Manufacturing Matters with The Council of Industry

Harold King & Johnnieanne Hansen
Manufacturing Matters with The Council of Industry

Meet the people behind the products. For more than a century The Council of Industry has been supporting Hudson Valley manufacturers. Through training, advocacy, networking, information, workforce development and more The Council of Industry helps its member grow and prosper in and increasingly complicated global marketplace. From semi-conductors to Jet engine turbines – from apple pie filling to smoked salmon – from cosmetics to high definition micro displays – Council members make the products that make the world run.Through our podcast we introduce listeners to the people who own, work in, and support these businesses, businesses that together are the Council of Industry. We learn about their products and career paths. We learn about their leadership styles and their passion for their work. We learn about their challenges and their opportunities. In the process we learn more about manufacturing and why it is such a vital sector of our economy- vital to our region’s prosperity, our security and our future.We hope you enjoy listening and getting to know the people behind the products. If you have suggestions for people who are part of the Hudson Valley manufacturing community who you would like to know more about or think our listeners would enjoy hearing from please let us know by emailing jhansen@councilofindustry.org.

  1. NOV 19

    Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of New York State Department of Labor

    In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Harold King, President of the Council of Industry, speaks with Roberta Reardon, the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor and apprentice enthusiast.   Harold and Commissioner Reardon discuss workforce development, registered apprenticeships, and the evolving role of the Department of Labor in supporting businesses and workers across the state. They also highlight the Council of Industry’s Manufacturing Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP), a New York State Department of Labor-registered program designed to help manufacturers upskill their employees through hands-on training and related technical instruction to earn industry-recognized credentials. MIAP has been instrumental in advancing the skills of their workforce, helping bridge the skill gap and increase productivity.   Commissioner Reardon also delves into how the department balances enforcement with proactive support for employers, ensuring compliance while fostering growth opportunities. They also discuss the department’s efforts to promote digital literacy, and create pathways for workers to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With a background that began in acting and union leadership, Commissioner Reardon’s journey to her current role is as inspiring as it is unconventional, showcasing her dedication to advocacy and workforce transformation.   For more information about the Department of Labor and the services they offer go to https://dol.ny.gov/services-businesses. - For more information about the Council of Industry's MIAP apprentices program visit https://www.councilofindustry.org/apprentice-program

    34 min
  2. OCT 15

    Gordon Burdis, President of James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company

    In this podcast episode, Harold King, President of the Council of Industry, sits down with Gordon Burdis, President of James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company. Founded in Poughkeepsie in 1911, James L. Taylor Manufacturing has been a staple in industrial assembly and clamping equipment for the woodworking industry. Gordon delves into the company's impressive history, from its beginnings with hand clamps to its evolution into producing fully automated machinery. Gordon provides insights into the company's workforce, which includes 45 employees engaged in various roles from manufacturing to global sales. He describes how their industrial equipment, such as clamp carriers and lumber optimization machines, has adapted over the decades, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and quality control. Listeners will also learn about the company’s vertical integration approach, which allows them to maintain high standards of manufacturing and customer service. Gordon explains the role of their engineering team and the importance of having skilled engineers involved in both machine design and programming. The discussion also touches on the company's recent acquisition of a Portland-based machinery manufacturer, which will enhance their product offerings and expand their market reach. Gordon’s journey from factory worker to company president is highlighted, including his experiences abroad and how they influenced his leadership style. Tune in to discover how James L. Taylor Manufacturing continues to evolve and thrive in a competitive industry. For more information about James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company, check out their website at www.jamesltaylor.com. -- The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.

    30 min
  3. OCT 1

    Deborah Smook, Co-Owner of TurboFil Packaging Machines, LLC

    In this podcast episode, Harold King, President of the Council of Industry, sits down with Deborah Smook, Co-Owner of TurboFil Packaging Machines, LLC. We dive into the world of custom packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. TurboFil Packaging Machines specializes in designing and manufacturing machinery that precisely fills and packages drugs into vials, syringes, and other containers, focusing on various types of liquids and semi-solids. Deborah shares insights into their role within the broader pharmaceutical industry, highlighting their commitment to precision and safety in packaging critical medications like Naloxone, a life-saving nasal spray for opioid overdoses. We explore the engineering challenges of creating custom machines and the company's approach to innovation over its 25-year history. Deborah also discusses the evolution of TurboFil Packaging Machines from its early days in cosmetics to its current focus on pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce, and the unique culture that drives their success. Tune in to discover how TurboFil Packaging Machines is making a difference in the packaging world and learn about the opportunities and challenges they face in this highly regulated industry. For more information about TurboFil Packaging Machines, check out their website at www.turbofil.com. -- The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.

    22 min
  4. SEP 17

    David Carter, Executive Director of Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC)

    In this podcast episode, Harold King, President of the Council of Industry, sits down with David Carter, Executive Director of Manufacturing and Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC). Founded in 1988 and based in Newburgh, New York, MTEC is part of the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, dedicated to offering engineering consulting, capital access, and a broad network of resources to manufacturers across the Hudson Valley. David discusses the evolution of MTEC from its earlier days as the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center and shares insights into the organization's work with both established and startup manufacturers. David also brings his extensive background in business development, including roles at General Electric, to his current role. He explains how his experience in product development, market strategy, and business growth informs his approach to helping local manufacturers tackle challenges and seize opportunities. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of workforce development, the increasing need for cybersecurity, and trends in advanced materials and sustainability. David also touches on the diverse team at MTEC and the organization's ongoing efforts to reach more manufacturers in the region. Tune in to learn more about how MTEC supports the manufacturing community and discover what’s on the horizon for this vital organization. For more information about MTEC, check out their website at mfgtec.org. -- The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.

    25 min
  5. SEP 3

    Bre Pettis, Owner of Bantam Tools

    In this podcast episode, Harold King, President of the Council of Industry, sits down with Bre Pettis, Owner of Bantam Tools. Bre shares exciting developments at Bantam Tools, including their latest product line—the Bantam Tools NextDraw. These cutting-edge drawing and handwriting machines are designed to make computer-controlled technology accessible to a wider audience, from artists and educators to real estate agents. Bre dives into the origins of the NextDraw, inspired by a project for the Whitney Museum of American Art and the work of pioneering artist Harold Cohen. He discusses the intersection of art and technology, the production challenges, and how Bantam Tools' machines are transforming education by providing hands-on learning experiences that engage kinesthetic learners and foster creativity. The conversation also explores the evolution of Bantam Tools’ offerings, from their CNC machines to their new line of art plotters, and how these tools are impacting various industries. Bre offers insights into the manufacturing process, the role of economies of scale, and the benefits of integrating technology from other industries. Join us as Bre Pettis reveals how Bantam Tools is making a difference in the world of art, education, and beyond, and learn how their machines are empowering the next generation of innovators. For more information about Bantam Tools, check out their website at www.bantamtools.com. -- The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Meet the people behind the products. For more than a century The Council of Industry has been supporting Hudson Valley manufacturers. Through training, advocacy, networking, information, workforce development and more The Council of Industry helps its member grow and prosper in and increasingly complicated global marketplace. From semi-conductors to Jet engine turbines – from apple pie filling to smoked salmon – from cosmetics to high definition micro displays – Council members make the products that make the world run.Through our podcast we introduce listeners to the people who own, work in, and support these businesses, businesses that together are the Council of Industry. We learn about their products and career paths. We learn about their leadership styles and their passion for their work. We learn about their challenges and their opportunities. In the process we learn more about manufacturing and why it is such a vital sector of our economy- vital to our region’s prosperity, our security and our future.We hope you enjoy listening and getting to know the people behind the products. If you have suggestions for people who are part of the Hudson Valley manufacturing community who you would like to know more about or think our listeners would enjoy hearing from please let us know by emailing jhansen@councilofindustry.org.

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