The Future of Plastics Manufacturing & Automation | Future-Proofed Podcast w/ Alethea Schaeffer

What does it take to modernize a decades-old industry while running two companies simultaneously? Alethea Schaeffer, VP of Sales & Engineering at Usheco and owner of Form-All Plastics joins Brent Muller to share her journey from growing up in a family business to leading innovation in plastics manufacturing. From automation and robotics to the shift back to domestic manufacturing, Alethea gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the future of custom plastics and how businesses can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Key Topics Discussed:
How Alethea went from sweeping floors in a family business to leading two companies
The evolution of plastics manufacturing and why reshoring is on the rise
How automation & robotics are transforming production processes
Why flexibility in manufacturing is key for small businesses
The challenges of hiring & retaining skilled CNC machinists
How AI & ChatGPT are helping manufacturers improve sales & strategy

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:30 - Alethea’s Career Journey: Family Business to CEO
02:11 - The History & Evolution of Usheco
04:33 - The Role of Form-All Plastics & How It Complements Usheco
06:56 - The Impact of E-Commerce & Supply Chain Shifts
09:43 - Reshoring Manufacturing: Why Companies Are Moving Back to the U.S.
11:12 - The Rise of Robotics & Automation in Plastics Manufacturing
13:09 - Where the Biggest Growth Opportunities Are in the Industry
14:14 - The Skilled Labor Shortage & The Future of CNC Machining
17:27 - How Usheco & Form-All Train Employees In-House
18:21 - The Challenge of Keeping Up with Emerging Tech & Staffing
22:34 - Using AI & ChatGPT for Sales, Strategy & Process Improvements
25:07 - The #1 Growth Challenge for Usheco & Form-All Plastics
25:56 - How to Connect with Usheco & Form-All Plastics

Connect with Alethea Schaeffer, Usheco & Form-All Plastics:
📧 Usheco: [e-mail]
📧 Formall Plastics: [e-mail]

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#Manufacturing #Plastics #Automation #Reshoring #CNC #AI #FutureProofedPodcast

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