphasizing their role in solving complex manufacturing challenges. KMM Group, formed by integrating three companies, specializes in difficult-to-manufacture parts, particularly in the medical device and aerospace sectors. Schegda highlighted a notable project involving a NASA component with stringent tolerances, illustrating their expertise. He also touched on the future of manufacturing, stressing the importance of right-sizing in the supply chain and the potential transformative impact of AI on the industry.
Industrial Talk is talking to Chris Chuang, Co-Founder and CEO at Relay about “Reliable communication solution for improved organizational safety”.
Chris Chuang from Relay discussed the importance of communication in manufacturing safety on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Relay's device, which integrates Wi-Fi and cellular networks, is designed for frontline workers and offers features like panic buttons, location tracking, and real-time language translation. The device, manufactured in-house, is durable and resistant to harsh conditions. Chuang emphasized the role of AI in enhancing productivity and safety, aiming to digitize workflows and improve efficiency. Relay's five-year journey in the market is built on reliable radio performance, now poised to leverage AI for data-driven insights and automation.
Industrial Talk is talking to Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering about “Industrial Parts Washers”.
Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, discussed their industrial wash systems on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Better Engineering, founded in 1960, specializes in aqueous parts washers for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and food and pharmaceutical. Hiss highlighted the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing, noting that their systems can process parts at high throughputs, ensuring quality control. The company also employs sensors to monitor equipment and proactively alert customers to maintenance needs. Better Engineering is expanding into automation and traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Industrial Talk is talking to Danny Gonzales, CEO and Host of Industrial Sage about “The power behind industrial storytelling”.
Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. In this episode, he discusses the importance of storytelling in the industry with Danny Gonzales, founder of Industrial Sage. Gonzales emphasizes the need for compelling narratives to change perceptions of manufacturing and inspire the next generation. He highlights various storytelling methods, including podcasts, documentaries, and internal communications. They also discuss the challenges of innovation, the impact of AI and automation, and the necessity of human interaction in the workplace. Gonzales encourages leaders to communicate effectively and involve frontline workers to foster a culture of innovation and improve retention.
Industrial Talk is talking to Jim Vinoski, Founder and Host of the Manufacturing Talks Web Show and Podcast about “Passion voice, powerful advocate, manufacturing success”.
Scott Mackenzie interviews Jim Vanoski on the Industrial Talk Podcast, discussing the importance of amplifying industrial voices and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Jim shares his extensive manufacturing background, including 16 years with General Mills, and his transition to writing for Forbes and podcasting. They discuss the challenges in the food industry, including cost-cutting and the rise of private labels, and the need for innovation and skilled labor. Jim emphasizes the importance of responsible investment in manufacturing and the role of culture and policy in shaping the industry's future.
