This episode of Manufacturing A Stronger Standard is live from FABTECH 2021. Host and President of LestaUSA and DeGeest Corp. Derek DeGeest, talked with Scott Francis, editor-in-chief of Products Finishing, the media brand devoted to all things finishing.

The company covers the latest equipment, technology, processes, and best practices when it comes to equipment and supplies for plating, liquid and powder coating, anodizing, electrocoating, parts cleaning, pretreatment, or mechanical finishing.

This is the first time FABTECH has been in person for two years, and the energy was palpable. Francis noted that he has only been in the industry since March 2020, having switched from another trade publication, Composites World, and the similarities between the sectors.

“What I’ve been watching is the ways automation, smart solutions, and all the different advances in manufacturing are starting to pick up momentum for finishers,” Francis said. “We’ve already had some of these solutions, but it seems like more and more finishers are getting on board with it.”

The two spoke about trends and challenges in the finishing industry. Francis elaborated that some older folks in the industry might be intimidated by the changes, such as automation.

“I think some finishers might look at and be intimidated by it, but the real goal is to make it easier, more seamless, and accessible,” Francis said.