In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, our host Matt Horine talks with Chad Woods, Director of Operations at Alcon Industries, a Cleveland-based metals manufacturer. Alcon Industries has been a trusted name in specialty alloys and nickel-based castings for over 50 years. Chad discusses Alcon's recent innovations, including a more flexible workforce and the adoption of new technologies, that have enabled the company to reduce lead times and outperform competitors in quality and precision. He also highlights the importance of reshoring, the role of labor flexibility, and the company’s unique capabilities in casting various metals, including centrifugal casting. This episode provides an in-depth look at how Alcon is staying competitive domestically and contributing to the broader reindustrialization effort in the US.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today
01:06 Meet Chad Woods: A Journey in Metals Manufacturing
02:15 The Ohio Advantage: Reshoring and Reindustrialization
03:16 Alcon Industries: Core Business and Unique Processes
05:12 Operational Excellence: Reducing Lead Times and Flexibility
09:04 Centrifugal Casting: Expanding Capabilities
13:29 The Broader Industrial Picture: Reshoring and Competitiveness
15:32 Conclusion and Future Outlook
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