MFG Month Roundtable #2 | Automation and Industry 4.0

The era of Industry 4.0 is right in front of us.

Small manufacturers are facing strong demand to increase their productivity by realizing smart factories and smart manufacturing. Machine automation and machine monitoring allows manufacturers to predict when machines will need maintenance. Through equipment monitoring, manufacturers can optimize production. MES integration enhances production traceability.

Join MGA in a robust conversation with industry experts and share your insights with other small manufacturers.

Moderator

The discussion will be led by Kristin O’Neill, sales manager at Automation Alley. O’Neill leads Automation Alley’s business development efforts and is responsible for growth, retention and strategic planning. She has worked in business development and consultative sales for six years and has a passion for guiding companies through successful digital transformation.

Panelists

Matt Childress is the controls software engineering manager at Eagle Technologies Group in Shoreham, in St. Joseph County. Matt received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering technology from Purdue University. He has 13 years of experience in the controls engineering field, primarily in conveyance and assembly automation.

Jason Ross is owner of Industrial Fabrication in Bridgman, in Berrien County. Jason has worked his way up from sweeping floors to being the sole owner of a manufacturing company. Industrial Fabrication is a privately owned, 30-year-old metal fabrication company supplying OEMs for construction, agriculture and industrial markets. Following Industrial Fabrication’s 2015 expansion, the company now operates in two facilities totaling 125,000 square feet over 10 acres.