Manufacturing Stream

Chris Rost
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Cut through the noise. Solve real problems. Transform your shop floor.Manufacturing Stream delivers hard-hitting, actionable insights from decades of shop floor experience. In just 15-30 minutes per episode, hosts Eric Whitley and Chris Rost tackle what's actually dragging down your manufacturing performance - with a laser focus on eliminating costly downtime and accelerating digital maturity.No corporate fluff, no theoretical nonsense. Just proven strategies and real stories from the manufacturing frontline . In each episode, we bring you industry veterans who've been in your shoes and know exactly what it takes to slash downtime, boost productivity, and turn chaos into clockwork through smart digital transformation and (un)conventional wisdom.Whether you're putting out fires as a plant manager or driving digital initiatives from the C-suite, Manufacturing Stream delivers the experience and proven tactics to improve your operations.Subscribe now. Your competition already has.

  1. Here's Why Downtime Can Cost You Millions | 2025 Downtime Report from L2L

    10/24/2025

    Here's Why Downtime Can Cost You Millions | 2025 Downtime Report from L2L

    Did you know that 93% of manufacturers we surveyed had taken steps to reduce downtime?  Well how about the fact that only 43% reported that these measures were effective? Downtime happens in manufacturing, it's a fact of the industry. But reducing your unplanned downtime (and improving your planned downtime) is one of the highest ROI actions that teams can take on the shop floor.  In this episode, we're joined by our own Annika Björkholm and Eric Whitley to take a deep dive into our brand new 2025 Downtime Report - where we ask more than 600 manufacturing professionals:  ❓Why do you struggle with downtime? ❓What are you doing to fix it? ❓And how much is it really costing you? Find the answers, and much more, in the report. You can download it here: https://hubs.li/Q03MWwSB0 l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    47 min
  2. What Makes A Process Truly Effective? Dive Deeper Into Process Design and More with Tom Williams and Michael Hurd

    09/25/2025

    What Makes A Process Truly Effective? Dive Deeper Into Process Design and More with Tom Williams and Michael Hurd

    A good process is... One that involves everyone using it. Seems simple enough, but designing effective processes for manufacturing demands a winning combination of experience, empathy, and iterative thinking. This episode of Manufacturing Stream features Tom Williams, Head of Design and Process Engineering at Pandrol, and L2L CMMS/MES Implementation Consultant Michael Hurd. Both have decades of experience leading teams and improving processes on the shop floor. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - How to build an effective process and generate frontline buy-in - The art of balancing effiency and labor costs in manufacturing - How standardization drives quality - How solving process hangups often starts with the frontline - The similarities and many, many differences in process design between a modular housing start up and a global industrial supply chain - How implementing better tech takes buy-in and a good set of ears (and eyes) Key moments: 00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Experts 05:48 Global Challenges in Manufacturing 11:37 Flexibility in Production Processes 17:01 Defining Effective Processes 23:05 Process Improvement Strategies 24:32 Diverse Processes Across Manufacturing Locations 26:17 Memorable Problem-Solving Experiences 26:54 Learning from Failures in Maintenance Planning 28:52 Comparing Startups and Established Companies 31:26 Building a Maintenance Team from Scratch 35:11 Engaging Teams in Process Improvement 36:47 Implementing Better Tech in Manufacturing 42:46 Measuring ROI  Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your processes on the shop floor! l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    45 min
  3. Lean Growing Pains, Fixing Handoffs, and Angry Technicians | We React to the Best of r/manufacturing

    07/24/2025

    Lean Growing Pains, Fixing Handoffs, and Angry Technicians | We React to the Best of r/manufacturing

    From the manufacturing Reddit community to our podcast: we have Lean experts Mohsin Saeed and Eric Whitley react to the best threads from the past couple of months.  We explore everything from improving shift handoffs to dealing with overworked maintenance technicians.  🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Effective systems are crucial for smooth handoffs in manufacturing. - Data-driven decision-making is essential for identifying root causes of issues. - How skills gap in manufacturing often lies in troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities. - Lean philosophy should be ingrained in the culture of your organization. 📍 00:00 Introduction 03:08 Story 1 - Getting handoffs right 14:47 Story 2 - The problem with Lean transitions 27:37 Story 3 - Unhappy technicians and a friendly wager  40:07 Story 4 - Who's responsibility is it, anyways? 🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor! l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    49 min
  4. From Reactive to Proactive | Fighting Downtime with Smarter Maintenance

    06/05/2025

    From Reactive to Proactive | Fighting Downtime with Smarter Maintenance

    Welcome back to the Manufacturing Stream Podcast! This week we dive into downtime - and how to beat it with better maintenance strategies. This episode features your host Eric Whitley and Joel Cook, Maintenance and Automation Manager at ChampionX.  🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - How a proactive maintenance approach can significantly reduce downtime - Why collaboration between maintenance and operations enhances overall efficiency - How to minimize downtime with more effective spare parts management - Why engaging technicians in the documentation process improves accuracy and efficiency - How to navigate common staffing challenges in maintenance - And much, much more 📍 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Joel Cooke's Journey in Maintenance Management 04:04 Evolving Maintenance Philosophy: From Reactive to Proactive 06:31 Implementing Continuous Improvement in Maintenance 09:54 Enhancing Communication and Collaboration 12:17 Documenting Processes and Continuous Improvement 14:38 Managing Spare Parts and Equipment 16:21 Understanding Downtime: Causes and Impacts 18:40 Navigating Staffing Challenges in Maintenance 21:00 Understanding Downtime and Operator Skills 22:13 Implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) 25:18 Capturing Minor Stops and Operator Engagement 26:22 Future Plans with L2L and Operational Availability 30:22 Overcoming Challenges in Technology Implementation 🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor! l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    31 min
  5. Tech Expert Reacts: AI, Automation, and New Skills Data

    05/08/2025

    Tech Expert Reacts: AI, Automation, and New Skills Data

    The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation. Hosted by Chris Rost, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room. This episode features manufacturing tech expert Willemijn Schneyder, as she reacts to some of the most profound takeaways from our 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report. We explore AI, Automation, and the needs of the frontline workforce across a number of roles in the manufacturing workforce. 🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - How AI and Automation can help reverse the skills gap - Why a lot of our training methods aren’t landing in 2025 - How deep the skills gap really goes - Why some manufacturers are hesitating to deploy upskilling strategies - And much, much more 📍 00:00 Introduction 03:04 Demographics and Generational Insights 05:55 Preparedness for AI and Automation 08:54 Understanding AI’s Role in Manufacturing 12:04 Statistics on AI Impact in Manufacturing 15:02 Simplification and Acceleration of Processes 17:59 Data Literacy and Skills Gaps 20:50 Future Skills and Workforce Development 21:47 The Role of AI in Manufacturing 24:39 Real-Time Analytics: The Missing Link 27:33 Addressing the Skills Gap in Manufacturing 30:08 Transforming Training Approaches 34:33 Engagement and Retention in the Workforce 39:54 The Importance of Communication Skills 👉 Download your free copy of the 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report here:https://www.l2l.com/resources/research-report-2025 🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing! l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    40 min
  6. Frontline Experts React: Skills Gaps, Unfilled Jobs, and New Tech

    05/01/2025

    Frontline Experts React: Skills Gaps, Unfilled Jobs, and New Tech

    The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation. Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room. This episode also features manufacturing expert Jim Mayer - Founder of The Manufacturing Connector.  Eric and Jim have decades of experience at the manufacturing frontline - today we'll get their takes on data from L2L's new 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report. 🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Just how serious the growing skills gap is in manufacturing - Our responsibility to engage a new generation of workers - How soft skills contribute to the manufacturing skills gap - The amount of investment in upskilling is less than you think! - The role of AI and Automation in manufacturing skills - And much more... l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    43 min
  7. Here’s What Your Manufacturing Frontline Really Wants | Better Tech + Better Culture = Success

    04/16/2025

    Here’s What Your Manufacturing Frontline Really Wants | Better Tech + Better Culture = Success

    The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation. Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room. This episode features experts Jason Anthoine (manufacturing culture expert and founder of Employee Experienced) and our very own Willemijn Schneyder (frontline advocate and L2L CSO). This episode takes a deep dive into how we should shape our approach to delivering manufacturing tech to those who need it the most - the frontline teams who use it every day. 🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Why human connection is still top of the list in Industry 5.0 - How modern tech can simplify tasks - or how bad tech can make them more complex - How empowered, confident teams adapt to new tools more easily - Why cultural shifts are necessary to retain skilled workers in manufacturing - Success stories from major companies show effective strategies for boosting retention through engagement - And much, much more 📌 00:00 Introduction 04:42 Understanding Turnover in Manufacturing 09:05 The Human Side of Employee Retention 13:31 Shifting Strategies for Manufacturing Leadership 18:09 Cultural Impact on Manufacturing Careers 22:08 Pride in Craftsmanship 26:41 Intentional Leadership and Employee Retention 28:25 Leveraging Technology for Frontline Workers 31:41 The Role of Confidence in Technology Adoption 36:36 Future Challenges 👉 Check out Employee Experienced https://www.jasonanthoine.com/ to keep learning from culture expert Jason Anthoine. 👉Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today! 🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing! #ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #training #employeeengagement #employeedevelopment l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    33 min
  8. Better Employee Development for the Frontline | Solving More Than a Labor Shortage in Manufacturing

    04/03/2025

    Better Employee Development for the Frontline | Solving More Than a Labor Shortage in Manufacturing

    The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation. Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room. This episode features experts Jim Mayer - manufacturing culture expert and founder of The Manufacturing Connector -  and our very own Co-Host Eric Whitley. They have a combined 50+ years of experience as leaders in the industry, and together they’ll explore how re-thinking employee development can reduce turnover and improve short-term and long-term engagement for the people working at the frontline. 🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - How understanding the human side of turnover is essential for retention. - That career pathing and clear growth opportunities are vital for employee engagement. - Why cultural shifts are necessary to retain skilled workers in manufacturing. - How technology can play a significant role in empowering frontline workers. - That success stories from major companies show effective strategies for boosting retention through engagement. - And much, much more. 📌 00:00 Introduction 04:42 Understanding Turnover in Manufacturing 09:05 The Human Side of Employee Retention 13:31 Shifting Strategies for Manufacturing Leadership 18:09 Cultural Impact on Manufacturing Careers 22:08 Pride in Craftsmanship 26:41 Intentional Leadership and Employee Retention 28:25 Leveraging Technology for Frontline Workers 31:41 The Role of Confidence in Technology Adoption 36:36 Addressing Turnover and Future Challenges 👉 Check out The Manufacturing Connector at https://themfgconnector.com/ to keep learning from culture expert Jim Mayer. 👉 Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today! 🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing! #ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #training #employeeengagement #employeedevelopment l2l.com Youtube: @leading2lean

    41 min
See All (48)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Cut through the noise. Solve real problems. Transform your shop floor.Manufacturing Stream delivers hard-hitting, actionable insights from decades of shop floor experience. In just 15-30 minutes per episode, hosts Eric Whitley and Chris Rost tackle what's actually dragging down your manufacturing performance - with a laser focus on eliminating costly downtime and accelerating digital maturity.No corporate fluff, no theoretical nonsense. Just proven strategies and real stories from the manufacturing frontline . In each episode, we bring you industry veterans who've been in your shoes and know exactly what it takes to slash downtime, boost productivity, and turn chaos into clockwork through smart digital transformation and (un)conventional wisdom.Whether you're putting out fires as a plant manager or driving digital initiatives from the C-suite, Manufacturing Stream delivers the experience and proven tactics to improve your operations.Subscribe now. Your competition already has.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Rost
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Manufacturing Stream
  • Show Website
    Manufacturing Stream