Manufacturing Insiders

Manufacturing Insiders

di Nate Wheeler
Lavoro
Stagione 1
This Machine is an Entire Small Batch Factory
On Demand Production is the Ultimate Form of Efficiency. This is the shocking capability that has elevated the concept of Microfactories. For decades, whole economies have been built around the idea that the most efficient way to make something is to make a lot of it. Build the tooling. Build the factory. Buy the inventory. Move the parts through a long supply chain. But what happens when the customer doesn't want 10,000 identical parts? What happens when they want 10? Or 1? In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nathan Wheeler sits down with Francesco De Stefano, Co-Founder and CEO of Caracol AM, one of the leading global suppliers of large-format 6+ axis 3D printing machines, to explore how modern iterations of large-format additive manufacturing is enabling a different kind of factory - one built around speed, customization, and on demand production. Caracol's robotic additive manufacturing systems can produce large, complex, custom parts without the traditional tooling and inventory requirements. The applications are already stretching across industries, from aerospace and automotive to marine, construction, furniture, energy, and industrial tooling. But this technology isn't just about making parts differently. It's about making manufacturing itself more flexible. Francesco explains how Caracol has been building a network of manufacturing partners that can receive digital designs and produce parts closer to where they are needed. Instead of waiting even longer for finished products to be shipped across the world, any nearby shop with a Caracol machine can receive a digital file and complete the order. Microfactories are becoming the next competitive advantage in global manufacturing. It's speed. It's customization. And it's the ability to move from a digital design to a physical product without building enormous manufacturing infrastructure around every new idea. Watch the Interview Now > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxsGVJLSKj4 Subscribe to Manufacturing Insiders for more conversations with manufacturing leaders about technology, automation, AI, workforce development, and the ideas shaping the future of manufacturing. Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate Web Design & Marketing, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/contact
S1 · E104
24 ago 2026
37:29
You're Collecting Data. Now What? | Tom Ferrucci - Natco
There is a reason Data is literally becoming the talk of every town in America. It has proven itself to be one of the most powerful tools in any arsenal. And while the massive increases in data center projects are controversial for many reasons including the nefarious uses of that data, when data is put to the correct use, its impact on your manufacturing operation can’t be ignored. Manufacturers are sitting on a gold mine of information from their machines, operators, ERP systems, supply chains, and production processes. The challenge is figuring out what data actually matters, how to collect it, and what to do with it once you have it. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate Wheeler sits down with Tom Ferrucci, a Chief Information Officer with decades of experience connecting IT and Operational Technology in manufacturing. Tom explains how manufacturers can start turning their operations into a source of actionable data — even when they're working with older, legacy equipment. We cover how to identify what data you actually need to collect, how to bring digital data collection to legacy manufacturing equipment, how to use ERP systems and data warehouses to centralize manufacturing data and build dashboards for operators, managers, and executives, why data quality and data governance matter more than simply having more data, and the increasing use of AI systems to quickly detect patterns, anomalies and insights hidden in data. One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is simple: If your data is bad, better technology won't fix the problem. Subscribe to Manufacturing Insiders for more conversations with manufacturing leaders about technology, automation, AI, workforce development, and the strategies shaping the future of American manufacturing.. Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate Web Design & Marketing, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/contact
S1 · E103
14 ago 2026
41:20
The Workforce You Want is Already in the Untied States!
This will change the way you think about importing workers. It's no secret that manufacturers across many industries in the United States are struggling to find workers. But what if a significant workforce is already in the United States? In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate Wheeler sits down with Clay Martin, founder of Isla Talent Recruiting, to explore an unconventional approach to the manufacturing workforce shortage: recruiting workers from Puerto Rico. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, manufacturers can access this workforce without many of the visa and immigration complications associated with recruiting internationally. Clay explains how he connects manufacturers with workers looking for better opportunities, why many are willing to relocate, and how this approach can help companies break out of the revolving door of recruiting, hiring, and losing employees. But this isn't a simple solution, and Clay is upfront about the challenges. Housing and transportation have to be addressed. Language barriers can require translation tools, bilingual employees, or other support. Manufacturers need to understand that recruiting workers from Puerto Rico is about more than filling a position — it requires companies to think differently about how they support and retain their workforce. Clay also shares how he evaluates manufacturers before working with them, why company culture matters, and why he has turned down potential clients who weren't willing to take the "human aspect" of recruiting seriously. For manufacturers struggling with workforce shortages, this conversation offers a different question: What if the workforce you're looking for has been right under your nose? Watch the Interview Now > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGaODuH6um8 Visit their Website! https://www.recruitingpuertorico.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate Web Design & Marketing, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/contact
S1 · E102
7 ago 2026
38:43
Achieving ISO Certifications as a Small Manufacturer | Nerio Rivera - IMSM
Never before have certifications been so important for a manufacturing business. Yet, many small manufacturing shops dismiss acquiring certifications as impossible. From lacking time, to everyone already wearing so many hats, it just seems impossible to add something else to the mix. Whether it is ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, or another industry-specific standard, certifications have become a competitive advantage that reaches far beyond compliance. They build trust, open doors to new customers, reduce operational risk, and prove your processes can consistently deliver quality. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate Wheeler sits down with Nerio Rivera, Senior client manager of IMSM, to break down the certification landscape. They discuss which certifications matter most across industries like aerospace, medical, and general manufacturing, what it really takes to maintain compliance, and why certifications are becoming increasingly important as supply chains demand greater accountability. They also address small shop owners directly, offering practical advance and experience surrounding how to maintain documentation, consistently pass audits, and invest in quality systems when everyone is already wearing so many hats. Nerio shares practical advice on balancing day-to-day production with long-term process improvement, showing that certification isn't just about passing an audit, but about building a stronger, more resilient business. If you're considering certification, or currently maintaining an existing quality management system, or a small shop owner trying to understand which standards make the most sense for your shop, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Watch on Youtube > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xoeq_AaYJZk If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://imsm-iso.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/contact/
S1 · E101
23 lug 2026
47:09
These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz
Manufacturers are facing a problem that can’t be solved with hiring alone. Decades of skilled trades knowledge are retiring out of the workforce, and many companies still rely on training systems that were built for a different generation. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate sits down with Jen Rutz, President of DCM Tech, to discuss how manufacturers are rethinking skilled trades learning and development in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation explores how companies can preserve tribal knowledge, accelerate workforce development, and modernize training without losing the craftsmanship that built the industry in the first place. It also covers topics surrounding The use of AI in this process, the changing marketing landscape as AI search becomes more prominent, and the use of robotics and automation on the shop floor. For manufacturers trying to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, this episode offers practical insights into one of the industry’s biggest long-term challenges. For manufacturers trying to navigate modern marketing without losing their identity, this episode offers practical insights grounded in real experience. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.circuithub.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/
S1 · E100
4 giu 2026
41:11
Unbelievable Fast Turnaround: 8-Hour Order-to-Print | William Gallacher - CircuitHub
The history of technological development can be defined by decreasing the time it takes to do something. Amazon changed customer expectations forever by turning speed into part of the product itself. Two-day shipping became one-day shipping, and eventually same-day delivery. Customers weren’t just buying products anymore, they were buying time. In this episode, we sit down with William Gallacher, CEO of CircuitHub, to discuss how they have taken turnover for custom circuit board production and shipping down from 6 weeks to just 3 days, printing the board within 8 hours of the order. From supply chain optimization and logistics to automation and company culture, William explains why no value offering compares to helping customers move faster. When it comes to technology speed compounds. Faster board creation leads to faster testing, faster iteration, and ultimately faster innovation. This conversation breaks down what it really takes to build a manufacturing operation around that philosophy. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.porouspaveinc.com/
S1 · E99
3 giu 2026
44:40
Do You Even Understand What You Sell? | Connor Ouwinga - Porous Pave Inc.
Most manufacturers think they’re selling a product. They’re not. They’re selling a result. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Connor Ouwinga of Porous Pave breaks down what it really means to understand your value proposition—and why the companies that win are the ones who can clearly articulate and understand where their product fits into solving customer problems. Because in most cases… it’s not about cost. It’s about whether you’re actually the solution. This conversation goes beyond surface-level marketing and gets into the real work: - Identifying the problems your customers actually care about - Positioning your product as a clear solution - Making smarter investments in automation and AI - Navigating uncertainty—from global conflict to economic shifts - Building a business grounded in purpose, and long-term vision This is a masterclass in turning what you do into a story that actually sticks. Manufacturing Insiders is all about sharing real stories from leaders who are solving the toughest challenges in the industry. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.porouspaveinc.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/
S1 · E98
6 mag 2026
43:53
Workforce Motivation has NEVER been lower | Josh Cardoz - Sponge Learning
Josh Cardoz is the Chief Creative and Learning Officer of Sponge, A global enterprise learning company, focused on enabling the workforces of the world. They recently released a whitepaper entitled Mobilizing Generation Numb, which tackles global upheaval, economic instability, the insidious after-effects of the pandemic, and the digital saturation that is creating a workforce generation that is ‘numb.’ This conversation tackles many of these topics including economic instability, ai uncertainty, digital overstimulation and the role each plays in creating a numb workforce. You will not want to miss this incredible conversation! Visit their Website! https://www.spongelearning.com/en/meet-generation-numb. Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ Welcome back Maria Emilia Ballesteros, Defense Architect at praesiDM, who joins us as a co-host on today's episode! Want to be a guest? Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/
S1 · E97
4 mar 2026
57:52
The 10 Year Plan that Built this Machine Shop
Chris Basgall is the CEO of Catamount Machine Works, whose 10 year plan, covered in this video, has secured their AS9100 Certification, their ITAR Registration, their JCP Certification, and are CMMC 2.0 Compliant. This conversation covers this 10 year plan, incorporating automation, the value of certifications, the role of leadership in implementing the plan, and how they create the incentives necessary to maintain compliance. This is an amazing conversation anyone can learn from! Visit their Website! https://catmw.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ Want to be a guest? Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/
S1 · E96
25 feb 2026
41:00
The Pain Points in Component Finishing Nobody Addresses | Steve Alviti - Bel Air Finishing
Steve Alviti is the President of Bel Air Finishing Supply Corporation, where they engineer individualized mass finishing solutions for industries like jewelry, metal finishing, precious metal polishing, and recovery applications. This is a really insightful conversation into the process of Bel Air in creating these individualized automation solutions. We cover their value proposition, how automation drives their solutions, and how they handle customer pain points. Take some time to learn from Steve’s vast experience in the manufacturing industry. Visit their Website! https://belairfinishing.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ Want to be a guest? Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/
S1 · E95
25 feb 2026
40:39
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