Heavy industry is stepping into a new era of innovation, and the metals sector is no exception. In this episode of Beyond Tech, hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo sit down with three industry leaders from E Tech Group: Carmelo Bottari, Dave Jancosek, and Nish Patel, for an in‑depth conversation about how automation and modernization are reshaping steel, aluminum, and other metals operations as we move into 2026.

Together, the panel unpacks the biggest priorities and pressures facing metals manufacturers today, including the urgent need to digitize legacy systems, improve safety, navigate workforce shortages, reduce energy consumption, and meet rapidly evolving sustainability targets. They explore the realities of modernizing decades‑old equipment, implementing automation to reduce downtime, and leveraging data to increase efficiency and product quality in environments where equipment is massive, expensive, and mission‑critical.

Listeners will hear real‑world examples of automation in action, from modernizing cold mills and process lines to enhancing pickle line performance, and learn how predictive maintenance, advanced modeling, and digital transformation strategies are helping producers stay competitive in an increasingly volatile global market.

Looking ahead, the group discusses the macro forces shaping capital spending, the future of high‑strength materials, and the emerging technologies poised to define the next decade of metals manufacturing. The episode closes with personal insights, career lessons, and a few fun questions that reveal the human side of heavy industry.

Whether you work directly in metals, support industrial automation, or simply want to understand how one of the world’s most foundational industries is preparing for the future, this episode offers an educational and forward‑thinking perspective you will not want to miss.

Learn more about our Metals Industry Experience:

https://etechgroup.com/industries/manufacturing/metals/

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/etechgroup/

In this episode of Beyond Tech, Jackie Slaght sits down with two industry leaders at E Tech Group: Randy Ruano, who leads the West Coast team with decades of expertise in automation and process control, and Casey Noonan, Vice President of Business Development. Together, they explore the technologies and trends shaping the Food and Beverage landscape as producers prepare for 2026.

The conversation covers the major shifts happening across agriculture and beverage production, including smart irrigation, field sensors, data‑driven optimization, sustainability pressures, and the rising need for operational transparency. Randy and Casey also dive into how AI and machine learning are beginning to influence production decisions, efficiency, product consistency, and long‑term competitiveness.

You will hear real‑world examples of automation improving quality and throughput, learn the challenges facing producers of all sizes, and get insight into the innovations that could be game‑changers in the next few years. The episode wraps with a fun rapid‑fire segment where our guests share personal lessons, surprising perspectives, and their take on what they would automate in their own lives.

Whether you work in Food and Beverage, agriculture, or advanced manufacturing, this episode offers clear and practical insight into how technology is transforming the industry.

👉 Register for E Tech Group’s upcoming partner session

👉Learn more about E Tech Group’s Food and Beverage capabilities

👉Connect with E Tech Group on LinkedIn

Life sciences manufacturers are under increasing pressure to move faster, stay compliant, and scale efficiently, all without compromising quality. In this episode, we explore how modern manufacturing technologies are reshaping the life sciences industry, from digital transformation strategies to smarter, more connected production environments.

Our conversation dives into the challenges life sciences organizations face today and the tools helping them overcome operational silos, improve data visibility, and accelerate innovation. Whether you’re navigating automation, digital systems, or the future of manufacturing execution, this episode offers valuable insights into building resilient, future-ready operations.

Tune in to learn how life sciences manufacturers are leveraging technology to drive efficiency, ensure compliance, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learn more about E Tech Group's Life Science Expertise: https://etechgroup.com/industries/life-sciences/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/etechgroup/