Rick Schultz
Speaker at WEST: Rick Schultz, Executive Director of Aerospace and Defense, FANUC America
Speaker at WEST: Rick Schultz, Executive Director of Aerospace and Defense, FANUC America
WEST Session: Are you getting the most out of your operations? Many manufacturers leave performance on the table due to outdated CNC machining processes, practices and programming. In this expert panel presentation, FANUC America’s Executive Director of Aerospace and Defense Rick Schulz will lead a discussion about how to take advantage of new technologies, create automation strategies, and utilize IOT and digitalization software to drive operational success. Audience Takeaways: -Learn growth strategies on how to keep machining operations competitive and profitable. -Hear from industry leaders on their realistic approaches to AI for impactful ROI. -How to mitigate pain points with optimizing equipment and taking advantage of advanced machining functionality. -Best practices on setting up shops to support more flexible and effective operations. -Using cutting-edge CNC technology, IoT, digitalization and other tools to drive operational success. -Phasing in newer technologies into existing production lines. -Planning and preparing for your next CAPEX for the best ROI. -How to be effective and productive while facing a tight labor market and a growing skills gap. -Steps to a more self-reliant company using in-house capabilities. -Developing meaningful partnerships in the industry.
Speaker at WEST: Robert Lewis, CEO & Founder, Impaqx LLC
Speaker at WEST: Swamy Mahesh, Chief Technology & Ai Strategy Officer, Impaqx LLC
Speaker at WEST: Bryan Montez, Plant Manager, West Coast Manufacturing
Speaker at WEST: Will Healy III, Global Industry Manager - Fabricated Metals, Teradyne Robots / UR
Speaker at WEST: Patrick Hundley, President, West Coast Manufacturing
WEST Session: In this engaging discussion, an automation and robotics expert sits down with two executives from a small Southern California commercial & industrial appliance company, to explore the real-world journey of a small fabrication shop embracing automation. From initial skepticism to now multiple successful robot deployments, Bryan Montez & Pat Hundley share how their small team identified the right automation solutions, justified the investment, and overcame common barriers faced by small and medium-sized manufacturers. Attendees will walk away with practical insights into the automation decision-making process, some common lessons learned, and the cultural shifts enabling smooth transitions. Whether you're just beginning to explore automation or looking to scale your efforts, this session offers valuable takeaways for manufacturers and fabricators of all sizes & experience levels.
Speaker at WEST: Olivier Thenoz, Principal Product Manager, Production Machining Software, Hexagon
WEST Session: Moderated by: Paul Boris This panel brings together different perspectives, from a small, family-owned manufacturing company to one of the largest digital solutions providers, to discuss the deployment of advanced technologies and how the landscape continues to change rapidly. Using AI to improve efficiency, automate tasks and analyze data allows manufacturers enhanced decision making and is even transforming entire industries. AI is disrupting traditional thinking at an accelerated pace. This panel will cover organizational factors/business considerations, technical challenges, skills/labor gaps, ethical considerations and other.