Episode 4

full
Published on:

11th Nov 2024

Navigating Automation and Generational Transitions in Manufacturing with John Kevin Koehler

Connect with John Kevin Koehler at: https://www.kktool.net/

Join us in this episode of "The Manufacturers Network Podcast" as we delve into the intricacies of automation integration and generational transitions in manufacturing. Our guest, John Kevin Koehler of KK Tool Company, shares his extensive experience in production, quality control, and logistics, emphasizing the importance of preserving legacy while embracing technological advancements.

Key Themes and Lessons Learned:

  1. Automation Impact on Manufacturing:
  • Discover how automation enhances consistency and quality rather than reducing cycle times.
  • Learn about transitioning from monotonous tasks to quality assurance, facilitating worker empowerment and upskilling.
  1. Navigating Automation Adoption:
  • Insights into overcoming challenges in adopting new technology and convincing stakeholders of automation's benefits.
  • Emphasize a flexible approach to automation, viewing failures as learning opportunities and contributing to ROI.
  1. Generational Knowledge Preservation:
  • Explore the impact of retiring baby boomers on industrial expertise and the importance of capturing "tribal knowledge."
  • Understand strategies to ensure knowledge transfer from experienced workers to the new generation.
  1. Family Business Dynamics:
  • The balancing act of integrating technology with traditional methods in a family-run business.
  • Emphasis on creating a team-oriented workplace culture to manage diverse personalities and improve collaborations.
  1. Future Prospects in Manufacturing:
  • Automation as a tool for addressing future production challenges and increasing competitiveness.
  • Adapting to industry shifts with manageable growth strategies and cooperative rather than competitive industry models.

Fun Facts:

  • KK Tool Company is a legacy family business founded by John Kevin Koehler's father and grandfather in the early 1970s.
  • John combines his educational background in computer science with his passion for manufacturing, creating innovative solutions like the "OnTrack" management system.

Business Tips for Navigating Challenges:

  • Foster a team environment over a "family" culture to harmonize diverse skill sets and manage conflict effectively.
  • Retain talented employees by ensuring fair compensation and cultivating a work environment where employees feel valued and integral to the business's success.
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About the Podcast

The Manufacturers' Network
Connecting Manufacturers with Manufacturers
The Manufacturers' Podcast is THE place for manufacturers to connect with and learn from other manufacturers. Not only will listeners get to learn from their manufacturing colleagues, but they will also discover HOW they can help each other as a resource or as a source of help and inspiration.

As a manufacturer, it's easy to get pigeon-holed into only focusing on your own industry, whether it be through your industry trade association or your industry colleagues. While trade associations are an excellent source of information for their members, sometimes it's gaining a perspective from someone else in a completely different industry that gives you the solution to your dilemma.

Stay tuned for new episodes every week on "Manufacturing Monday's." This drive-time length podcast will give you the information, tips and strategies you need to get your week off to a fantastic start.

About your host

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Lisa Ryan

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an award-winning speaker and author of ten books, Lisa Ryan, CSP, works with her clients to develop employee and client engagement initiatives and strategies that keep their top talent and best clients from becoming someone else’s.
Lisa’s expertise includes: strengthening workplace culture, improving employee engagement, increasing customer retention, and initiating gratitude strategies (“Grategies”) for personal and professional benefit. Lisa’s participants enjoy her high energy, enthusiastic delivery and quick wit and they leave the session with ideas they are committed to acting on immediately to make positive workplace culture changes.
Lisa costars in two films with other experts including Jack Canfield of “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” She is the Past-President of the National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter and holds an MBA from Cleveland State University.

Relevant Experience

• Keynote, breakout or workshop speaker at more than 100 national and international conferences
• Thirteen years of industrial marketing and sales experience, including seven years in the welding industry – and yes, she does weld
• Host of “Elevate Your Engagement Levels: What You Need to Know” on the Elite Expert Network and the C-Suite Network
• Creator of “The Seven Mistakes Managers Make to Crush Company Culture” video series
• Best-selling author of ten books, including “Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Industry’s Top Talent”
• Award-winning speaker