Humanising manufacturing: Lessons from The Manufacturing Happy Hour with Chris Luecke

We’re very pleased to welcome Chris Luecke, founder of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast, as a guest author on the Manufacturing Intelligence blog. For more than 10 years, Chris has been an important figure in the manufacturing sector, helping companies to tell their stories in new and compelling ways.

Over the years, I’ve interviewed more than 200 leaders in the manufacturing world on the Manufacturing Happy Hour Podcast. These conversations have covered pretty much every topic in manufacturing. Perhaps the one thing that links them all together (and the reason I started the podcast in the first place) is the desire… no, the imperative, to humanise manufacturing.

Along the way, certain themes have emerged. During my keynote at Hexagon LIVE this year, I shared 10 lessons that I’ve learnt from talking to some of the most inspirational leaders in the manufacturing sector.

When Hexagon invited me to contribute to the Manufacturing Intelligence blog, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to share some of these lessons with a broader audience. The insights I’ve gained go way beyond improving the manufacturing process. They are about innovation, team building, and embracing the human side of an industry that’s all too often seen as purely technical.

Skills gap, yes… what about the leadership gap?

“I don’t particularly believe too much in hierarchy…titles do not under any circumstances correlate with the value that person brings to society or their job.”

Dan Voit, CEO Blentech

One of the recurring themes in the Manufacturing Happy Hour is the importance of leadership, and Dan Voit from Blentech tells the story perfectly in our first episode. In fact, it was such a great story, we returned to it for part two the following year.

According to Dan, if you want to create a strong workplace culture, it starts with you, the leader. Leaders need to model the behaviours they want to see in their teams. The key is to do it consistently and intentionally.

Dan also highlighted the importance of connecting with employees as individuals. Taking the time to give meaningful feedback, acknowledge contributions, and understand the impact of their work can make a significant difference. People bring their whole selves to work, and leadership isn’t just about managing. Remember there’s a big difference between a leader and a manager. It’s about supporting the person behind the role.

Dan challenged the way the manufacturing world talks about the skills gap. While technical skills are cited as the issue, he suggested there’s also a leadership gap. If employees are leaving after a short time or not showing up, it’s worth reflecting on whats within a leader’s control. Leadership, after all, isn’t a passive role. It’s about actively coaching, developing, and guiding a team.

Check out both episodes here: How to Create a Winning Company Culture with Dan Voit and How Hybrid Work Impacts Company Culture with Blentech CEO Dan Voit

Technology works with people, it doesn’t replace them

“If you are hesitant to bring in technologies that will get the work done a different way, well guess what, you’re just going to run your people ragged.”

Erik Nieves, CEO and Founder, Plus One Robotics

When Erik Nieves joined the manufacturing world, his first job was a tough, manual role. It was only later, that he took a step into programming and robotics. The experience of working those two very different jobs shaped his perspective on automation. In our conversation, he made the case that robots aren’t about replacing people. They’re about creating opportunities where everyone does better.

One of the challenges Erik spoke about is the hesitancy many manufacturers feel when it comes to adopting new technology. This resistance often stems from uncertainty and even fear: fear of the cost, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown. Erik’s advice is to approach these situations with empathy. Instead of rattling off statistics or case studies, take the time to understand the root of the concern.

He summed up his philosophy like this: “Robots work, people rule.” Automation isn’t about sidelining workers. It’s about giving them better tools to succeed. When implemented thoughtfully, technology can enhance productivity and create better more fulfilling jobs.

Listen to the full episode here: Overcoming Technology Hesitancy with Plus One Robotics CEO Erik Nieves

Automation can be a path for growth

“The cobots increased out capacity and we had to hire more welders and fabricators”

Justin Montes, CEO DeAngelo Marine Exhaust

When DeAngelo Marine Exhaust brought in their first collaborative robot (cobot), it wasn’t about cutting jobs. It was about solving a capacity challenge.

As a result, the company grew and they had to take on more staff, not less. Justin Montes, who led the effort, made sure his team didn’t see the cobot as a threat, but as an opportunity.

Justin encouraged his welders to spend part of their day learning how to operate the cobot, even offering raises to those who took on the responsibility. This approach addressed the immediate need for capacity and gave employees a chance to grow their skills and advance their careers with smart manufacturing knowledge and skills.

One of the biggest misconceptions about automation is that it takes jobs away. But as Justin points out, cobots can handle the repetitive, physically demanding tasks, allowing workers to focus on more creative and skilled roles. It’s a shift in mindset, and one that can boost morale and retention while improving efficiency.

Check out the full story: A Case Study in the Adoption of Robotics Featuring Hirebotics and DeAngelo Marine Exhaust

I’ve had a privileged position to hear these stores and many more like it, first hand. The information I’ve shared here doesn’t even scratch the surface lessons reflect the heart of what Manufacturing Happy Hour is all about: connecting the dots between leadership, technology, and people.

At its core, manufacturing is a human endeavour and it’s been my mission over on the channel to celebrate that in all its forms. For many more interesting stories, in far greater detail, told in conversation with the folks who bring these ideas to life, hop over to the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast.