Future-Proofing Manufacturing: Why Growing New Talent Matters

Future-Proofing Manufacturing: Why Growing New Talent Matters

In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little talks with Danny Stamps, Plant Manager of the South Shop, about the growing talent gap in manufacturing and how companies can prepare the next generation of skilled workers. They explore how automation supports, not replaces, craftsmanship, the skills future manufacturing professionals need, and how mentorship, apprenticeships, and cross-training are helping develop talent from within. Key Takeaways *  Manufacturing faces an aging workforce and a widening skills gap  *  Future skills include digital literacy, robotics, automation, and data analysis  *  Automation enhances skilled trades rather than replacing them  *  Mentorship and cross-training preserve knowledge and accelerate growth  *  Apprenticeships and school partnerships create strong talent pipelines  *  A positive company culture is key to retention and engagement  Why Listen Hear real success stories of employees growing from entry-level roles into advanced positions and learn how investing in people helps future-proof manufacturing.

Fan-tastic Solutions: Inside the Ultimate Fan Experience

Industrial fans are the heart of heavy industry, moving massive volumes of air and gas through critical systems in pulp & paper, cement, steel, and energy production. In this episode, Jen Little [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-d-little-9672b8ab/?skipRedirect=true] sits down with Mike Piazza, Director of Air Handling at ProcessBarron [https://processbarron.com/], to explore how industrial fan rotors are engineered, maintained, repaired, and upgraded to keep plants running safely and efficiently. From fan failures and preventive maintenance to computational modeling and wireless monitoring, this conversation dives into the real-world engineering and operational challenges behind the massive equipment powering industrial facilities. If you work in plant operations, reliability, maintenance, or engineering, this episode delivers practical insights on reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and extending equipment life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode *  Why industrial fans are the “heart” of plant air movement systems  *  How improper fan sizing impacts energy costs and system performance  *  The real cost of fan failure and forced outages  *  How fan rotors are engineered for unique industrial applications  *  Common causes of rotor and bearing failures  *  The Inspect & Advise process for fan repair and reverse engineering  *  How computational modeling improves fan performance and upgrades  *  New safety innovations like industrial fan braking systems  *  How wireless monitoring is changing the future of reliability Key Takeaways *  Fan failures can cost plants hundreds of thousands per day in lost production.  *  Preventive maintenance is essential to avoid catastrophic outages.  *  Modern modeling allows performance upgrades without replacing housings.  *  Wireless sensors now provide real-time vibration and temperature alerts.  *  Rapid repair and manufacturing capabilities are critical for uptime.  Who Should Listen Plant managers, reliability engineers, maintenance teams, and anyone responsible for industrial equipment performance and uptime. Follow Powering the Process for practical insights to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and keep your process moving.

Pulp & Paper: How ProcessBarron Supports the Industry Behind Everyday Life

In this episode of Powering the Process, we break down the real work behind the pulp and paper industry, one of the most essential sectors in modern manufacturing. From Amazon shipping boxes and packaging to tissue, diapers, labels, and paper products, pulp and paper mills power everyday life more than most people realize. Host Jen Little is joined by Joe Waite, Vice President of Air Handling and Material Handling Products [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-waite-27696010/], to explore how pulp and paper mills operate, the biggest maintenance and efficiency challenges plants face, and how modern upgrades are helping mills stay productive, sustainable, and compliant. This episode covers: • How the pulp and paper industry evolved in the digital age • Why containerboard and packaging demand are booming • How power boilers, dust collectors, and fans impact plant efficiency • The hidden cost of particulate and equipment erosion in industrial facilities • A real-world case study that eliminated millions in downtime • Preventive maintenance strategies that reduce shutdown risk • How mills meet environmental regulations and emissions standards • Career advice for engineers and professionals entering industrial manufacturing Whether you work in manufacturing, engineering, plant operations, maintenance, or industrial sales, or you’re simply curious about how everyday products are made, this episode delivers practical insights from inside the plant. Subscribe to Powering the Process for weekly conversations about industrial manufacturing, plant reliability, process engineering, and real-world solutions that keep production running with ProcessBarron's [https://processbarron.com/] support.

Cement Strong: How ProcessBarron Supports This Industry in Building North America

In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with ProcessBarron Regional Sales Manager Brian Harris, aka “the cement guy," to explore the critical role cement plays in modern infrastructure and how cement plants keep operations running efficiently. From highways and bridges to homes and skyscrapers, cement is one of the most essential building materials in the world. But producing it requires precision, reliability, and equipment that can survive one of the most abrasive industrial environments. In this conversation, we break down how cement plants operate, the biggest challenges they face today, and how ProcessBarron helps plants improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. What you’ll learn in this episode: *  Why cement is vital to America’s infrastructure  *  The key systems required to keep cement plants running at peak performance  *  How fans, drag chain conveyors, and material handling equipment support the cement process  *  A behind-the-scenes look at a massive 320-ft downcomer duct project delivered on an extremely tight timeline  *  Common operational challenges in cement plants, including dust control and plugged cyclones  *  How fan efficiency upgrades can reduce energy usage and improve plant performance  *  How environmental regulations and carbon capture are shaping the future of the cement industry  *  Why durability and wear protection are essential for equipment that must survive year-long campaigns  *  Advice for young engineers and sales professionals interested in heavy industrial careers  Brian also shares insights into how the cement industry is evolving, why most work today focuses on maintenance and upgrades rather than new plants, and how ProcessBarron supports customers as a “one-stop shop” for equipment feeding the kiln and handling material downstream. If you’re involved in cement, heavy manufacturing, or industrial operations, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply to keep your process moving. 👉 Learn more about ProcessBarron and how we help plants handle everything better.

Precision in Motion: A Day in the Life of Field Services

What does it really take to keep industrial plants running efficiently? In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with Joey Taylor, Field Service Superintendent, and Levi Taylor, Field Service General Foreman, to take you inside the world of field service crews [https://processbarron.com/about-us/field-services-opportunities/]. From early morning safety protocols to high-stakes equipment installations, they share what it takes to perform precision work under pressure. You’ll hear firsthand how millwrights operate within thousandths of an inch, why safety is more than just a checklist, and what separates a good crew from a great one. Whether you're in manufacturing, considering a skilled trades career, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes during plant outages, this episode delivers real-world insight from the field. Key Topics Covered * What a typical day looks like for a field service crew * The critical role of safety, training, and lockout/tagout procedures * Precision alignment and why millwright work demands accuracy * Real-world challenges of heavy equipment installation and rigging * How technology (like wireless alignment tools and digital reporting) is changing the field * The realities of travel, long hours, and working on industrial job sites * What makes a strong field service team, and what to look for in new hires * Why skilled trades careers offer opportunity, growth, and stability Guests Joey Taylor, Field Service Superintendent  With 15+ years of experience, Joey brings deep knowledge of field operations, safety, and leadership. He’s spent his career managing crews, solving complex challenges, and ensuring work gets done right the first time. Levi Taylor, Field Service General Foreman  Levi leads crews in the field with a focus on precision work and hands-on execution. With a background rooted in skilled trades, he brings practical insight into what it takes to succeed in industrial maintenance. Want to learn more about field service [https://processbarron.com/industrial-field-services/preventive-maintenance/], industrial maintenance [https://processbarron.com/request-a-quote/], or careers in manufacturing [https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/BBECED49260C138530D4AACF3545FC5C/career-page]? Stay tuned for more episodes of Powering the Process. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone in the industry.