Did you know that 93% of manufacturers we surveyed had taken steps to reduce downtime?

Well how about the fact that only 43% reported that these measures were effective?

Downtime happens in manufacturing, it's a fact of the industry. But reducing your unplanned downtime (and improving your planned downtime) is one of the highest ROI actions that teams can take on the shop floor.

In this episode, we're joined by our own Annika Björkholm and Eric Whitley to take a deep dive into our brand new 2025 Downtime Report - where we ask more than 600 manufacturing professionals:

❓Why do you struggle with downtime?
❓What are you doing to fix it?
❓And how much is it really costing you?

Find the answers, and much more, in the report.

You can download it here: https://hubs.li/Q03MWwSB0

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

A good process is...

One that involves everyone using it. Seems simple enough, but designing effective processes for manufacturing demands a winning combination of experience, empathy, and iterative thinking.

This episode of Manufacturing Stream features Tom Williams, Head of Design and Process Engineering at Pandrol, and L2L CMMS/MES Implementation Consultant Michael Hurd. Both have decades of experience leading teams and improving processes on the shop floor.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to build an effective process and generate frontline buy-in

- The art of balancing effiency and labor costs in manufacturing

- How standardization drives quality

- How solving process hangups often starts with the frontline

- The similarities and many, many differences in process design between a modular housing start up and a global industrial supply chain

- How implementing better tech takes buy-in and a good set of ears (and eyes)

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Experts

05:48 Global Challenges in Manufacturing

11:37 Flexibility in Production Processes

17:01 Defining Effective Processes

23:05 Process Improvement Strategies

24:32 Diverse Processes Across Manufacturing Locations

26:17 Memorable Problem-Solving Experiences

26:54 Learning from Failures in Maintenance Planning

28:52 Comparing Startups and Established Companies

31:26 Building a Maintenance Team from Scratch

35:11 Engaging Teams in Process Improvement

36:47 Implementing Better Tech in Manufacturing

42:46 Measuring ROI

Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your processes on the shop floor!

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

From the manufacturing Reddit community to our podcast: we have Lean experts Mohsin Saeed and Eric Whitley react to the best threads from the past couple of months.

We explore everything from improving shift handoffs to dealing with overworked maintenance technicians.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Effective systems are crucial for smooth handoffs in manufacturing.
- Data-driven decision-making is essential for identifying root causes of issues.
- How skills gap in manufacturing often lies in troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Lean philosophy should be ingrained in the culture of your organization.

📍 00:00 Introduction
03:08 Story 1 - Getting handoffs right
14:47 Story 2 - The problem with Lean transitions
27:37 Story 3 - Unhappy technicians and a friendly wager
40:07 Story 4 - Who's responsibility is it, anyways?

🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor!

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

Welcome back to the Manufacturing Stream Podcast! This week we dive into downtime - and how to beat it with better maintenance strategies. This episode features your host Eric Whitley and Joel Cook, Maintenance and Automation Manager at ChampionX.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How a proactive maintenance approach can significantly reduce downtime
- Why collaboration between maintenance and operations enhances overall efficiency
- How to minimize downtime with more effective spare parts management
- Why engaging technicians in the documentation process improves accuracy and efficiency
- How to navigate common staffing challenges in maintenance
- And much, much more

📍 00:00 Introduction
01:29 Joel Cooke's Journey in Maintenance Management
04:04 Evolving Maintenance Philosophy: From Reactive to Proactive
06:31 Implementing Continuous Improvement in Maintenance
09:54 Enhancing Communication and Collaboration
12:17 Documenting Processes and Continuous Improvement
14:38 Managing Spare Parts and Equipment
16:21 Understanding Downtime: Causes and Impacts
18:40 Navigating Staffing Challenges in Maintenance
21:00 Understanding Downtime and Operator Skills
22:13 Implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
25:18 Capturing Minor Stops and Operator Engagement
26:22 Future Plans with L2L and Operational Availability
30:22 Overcoming Challenges in Technology Implementation

🎧 Make sure to subscribe for more content about reducing downtime and improving your efficiency on the shop floor!

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.

Hosted by Chris Rost, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.
This episode features manufacturing tech expert Willemijn Schneyder, as she reacts to some of the most profound takeaways from our 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report.

We explore AI, Automation, and the needs of the frontline workforce across a number of roles in the manufacturing workforce.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How AI and Automation can help reverse the skills gap
- Why a lot of our training methods aren’t landing in 2025
- How deep the skills gap really goes
- Why some manufacturers are hesitating to deploy upskilling strategies
- And much, much more

📍 00:00 Introduction
03:04 Demographics and Generational Insights
05:55 Preparedness for AI and Automation
08:54 Understanding AI’s Role in Manufacturing
12:04 Statistics on AI Impact in Manufacturing
15:02 Simplification and Acceleration of Processes
17:59 Data Literacy and Skills Gaps
20:50 Future Skills and Workforce Development
21:47 The Role of AI in Manufacturing
24:39 Real-Time Analytics: The Missing Link
27:33 Addressing the Skills Gap in Manufacturing
30:08 Transforming Training Approaches
34:33 Engagement and Retention in the Workforce
39:54 The Importance of Communication Skills

👉 Download your free copy of the 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report here:https://www.l2l.com/resources/research-report-2025

🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.

Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room. This episode also features manufacturing expert Jim Mayer - Founder of The Manufacturing Connector.

Eric and Jim have decades of experience at the manufacturing frontline - today we'll get their takes on data from L2L's new 2025 Manufacturing Skills Report.


🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Just how serious the growing skills gap is in manufacturing
- Our responsibility to engage a new generation of workers
- How soft skills contribute to the manufacturing skills gap
- The amount of investment in upskilling is less than you think!
- The role of AI and Automation in manufacturing skills
- And much more...

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.

Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.

This episode features experts Jason Anthoine (manufacturing culture expert and founder of Employee Experienced) and our very own Willemijn Schneyder (frontline advocate and L2L CSO).

This episode takes a deep dive into how we should shape our approach to delivering manufacturing tech to those who need it the most - the frontline teams who use it every day.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why human connection is still top of the list in Industry 5.0
- How modern tech can simplify tasks - or how bad tech can make them more complex
- How empowered, confident teams adapt to new tools more easily
- Why cultural shifts are necessary to retain skilled workers in manufacturing
- Success stories from major companies show effective strategies for boosting retention through engagement
- And much, much more

📌 00:00 Introduction
04:42 Understanding Turnover in Manufacturing
09:05 The Human Side of Employee Retention
13:31 Shifting Strategies for Manufacturing Leadership
18:09 Cultural Impact on Manufacturing Careers
22:08 Pride in Craftsmanship
26:41 Intentional Leadership and Employee Retention
28:25 Leveraging Technology for Frontline Workers
31:41 The Role of Confidence in Technology Adoption
36:36 Future Challenges

👉 Check out Employee Experienced https://www.jasonanthoine.com/ to keep learning from culture expert Jason Anthoine.

👉Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today!

🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!

#ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #training #employeeengagement #employeedevelopment

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean

The Manufacturing Stream Podcast, your go-to source for insights into the latest in manufacturing technology and innovation.

Hosted by Chris Rost and Eric Whitley, we’re excited to bring you some of the best conversations in manufacturing - from the factory floor to the board room.

This episode features experts Jim Mayer - manufacturing culture expert and founder of The Manufacturing Connector - and our very own Co-Host Eric Whitley.

They have a combined 50+ years of experience as leaders in the industry, and together they’ll explore how re-thinking employee development can reduce turnover and improve short-term and long-term engagement for the people working at the frontline.

🧠 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How understanding the human side of turnover is essential for retention.
- That career pathing and clear growth opportunities are vital for employee engagement.
- Why cultural shifts are necessary to retain skilled workers in manufacturing.
- How technology can play a significant role in empowering frontline workers.
- That success stories from major companies show effective strategies for boosting retention through engagement.
- And much, much more.

📌 00:00 Introduction
04:42 Understanding Turnover in Manufacturing
09:05 The Human Side of Employee Retention
13:31 Shifting Strategies for Manufacturing Leadership
18:09 Cultural Impact on Manufacturing Careers
22:08 Pride in Craftsmanship
26:41 Intentional Leadership and Employee Retention
28:25 Leveraging Technology for Frontline Workers
31:41 The Role of Confidence in Technology Adoption
36:36 Addressing Turnover and Future Challenges

👉 Check out The Manufacturing Connector at https://themfgconnector.com/ to keep learning from culture expert Jim Mayer.

👉 Visit https://hubs.li/Q03bLgr50 to explore how the #1 connected workforce platform can digitize your daily management processes. Sign up for a free demo today!

🎧 Like, subscribe, and share for more deep dives into the future of manufacturing!

#ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialTransformation # #ContinuousImprovement #L2L #ShopFloorInnovation #training #employeeengagement #employeedevelopment

l2l.com
Youtube: @leading2lean