NYS Manufacturing Now

Unlock the future of eco-friendly public transportation with Nikolas Letendre, founder of Letenda Incorporated, as FuzeHub’s Steve Melito gets us an exclusive peek behind the innovative curtain of Electrip electric buses. Designed to tackle the toughest of Canadian winters, these buses are more than just vehicles—they’re a testament to customer-focused engineering and Letenda’s commitment to zero-emission technology. Our chat with Nikolas not only reveals the secrets of the Electrip’s resilience but also sheds light on Letenda's expansion into the US market, starting with a bang in Vermont, and their strategic maneuvers to align with ”Buy America“ policies.

Join us as we welcome cybersecurity expert Paul LaPorte from the Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) to shed light on the pressing issue of cyber threats facing small to medium-sized manufacturers. In our latest conversation, Paul explains the allure of these businesses to cybercriminals and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. We tackle the complexities of the NIST 800-171 guidelines, essential for manufacturers within the Department of Defense supply chain, and the emerging Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). These discussions underscore the importance of staying proactive in cybersecurity to safeguard sensitive information and maintain eligibility for DoD contracts.

Listen in as we also discuss the financial and time constraints that manufacturers face when implementing cybersecurity protocols. Our conversation lays out the support available through the New York State Cybersecurity Manufacturing Initiatives Grant, designed to offset the costs of cybersecurity assessments for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Unlock the potential of co-warehousing as we sit down with Jeff Mirel from the Rosenblum Companies to unwrap the intriguing world of Launchbox. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs aiming to soar in e-commerce, light manufacturing, and product assembly without getting weighed down by traditional warehousing constraints. We step into the avant-garde setting of the New York Capital Region's Launchbox, where flexible lease terms meet a vibrant community of like-minded innovators. Picture a space that not only accommodates your logistical needs but also propels you forward with amenities like a co-working café and a photo media studio. It's all here, and we're peeling back the layers to reveal how businesses are leveraging this strategic near Interstate 87 and Albany International Airport to accelerate their growth.

From handbags to human hair and concrete to craft brews, the New York State Manufacturing Now podcast traversed a diverse spectrum of ideas turned into reality in 2023. We shared tales of innovation, ingenuity, and triumph from across the state. Beyond being an informative platform, it continues to serve as a source of inspiration, as we recognize that with the right support system, every challenge is surmountable.

Join us as we recap some of the brightest moments from New York State Manufacturing Now in 2023.

Prepare to be enlightened as we unravel the truth behind the environmental nemesis known as PFAS – the 'forever chemicals' creeping into our groundwater. Dr. Michelle Crimi, environmental engineering expert from Remwell and esteemed professor at Clarkson University, joins us to shed light on the hazards these substances pose to our water systems, even at the incredibly minute concentration of parts per trillion. With her, we scrutinize the daunting challenge of purifying water tainted with PFAS using conventional methods, and the exciting potential of innovative technologies that promise to cleanse our water without the excessive energy usage of traditional techniques.

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing NOW, we unravel the intricate world of apprenticeship programs with our esteemed guest, Franca Armstrong, who's at the helm of Apprenticeship Programs at Mohawk Valley Community College. If you've ever wondered how manufacturers can leverage apprenticeship programs or the perks of pre-apprenticeship programs, this episode will provide you with a comprehensive guide. Franca enlightens us about the SUNY Apprenticeship Program remarkably bypasses construction trades, opting to shine the spotlight on sectors like manufacturing and culinary instead. We get a look behind the curtain of the various apprenticeship programs available for eager students, and Franca unveils pre-apprenticeship programs currently in motion, including "Real Life Rosie's" which aims to inspire more women to explore the manufacturing industry.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Brendan Laing of IV Wedge as we discuss the innovative solutions his company provides for the medical device industry. Brendan provides insight into the IV Wedge, a catheter stabilization device that significantly enhances patient comfort. He also shares his experience with the 2021 Commercialization Competition and the critical role the prize money played in enabling them to prepare IV Wedges for clinical trials. If you're a startup company, you won't want to miss Brendan's valuable advice on the art of pitching, including the importance of having a clear hook and staying focused on your storyline.

To learn more, connect with Brendan directly at brendan.laing@ivwedge.com

New York State Innovation Summit - Day 1: The ReWire Group

Get set for an eye-opening expedition into the world of energy and technology with Al Evans from the ReWire Group. We promise you'll walk away understanding the indispensable contributions of this dual-division company that optimizes energy decisions in tandem with digital tech applications. Al unravels the unique operations of ReWire Group which has become a beacon for property owners, developers, and large-scale companies looking to bolster their energy efficiency.

Stay with us as we venture into the visionary project of the Advanced Manufacturing Performance Center. We dive into the role of ReWire Group in this enterprise, and the creation of CAP - a career and technology alignment platform. Hear about the Zen Career Training Platform, nestled within the state-of-the-art Zen building. This mammoth 356,000 square foot structure, armed with a four megawatt data center, is a testament to energy-efficient technologies. Mike Fancher, director of the University of Albany's Center for Advanced Technology in Nanoelectronics and Nanomaterials, joins us to shed light on the digital twin developed from the data derived from the building's 8,000 data tags for continuous commissioning.

Ever wondered why safety culture in manufacturing is so critical? In our latest episode of NYS Manufacturing now, we take a walk down memory lane with our guest, Jim Testo, president of EHS Risk Management and an expert in environmental, health, and safety (EHS) corporate programs. We dive into the evolution of safety practices, starting from the 1980s, and the stark contrast between compliance and risk management. Our interview shines a spotlight on the harsh realities of neglecting risk management – from soaring insurance costs to crippling fines and litigations. Despite their earnest efforts, we hear from manufacturers who've experienced accidents, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safety.

Fasten your seatbelts as we zoom in on how technology is revolutionizing workplace safety. We touch on ingenious inventions such as seatbelt alarms and auto-stop cars and discuss the financial benefits of implementing such programs. Uncover why the younger generation is more inclined to follow safety protocols and how empowering leaders with accurate information can catalyze effective decision-making. As a bonus, we also provide a glimpse into the enticing New York State Innovation Summit that aims to exhibit groundbreaking products and technologies.

Join us on an exciting journey as we explore the inspiring story of Karen Kema Maxwell, founder of Kema’s Kreations. Hear about her incredible journey of taking a passion for sewing and transforming it into a successful business, creating stunning wood purses, clutches, backpacks, and travel bags with African and African American themes. In our conversation, we also dive into her experiences in manufacturing and the importance of finding the right partner to bring your product concept to life. Kema shares her personal experiences and highlights resources available to entrepreneurs to help get their products to market. This episode is more than just a conversation, it's a treasure chest full of inspiration and information for all aspiring entrepreneurs and designers.

For 10 years now, FuzeHub has helped companies navigate the resources available to them while providing the support they need to accelerate technology development and commercialization. FuzeHub’s Executive Director Elena Garuc sits down with Steve Melito to unearth the story of the statewide MEP’s evolution, the victories and challenges, and the immense impact they've made on New York's economy.

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing Now, FuzeHub's Steve Melito had the pleasure of engaging in a riveting conversation with Miriam Dushane, managing partner of Alaant Workforce Solutions. In this interview we took a fascinating journey into the evolving landscape of the workforce, dissecting how employers can attract and retain top talent in today's world. The chat delved into the benefits of apprenticeship programs, micro-certifications, and the increasing trend of hybrid work models including the potential rewards for employers that offer flexibility, pointing to increased loyalty and productivity. 

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing Now, FuzeHub’s Steve Melito discusses the back-story, the wide range of services offered, as well as some “out of this world” applications with Jim Rager, director of business development for Custom Tool & Model (CTM). A family owned and operated business since 1969, CTM works in the busy markets of aerospace, defense, and robotics, helping other industry leaders to take their parts from prototype to production.

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing Now, FuzeHub’s Steve Melito discusses the unique offerings of Z-AXIS with Michael Allen, their president, co-owner, and former director of engineering. Most contract manufacturers are strictly that - contract manufacturers. But Z-AXIS is actually two companies in one - both a contract manufacturer and custom power supply company. Listen to how they have been working with two completely different customer bases for the last 20 years out of their facility in Phelps, New York.

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing Now, FuzeHub’s Steve Melito breaks down concrete, cement, and glass with Jacob Kumpon, the co-founder and COO of KLAW Industries in Binghamton, New York. KLAW was a winner of the first New York State Advanced Materials Innovation Challenge and has developed a stronger, greener technology for the concreete and recycling industries.

The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) has the NewYork State Brewers Conference on tap from March 22 to 24 at the Albany Capital Center. Steve talks about beer and the business of beer with the NYSBA’s Paul Leon, Executive Director, and Meghan Connolly Haupt, Director of Partnerships. Coming to the conference? Be sure to visit FuzeHub in Booth 90 at this year's New York State Brewers Conference.

New York State’s food and beverage industry is on the rise, but it didn’t get there by keeping ideas contained and in silos. It takes collaboration, information, and the willingness to meet and partner with others for the growth of everyone involved.

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing Now, Steve sits down with Michael Tucker, president of the Long Island Food Council to discuss his entry into the food business and how the Long Island Food Council is helping to facilitate introductions and connections in the food industry.

Chris Berry is the Business Development Manager for Marquardt North America in Cazenovia, New York.  Marquardt Group is a global company with 11,000 employees, and the company’s Syracuse-area facility makes electro-mechanical switches, controls, and wireless communications for the automotive industry and other large OEMs.

Yet Marquardt also provides end-to-end manufacturing services for startups, especially in the aerospace and drone, medical, and defense industries. Through an initiative called Marquardt Partners, startups can leverage Marquardt’s expertise in product development, manufacturing, validating testing and reporting, industrial engineering, supply chain and purchasing, and life cycle management.

Manufacturers work in many different spaces, creating solutions for any number of challenges. The reason behind the development of a product is often the most interesting part of the story. Personal frustration with the lack of available solutions can be the inspiration for new and creative solutions. So is the story of SOTRO in the world of home hair care products.

In this episode of NYS Manufacturing Now, Steve sits down with Stephanie Louis to discuss how she got started, how their products work, along with their rollout and future plans for the company.