IMD Industry Insights

Join us on a journey through the legacy of Cyclone ATTCO Skyhook, a family-owned business revolutionizing the lifting industry since the late 60s. Discover how their innovative solutions, rooted in craftsmanship and customer-driven design, have evolved to meet modern ergonomic and safety needs. From custom lifting devices to their renowned load lock clutch brake system, learn how Skyhook continues...

In this episode, we delve into the world of crane operations with industry veteran Dave Comiono, Vice President at EMH Overhead Crane. With over 50 years of experience, Dave shares insights on enhancing safety and efficiency in crane operations. Discover how modern technology, proper training, and strategic planning can transform crane usage, ensuring safer and more efficient handling of molds and...

Hayden Peterson, Marketing Manager for Cosen Saws, tells us about Cosens NC 510 MG saw at FABTECH 2024.

In this conversation, Rick Arcaro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HYDMECH, discusses the company's innovative approach to machine tools, their unique selling propositions, and how they adapt to market demands. He highlights the importance of ease of use in their machines, the challenges of labor shortages, and the diverse customer segments they serve. Additionally, Rick shares insights...

In this conversation, Brian Self interviews Ben Affatato, the North American sales manager for Reer Safety. They discuss the company's history, mission, and innovative safety solutions designed for the automation industry. Ben emphasizes the importance of safety in environments with dangerous equipment and highlights the unique, application-based approach of Reer Safety's products. The conversatio...

In this conversation, Brian Self interviews Dusty Puey, the sales manager for Skyhook, at the IMTS event. They discuss the evolution of Skyhook as a family-owned business, its innovative lifting solutions, and the growing importance of safety and ergonomics in the industry. Dusty shares insights on customer engagement, brand growth, and the long-standing relationship with IMD, highlighting the sig...

Shahar Chen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Aquant, discusses how AI is transforming the service industry. Aquant provides a personalized AI Co-Pilot platform for service organizations, helping them provide better service to their customers. The company leverages AI to tap into the data and knowledge of service organizations, including manuals, troubleshooting guides, and service history, to provide ac...

Scotchman Industries is a manufacturing company located in Phillip, South Dakota. They specialize in hydraulic ironworkers and cold saws, with 13 different models of ironworkers. The company has a strong focus on recruiting and retaining skilled workers, often hiring from the local community and reaching out to younger generations. They have a diverse workforce, including husband and wife teams an...

Scotchman Industries is a manufacturing company located in Phillip, South Dakota. They specialize in hydraulic ironworkers and cold saws, with 13 different models of ironworkers. The company has a strong focus on recruiting and retaining skilled workers, often hiring from the local community and reaching out to younger generations. They have a diverse workforce, including husband and wife teams an...

Raj Badarinath, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Rootstock, discusses the state of manufacturing technology and the need for digital transformation. He introduces Rootstock's new product, Ayres, which focuses on practical AI solutions for manufacturers. The product roadmap for Rootstock includes manufacturing, financial, AI and analytics, and technology investments.

Tracy Bellamy, a fire protection engineer, discusses the impact of new technologies and materials on fire protection. He highlights the challenges posed by lithium batteries, synthetic materials, and advanced material handling systems. Tracy emphasizes the need for fire testing and the limitations of AI in fire modeling. He also explores the use of different fire suppression systems and the import...

Jim Fields, from Techni WaterJet, discusses the company's high-end abrasive water jet manufacturing and its focus on customer service and support. Techni WaterJet differentiates itself through its innovative and intelligent water jet technology, which offers predictive maintenance and unmatched reliability. The company's TechConnect app allows users to monitor and control the machine remot...

Summary Caroline Santander, Senior Vice President of Global Professional Services and Enablement at Rootstock, discusses the implementation process and ongoing support for companies adopting Rootstock. She explains that the implementation process involves understanding the customer's processes, configuring the solution, and training the customer's team. The Quick Start implementation is de...

Summary The conversation discusses the use of remote monitoring and error recovery software in robotics automation. It highlights the benefits of remote expertise in diagnosing and resolving errors, reducing downtime and the need for on-site robot experts. The Olis platform allows for remote control and debugging of systems, leading to faster implementation and reduced integration costs. The conve...

Rooted In is a customer conference that brings together manufacturers, partners, and resources to learn from each other. The focus is on using technology, including ERP, to improve manufacturing processes and gain a competitive advantage. AI is seen as an additive technology that can help manufacturers predict customer demand, optimize supply chains, and run their businesses more predictably. Root...

Summary CombiLift introduces the CombiLift CB 155e, a forklift with a 15,000-pound capacity designed for long-loop handling industries. The machine is multi-directional and can operate both indoors and outdoors. It features a spacious aerodynamic cab with full visibility and a fully suspended cabin for operator comfort. The CombiLift CB 155e has a shorter fork length and a load center that is almo...

Summary The conversation explores the growth of technology on the plant floor and its impact on manufacturing. It discusses the role of generative AI in making knowledge more accessible and the changing talent requirements in the industry. The integration of operational technology and IT is examined, along with the evolving roles and skills needed in manufacturing. The conversation also delves int...

Summary Join us as we explore the highlights of a recent tour of Big Ass Fans in Lexington, Kentucky. This conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of pride in product development, the benefits of air mixing and de-stratification, and the introduction of innovative fan designs like Hornet. We also discuss the impact of Big Ass Fans on plant comfort and productivity, the focu...

Summary In this conversation, we speak with Stu Johnson, VP of Product Marketing at Rootstock Software, about ERP in the manufacturing industry. They discuss the differentiation of Rootstock ERP, the winter release and financial enhancements, the importance of the financial aspect for manufacturers, the impact of AI on manufacturing, the challenges of data silos, the integration of data and a comm...

Summary In this conversation, Jai Shah, CEO of Kahuna Workforce Solutions, discusses the labor crisis in manufacturing and the role of skills management in addressing the challenges. The conversation covers the availability of the right skills, the impact of COVID-19 on labor shortages, and the need for a clear understanding of workforce capabilities. It also explores how skills management can hel...

In November of last year, Industry Insights attended the Design2Part Show in Raleigh, NC. We spoke with several job shops that were exhibiting at the show. 

In November of last year, Industry Insights attended the Design2Part Show in Raleigh, NC. We spoke with several job shops that were exhibiting at the show.  We asked them several questions that we'll be sharing in upcoming episodes of IMD Industry Insights.

Andy Mandell Marketing Manager for Dynabrade Power Tools tells us about what Dynabrade was exhibiting at FABTECH 2023.

Juan Martinez and Zach Mann of Suhner USA give us a look at the products they had on display at FABTECH 2023.

In 1942 Earl Putrow, a self-taught inventor living in Northern Wisconsin, was selling motors, belts, pulleys and tooling gadgets through his garage-based company, Putrow Industrial Supply. Earl would display his wares at all key trade shows. At these shows, he would bring along a showpiece item he dubbed “The Hypneumat”. The Hypneumat name was cleverly coined from three existing words: hydraulic,...