Manufacturing a Stronger Standard DeGeest Corporation

The effects of the labor shortage nationwide have hit almost every industry in America, specifically the manufacturing industry. “Manufacturing a Stronger Standard” host Derek DeGeest talked with Todd Gannon, a teacher working to change that.

As a high school instructor at the Tea Area High School in South Dakota, Gannon has an extensive background in manufacturing and welding. He shared his views on what’s really happening with the labor shortage and how he decided to incorporate his own skill set into teaching. He started as an entry-level worker before working his way up to a management role. Along the way, Gannon had already noticed a shortage and realized teaching would be his way of attracting more people to the field.

“The more interaction I had with people is when I started seeing a shortage of skill-sets, some work ethic, and just people wanting to get into manufacturing,” said Gannon. “I thought teaching was a great way to go so I applied and got my teaching certificate.”

At the high school, Gannon teaches students the basics of manufacturing and welding, and also provides them with a firsthand look at the workings of the industry.

Gannon explained that despite a lot of conversation that points fingers at the youth, and blaming laziness for their lack of interest in seeking trades like the manufacturing industry, he cites another problem: low engagement with tools they’re accustomed and more responsive to.

“I think they just lose interest quicker,” said Gannon. “Technology has become a huge part of everything nowadays, especially with the kids. But I don't think they don’t want to work, it’s just the culture is changing a little bit … they want to do more interesting work.”

Gannon and DeGeest agreed that blaming the youth is a copout excuse and the industries seeking them out should work more towards better recruitment methods.

Gannon discussed how the general incorporation of teaching welding into his curriculum, through hands-on and competition, stands to further draw more youth interest into the manufacturing industry, including from their parents.

Derek Degeest - President at DeGeest Corporation & LestaUSA Self-Learning Painting & Finishing Robots

The advent of robotic technology is revolutionizing manufacturing and painting processes by elevating them to unprecedented heights. Tony Kerkhove, a seasoned professional in the painting industry, has a firsthand account of the transformative impact of robots within DeGeest Corporation’s paint department, where automation is integrated to streamline workloads and increase efficiency. The robots replicate human tasks all while eliminating the physical strain and that comes with manual painting. They offer diverse settings to adapt to varied part sizes and other details. This ensures quality while fostering a safer and more productive working environment.

This connection between man and machine opens up a new horizon of possibilities and improvements within the painting sector. It also allows professionals like Kerkhove to explore deeper into the art and science of their craft with robotic technology. Kerkhove talked to DeGeest Corporation President, Derek DeGeest for a segment of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard at FABTECH 2023. He talked about how he’s been witness to how Degeest and its technological prowess are sculpting the future of manufacturing one stroke at a time.

Article written by Alexandra Simon.

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