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/

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