Welcome to our first-ever solocast! And who better to focus on for our first installment, than the legendary manufacturing innovator, Henry Ford. Henry Ford’s impact on manufacturing is well documented, from mastering the moving assembly line to perfecting vertical integration in America, and his legacy is visible all around us. In today’s episode, we discuss not only his achievements in manufacturing but also how his empathy and social conscience informed his decision-making. Tuning in you’ll learn about his early life in Dearborn Michigan, his move to Detroit at the tender age of sixteen, and the eventual founding of the Ford Motor Company. Hear how Ford’s obsession with efficiency led to incredible innovations that would take the production time of a Ford Model T from a standard twelve hours to a staggering ninety-three minutes per car! We also discuss Ford’s immense investment in a massive historical outdoor village in Dearborn Michigan, where he used his wealth to acquire historically significant items from around the country. Ford had a huge impact on American and global manufacturing, but he also ushered in crucial changes in working conditions for thousands of Americans, the results of which we can still see today. We appreciate everything that Ford contributed to our society and it’s a pleasure to feature him on our very first solocast!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1898445/9936019-e5-solocast-henry-ford-american-manufacturing-heroes.mp3?download=true

Rodney Davenport is the Vice President of CH3 Solutions. CH3 manufacturers custom outdoor basketball courts and other plastic recreational products. Rodney shares his passion for educating young people about manufacturing as a career and insights into what a day-to-day looks like at CH3.

Makita Tools was founded in 1915 in Japan. Most of the US version of their products is manufactured in Buford, GA. Adam Mashburn is the Maintenance Supervisor at Makita Tools and discusses his career path, the processes, and equipment that Makita uses.

Nathan Brooks is the Controls Engineer for Mercedes-Benz in Vance, Alabama. Nathan discusses the technology and processes that Mercedes-Benz is leveraging to maintain a competitive advantage in the automotive industry.

Al Adkins in the Operations Manager for Norcross Tag Company. NTC manufacturers and prints paper tags for the manufacturing industry.

A podcast for manufacturing leaders to hear stories and share ideas with their peers