U.S. Manufacturing Today

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, our host Matt Horine speaks with Jake Grossman, the leader of Fibematics and Founder of EZPZ Brands. With over 60 years of family history in manufacturing in Philadelphia, Jake offers a unique perspective on managing trade policies, maintaining a multi-generational business, and building resilient supply chains. He shares the story behind Fibematics and EZPZ Brands, the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, and effective strategies for navigating tariffs and supply chain challenges. The discussion also covers the significance of strong supplier relationships, the resilience of the non-woven products industry, and the goals and challenges for EZPZ's future growth, focusing on sustainability and automation. Join us as Jake Grossman provides valuable insights and advice for small to mid-sized manufacturers.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Jake Grossman: Leading Fibematics and EZPZ Brands01:03 The Origin Story of Fibematics02:16 Balancing Tradition and Innovation03:02 Navigating Tariffs and Trade Policies05:13 Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience08:51 Exploring Non-Woven Wiping Products16:04 The Launch of EZPZ Brands18:40 Sustainability and Future Growth20:22 Maintaining Family-Owned Business Values22:20 Advice for Family-Owned Manufacturers23:30 Conclusion and Where to Learn More

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In this episode of US Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine welcomes Friddy Hoegener, founder of Scope Recruiting, to discuss how industrial firms can develop an effective workforce strategy in today's shifting manufacturing landscape. Friddy shares insights on aligning talent strategies with operational goals, the impact of AI and automation, and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workforce. Listeners will learn how to translate macro shifts like tariffs and reshoring into actionable workforce plans and the critical role of strategic talent management in building a resilient manufacturing sector.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Friddy Hoegener: Founder of Scope Recruiting02:44 The Importance of Aligning Talent Strategy with Operations05:12 Navigating the Hiring Process in Manufacturing07:06 Current Trends in Manufacturing and Supply Chain07:48 The Role of AI and Automation in Manufacturing15:23 Challenges and Solutions in Reshoring Manufacturing23:35 Key Traits of Top Candidates in Manufacturing28:04 Conclusion and Where to Learn More

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, powered by Variable, host Matt Horine welcomes back Rosemary Coates, Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, to discuss the current state of U.S. manufacturing. With over 25 years of experience in evaluating sourcing decisions and supply chain risk, Rosemary delves into the recent trends impacting manufacturing, including the effects of tariffs, the movement of companies from China to Mexico, and the sluggish investment climate due to economic uncertainties. She highlights the importance of developing a robust supply chain within the US and the need for a skilled workforce, particularly in the context of automation and AI integration. Rosemary also discusses the role of government policies, the lack of an industrial policy in the US, and the importance of looking at North America holistically for manufacturing solutions. Key takeaways include the potential for reindustrialization in the US through high-tech, automated manufacturing, and the strategic importance of sourcing and supply chain development.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:15 Guest Introduction: Rosemary Coates00:45 Current State of US Manufacturing01:12 Challenges and Trends in Reshoring03:22 Survey Insights: Executive Responses07:58 Policy Levers and Industrial Strategy17:50 Case Study: GE Appliances19:46 Future Outlook and Advice for Leaders26:41 Conclusion and Resources

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine explores the profound impacts of recent US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU on manufacturing supply chains. Joined by Timur Göreci, CRO of Orderfox, the discussion delves into the hidden tariff risks within supply chains that many manufacturers overlook. Timur shares insights on how AI-driven tools like Gieni AI and Partfox can help manufacturers identify and mitigate these risks. The conversation also touches on the fragmentation of the US manufacturing landscape, the benefits of adopting AI for strategic sourcing, and practical steps for manufacturers to bolster their sourcing strategies in light of shifting trade policies. Listeners are encouraged to adopt AI technologies to enhance their supply chain resilience and competitive edge.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:23 The Impact of US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum00:37 Introducing Timur Göreci and AI Solutions01:20 Hidden Tariff Risks in Supply Chains02:48 Case Study: Medical Device Manufacturer05:28 Challenges in Supplier Discovery and Management07:35 Leveraging AI for Supplier Analysis11:00 Steps to Implement AI in Manufacturing13:29 Reindustrialization and Domestic Manufacturing17:23 The Impact of Tariffs on Manufacturing18:36 AI and the Future of Sourcing19:12 Introducing Part Fox: Revolutionizing CNC Networks21:35 Addressing Skepticism Towards AI in Manufacturing27:28 Strategies for Mid-Sized Machine Shops31:23 Final Thoughts and Advice for Manufacturing Leaders

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In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, powered by Veryable, host Matt Horine discusses the intersection of AI and human interaction in the manufacturing industry with Nelson Bruton, president of Manufacturing Chats. Nelson highlights the potential drawbacks of highly advanced chatbots and the importance of human-centered selling in building business relationships. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of U.S. manufacturing, the role of live chat solutions in capturing sales opportunities, and the balance between utilizing AI and maintaining authentic human connections. The episode also delves into marketing strategies for small and mid-size manufacturers and the significance of keeping the human element in the next era of industrial growth.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to U.S. Manufacturing Today

00:27 Guest Introduction: Nelson Bruton

00:54 The Limits of AI in Manufacturing

01:09 Nelson's Background and Digital Marketing Journey

02:20 The Chatbot Debate: Human vs. AI

03:29 Human-Centered Selling in Manufacturing

05:13 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption

06:32 The Role of Automation in Manufacturing Sales

12:02 Reshoring and Reindustrialization Trends

19:25 Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers

25:04 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

27:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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