Manufacturing a Stronger Standard

DeGeest Corporation

Manufacturing a Stronger Standard podcast addresses simplifying automated solutions for general industry and upskilling your workforce. Derek DeGeest, and special guests, share relatable topics and applications meant to be educational, but more importantly, inspiring to help manufacturers through the robotics and automation movement in manufacturing. Bringing complex automated solutions to general industry in a simple way.

  1. Live from FABTECH 2023: Stories From the Field with LestaUSA’s Brad Ruppert

    10/04/2023

    Live from FABTECH 2023: Stories From the Field with LestaUSA’s Brad Ruppert

    Live from FABTECH 2023; there were plenty of stories to share from the world of automation, robotics, and finishing. In the bustling and competitive world of manufacturing, innovation is the name of the game. The rapid embracement of automation technologies is a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of efficiency and quality. A study by McKinsey suggests that the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies ranges between $1.2 to $3.7 trillion. Among these technologies, robotic automation stands out, offering a solution to labor shortages and ensuring consistent quality while reducing operational costs. How can companies seamlessly transition to automated processes, ensuring the acquired technology is leveraged to its full potential while the workforce adapts to this paradigm shift? In this insightful episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, presented by LestaUSA and taped live from FABTECH 2023, host Derek DeGeest, President of the DeGeest Corporation, engages Brad Ruppert, the Director of Operations for Automation at DeGeest Corporation, in a riveting discussion revolving around the integration of robotic automation in the finishing industry. Key takeaways from the episode include: • The remarkable growth of robotic automation in the industry emphasizing the shift from initial skepticism to widespread acceptance and the consequential competitive rush toward adoption • The unique approach of DeGeest Corporation in not just providing robotic arms but offering a comprehensive solution that encompasses understanding the specific needs of each client and tailoring the automation process accordingly • How DeGeest's self-learning robots, coupled with a team of dedicated specialists, facilitate a smoother transition to automation, ensuring that the system adapts to varying conditions and delivers consistent quality over time Brad Ruppert has a rich background, having grown up in a farm-based auto body shop where painting was part of everyday life. With an engineering background, he fused his foundational painting skills to carve a niche in project management within the industrial equipment sector, mainly focusing on paint systems. His journey led him to the DeGeest team, where he got his first taste of LestaUSA robots. Rupert’s ingenuity and hands-on experience have been instrumental in tailoring robotic solutions to meet the distinct needs of each manufacturing setup, thereby significantly reducing downtimes during system installations and ensuring optimal performance after that. This episode provides a granular look into the transformative power of robotic automation, shedding light on how a holistic approach to automation can propel manufacturing entities to new heights of efficiency and competitiveness. Each conversation is a narrative that underscores the compelling reality of modern-day manufacturing – intertwining human expertise with robotic precision to foster a stronger standard of operational excellence.

    15 min
  2. Live from FABTECH 2023: A Finishing Industry Update from LestaUSA National Sales Director, Steve Schwartz

    10/04/2023

    Live from FABTECH 2023: A Finishing Industry Update from LestaUSA National Sales Director, Steve Schwartz

    The modern manufacturing industry stands at the cusp of a paradigm shift ushered in by the robust adoption of robotic technology and automation, particularly in finishing operations. While promising a leap in efficiency and precision, this transition invites many challenges and considerations. As showcased in FABTECH 2023, the amalgamation of seasoned expertise with innovative automation solutions seems to herald a new era, yet the path is laden with queries awaiting elucidation. One pivotal question resonates amidst the technological uproar: How can manufacturers seamlessly integrate and optimally utilize robotic technology in their finishing operations to foster an unrivaled standard of excellence? In this episode of Manufacturing a Stronger Standard, hosted by Derek DeGeest, President of the DeGeest Corporation, DeGeest welcomes enlightening Steve Schwartz, the newly appointed National Sales Director for LestaUSA. Recorded live at FABTECH 2023, DeGeest and Schwartz provide a finishing industry update highlighting the intricate dynamics of integrating robotics in finishing operations and the myriad considerations in this transition. DeGeest and Schwartz discuss the following: • The significance of not merely integrating but aligning robotic technology with existing operations and local support systems to ensure a seamless transition and ongoing efficiency • The necessity of forging partnerships with local entities servicing the finishing industry, embodying a collaborative approach to navigating the complexities of robotic integration • The integral role of educating both distributors and end-users on the nuanced dynamics of robotics, ensuring an informed and adept transition towards automated operations. With his four and a half decades of experience in sales and distribution management, Steve Schwartz brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at LestaUSA. His vision encapsulates a collaborative ethos, aiming to foster a synergistic relationship between LestaUSA and local entities in the finishing industry. This partnership-centric approach seeks to ensure a smooth and informed transition towards robotic automation, addressing the multifaceted challenges head-on while propelling the finishing sector into a new epoch of operational excellence. As this finishing industry update between DeGeest and Schwartz unfolds, it becomes evident that the journey toward robust robotic integration is not solitary but a collaborative endeavor. With a precise focus on education, partnership, and ongoing support, the duo sheds light on a pragmatic pathway forward to harnessing the prowess of robotics in the finishing industry, promising a brighter horizon for manufacturers striving to thrive in the modern industrial landscape.

    14 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Manufacturing a Stronger Standard podcast addresses simplifying automated solutions for general industry and upskilling your workforce. Derek DeGeest, and special guests, share relatable topics and applications meant to be educational, but more importantly, inspiring to help manufacturers through the robotics and automation movement in manufacturing. Bringing complex automated solutions to general industry in a simple way.