Doug Longenecker – NKST

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, Peter sits down with Doug Longenecker, founder of NKST, to talk about what really happens when strategy meets the shop floor. Doug shares how his hybrid consultancy-agency approach helps manufacturers close the gap between big-picture plans and day-to-day execution and why so many companies struggle to bridge that divide. The conversation also dives into AI: the hype, the wild west of vendors, and why companies need solid data, governance, and human checkpoints before chasing efficiency at all costs.  Sponsored by Promess Inc., the leading provider of fully electric servo presses for manufacturing.  Listen Now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/manufacturing-unscripted     @Doug Longenecker @NKST @peter parsons  @promess 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons sits down with Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Representative of Michigan’s 11th District and one of the nation’s leading champions for manufacturing. From her early roots growing up around heavy equipment in Michigan to her pivotal role on the Obama administration’s Automotive Rescue Task Force, Congresswoman Stevens shares a first‑hand account of what it takes to protect and grow America’s manufacturing economy. The conversation explores the historic auto rescue of General Motors and Chrysler and why saving the broader supply chain, not just the OEMs, was critical to Michigan’s economic survival. Stevens offers behind‑the‑scenes insight into the challenges of stabilizing an industry during the Great Recession and how that experience shaped her lifelong commitment to industrial policy. Looking to the present and future, Stevens discusses the legislation she has helped pass to strengthen domestic manufacturing, including workforce development initiatives, STEM education, the CHIPS and Science Act, advanced manufacturing R&D, supply‑chain resiliency, and critical minerals policy. She also shares why bipartisan cooperation is often strongest around manufacturing issues and how policymakers can better partner with job creators on the shop floor. The episode wraps with a forward‑looking discussion on emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, advanced materials, sustainability, and recycling, and why manufacturing innovation remains at the heart of economic growth, national security, and opportunity. Above all, Stevens delivers a clear message to manufacturers of all sizes: your work matters, it is valued, and Michigan will continue helping lead the future of American manufacturing. Sponsored by Promess Inc., the leading provider of fully electric servo presses for manufacturing. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Uq9lf2JfsKE 

Fellow Promess applications engineer Baily Dotson joins Peter on the podcast this week. Peter and Baily discuss their job as applications engineers and the difficulties of explaining their jobs to people outside of the manufacturing industry. They also talk about workplace culture and Promess’ culture in particular. Peter and Baily finish the conversation with lessons they’ve learned along their journey as engineers. @promess  @Baily Dotson@peter parsons  Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/f5rJ8VwRvSQ #ManufacturingUnscripted # #PromessInc #ApplicationsEngineer#CareerGrowth #PeterParsons #ManufacturingPodcast #CustomerFirst #Engineering #ManufacturingInnovation 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons talks with Ben Carlson, Founder and CEO of Mach 1 Mechatronics Academy. Ben shares how Mach 1 trains students to be truly day‑one ready for manufacturing jobs through hands-on learning—building, repairing, and troubleshooting real machines just as they would on the shop floor. Mach 1’s culture is built on loyalty, integrity, and hard work. Students range from recent high school graduates to employees sent by their companies to upskill. Everyone leaves with real-world experience and the confidence to step directly into a manufacturing career. With a 100% job placement rate, Mach 1 shows what’s possible when students get practical training and the right mindset. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gfL1A3Yu2tA @peter parsons  @ben carlson  @Mach 1 Mechatronics Academy @Promess  #ManufacturingUnscripted #ManufacturingCareers #Mach1Mechatronics #SkillsTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #ManufacturingJobs #Mechatronics #TechnicalTraining #Upskilling #FutureOfManufacturing #DayOneReady 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons dives into the world of cybersecurity with Jonathon Hard, Founder, President, and CEO of H2L Solutions. Jonathon shares how he built H2L from the ground up, driven by determination and a refusal to fail, and how the company now helps protect critical systems across government and industrial environments. He talks openly about the challenges that shaped H2L’s growth, including the frustration many customers feel when faced with strict cybersecurity requirements and tight compliance deadlines. Jonathon also breaks down the true cost of cybersecurity — not just financially, but in time, resources, and organizational change — when navigating government regulations and industry standards. This episode offers an honest look at what it takes to tackle complex cyber challenges while building a mission-driven company with long-term resilience.  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pe0sYgx_MUI  @peter parsons @Jonathan H.  @H2L Solutions Inc. @Promess  #ManufacturingUnscripted #Cybersecurity #IndustrialSecurity #H2LSolutions #ManufacturingIT #ComplianceStandards #CMMC #SmartManufacturing #PeterParsons #ManufacturingPodcast #DefenseIndustry 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons is joined by Amir Haramaty, Co-Founder and President of aiOla, to talk about how voice-driven AI is changing the way manufacturers collect and use data on the shop floor. Amir explains how aiOla turns everyday speech into structured, usable data — essentially giving manufacturing systems the ability to “listen.” By capturing information in real time and fitting directly into existing workflows, the technology helps eliminate manual data entry, shorten process times, and improve overall efficiency without disrupting operations. The conversation also explores how aiOla adapts to each company’s specific processes and has already delivered measurable results across a wide range of real-world applications. Peter and Amir wrap up by discussing the importance of using accurate data to support better decision-making and manage risk in today’s fast-moving manufacturing environments. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p91Pdm70N30  @peter parsons @Amir Haramaty  @aiOla @Promess  #ManufacturingUnscripted #VoiceAI #aiOla #AIinManufacturing #SmartManufacturing #DigitalTransformation #ManufacturingTechnology #Industry40 #ShopFloorInnovation #PeterParsons #ManufacturingPodcast 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons welcomes back Chris McMahon, Sales Manager at ANDRITZ Schuler North America in Canton, Michigan, to talk about what’s new at Schuler — including the company’s recent transition to ANDRITZ Schuler and the installation of their third hydroforming press. Chris explains Schuler’s role as a press manufacturer, hydroforming specialist, and tooling supplier, and why hydroforming remains a powerful solution for creating complex, high-strength parts with strong consistency and repeatability. He also shares some of the tradeoffs manufacturers need to consider, including longer cycle times and higher upfront costs. The conversation also touches on Chris’s experience selling both parts and dies, how Schuler supports customers across the full production process, and what he’s seeing in the market right now. While he’s encouraged by new vehicle programs and growing product activity, he also shares thoughtful concerns about how suppliers will navigate the changing manufacturing landscape. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KWCcIW5ksu0  @peter parsons @Chris McMahon  @ANDRITZ Schuler North America @Promess  #ManufacturingUnscripted #Hydroforming #ANDRITZSchuler #MetalForming #ManufacturingTechnology #AutomotiveManufacturing #ToolingAndDies #ManufacturingTrends #PeterParsons #ManufacturingPodcast 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons sits down with Jason Rolland from Carbon to explore the evolving world of 3D printing and advanced materials. The conversation dives into the different types of materials used in additive manufacturing, including how Carbon mixes materials using UV liquid resins to create highly specialized, production-ready parts. Peter and Jason also discuss the development process behind 3D printing — not just from a technology standpoint, but from a learning and growth perspective. Jason shares how Carbon approaches innovation by developing solutions alongside customers, ensuring real-world applications drive product advancement. The episode wraps with a look at Carbon’s unique business model, including their subscription-based approach and how they partner with contract manufacturers to scale production. This conversation offers valuable insight for manufacturers interested in additive manufacturing, material science, and new ways to bring advanced technology to market.  Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYOOA58YcZ0  @peter parsons @Jason Rolland  #ManufacturingUnscripted #3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #Carbon3D #AdvancedMaterials #UVResins #ManufacturingInnovation #SmartManufacturing #DigitalManufacturing #PeterParsons #ManufacturingPodcast 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons sits down with Nelson Bruton, President of Manufacturing Chats, to discuss the growing role of chat bots in manufacturing websites and digital strategy. Nelson and Peter explore why chat bots are becoming an important tool for manufacturers, how they can improve customer engagement, and where companies need to be careful not to lose the human touch. They dive into finding the “sweet spot” — giving chat bots enough information to be useful without removing meaningful human interaction from the sales and support process. The conversation also covers who the ideal customer is for chat bots, where they add the most value, and how manufacturers can use them to better qualify leads, answer questions faster, and enhance the overall website experience.  Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYOOA58YcZ0  @peter parsons @nelson bruton  #ManufacturingUnscripted #ChatBotsInManufacturing #ManufacturingChats #DigitalManufacturing #ManufacturingMarketing #AIinManufacturing #CustomerExperience #SmartManufacturing #PeterParsons #ManufacturingPodcast 

In this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted, host Peter Parsons is joined by John Krause to recap the major manufacturing tradeshows of 2025 and share what the industry can look forward to in 2026. The conversation takes a closer look at The Assembly Show 2025, including insights from conversations with exhibitors who submitted Product of the Year entries and the innovations that stood out on the show floor. Peter and John discuss key themes that emerged throughout the event, including the growing role of robotics, increased collaboration between manufacturers and technology partners, and the steady introduction of new technologies aimed at improving efficiency and flexibility. They also dive into booth strategy — from booth location and layout to attire and branding — and how these details impact engagement and visibility at tradeshows. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in manufacturing events, sales, marketing, or technology, offering practical takeaways and a forward-looking perspective on where the industry is headed in 2026. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0eRpfKgQoY @peter parsons @John Krause #ManufacturingUnscripted #TradeShowRecap #AssemblyShow #ManufacturingEvents #RoboticsInManufacturing #ManufacturingTechnology #IndustryTrends #PeterParsons #JohnKrause #ManufacturingPodcast #SmartManufacturing #ManufacturingMarketing