Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Innovation at BBS is embedded in our DNA. We actually foster a culture where engineers from across the globe collaborate and share expertise.
[00:00:09] Speaker B: Data is now king and the more information that people can get out of a device, especially medical device, the better it is for the patient.
[00:00:27] Speaker C: Welcome to the Robot Industry Podcast. My name is Jim Beretta. I'm your host. Thank you for subscribing. It brings me great pleasure to welcome two experts in the industry to this edition of the Robot Industry Podcast. First, I'd like to introduce Steve Honig. He's a senior executive with expertise in marketing and sales, product design, business development, PL management, strategic planning, engineering acquisitions, international distribution and leading complex teams. He's astute, decisive and an energetic leader. Recognized for outstanding interpersonal relationships and bottom line results. He is an MSCE and an MBA and he's been 35 years in automation and he's focused on adding value and helping customers be successful. He initially been drawn and stayed in automation because he's an engineer and the industry is on the cutting edge of product development and manufacturing and you just never get bored. And secondly, I'd like to introduce Mike Gunner. He joined BBS Automation Chicago as their Managing Director and president in 2024. Mike comes to BBS for many years in the global automation sector, which include roles at Cross Mafi as the VP of Automation and at Micron Corporation. During his 30 years in automation, Mike's had management positions in sales applications, controls engineering and product management. Sorry, project management. And some of the industries he's touched include medical, automotive, consumer and defense. Mike has his Bachelor of Science honors in Electrical Engineering and also a PhD in electric electronic Engineering, both from the University of Hull in England. Welcome gentlemen and thanks for joining me. It's great to catch up with you.
[00:02:03] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:02:03] Speaker A: Thanks Jim.
[00:02:05] Speaker C: So I guess I'll start with Mike first.
Can you give the audience an idea of who BBS is and where's headquarters?
[00:02:14] Speaker B: So BBS is a German based corporation, but the Chicago office here in Bartlett, Illinois has been around since 1965. So this year we're celebrating 60 years. We started off as Cox Automation.
It was a bowl feeding and diet company and slowly grew in the west of Chicago.
In 2005 it became part of Concetta. You know, even being hit by a tornado in 2008, it just kept bouncing back until 2014 when it was acquired by BBS Automation. BBS is based in Munich, Germany and continue to help grow the organization.
And then in 2023 we joined the Durer Group. So the door is the paint and woodworking company, 5 billion euro a year company out of Germany. And there we were joined by sister companies, KL Team Technique and Hakuma. So we've been around a long time and we bring a lot to the automation game.
[00:03:26] Speaker C: And Mike, you and I have known each other kind of at trade shows and such, but I actually used to work with Steve at ATS Automation. So it's great to see you both here.
[00:03:36] Speaker B: Glad to be here.
[00:03:37] Speaker A: Yeah, thanks.
[00:03:38] Speaker C: Steve, what are some of the changes you've been seeing at BBS as the company evolves?
[00:03:43] Speaker A: I think of the four companies that have come together to become the Production Automation Systems Group, we've really expanded our global capabilities and you know, we have more than 2,500 employees spread out over 20 facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.
And we've just really become a, you know, I think a real powerhouse in the automation industry.
And unlike some acquisitions that have happened, it's great because we talk as a group and we review all opportunities on a, you know, twice a week and discuss where the expertise lies. And we really are working as a family of companies and I mean, that's exciting to be a part of.
[00:04:37] Speaker C: Thank you for that. And what maybe Mike, this might be a better question for you, but you guys can decide who wants to take it. Who's your perfect client?
[00:04:46] Speaker B: Perfect client is one that's willing to collaborate, one that wants to understand how to create a product that is automatable, is willing to work with us to develop their product and the automation together as a complete solution.
So you know, we're in a mode now where products are getting more complicated, technically more difficult to manufacture.
And so this collaboration is really allowing us to provide the best solution for the customer. But it's a two way street.
[00:05:25] Speaker C: Absolutely it is. I totally agree with you, Steve. What kind of value of jobs can you take on at bbs?
[00:05:32] Speaker A: Because of our range of different divisions, we can do anything from a $10,000 opportunity all the way up to probably $100 million opportunity. I mean, we really can service that whole range because we've got wide range of capabilities. We've got some smaller divisions that can focus on the smaller jobs, we've got other divisions that can focus on the really large jobs. And you know, because we're a family of companies, we can also spread the work out among multiple divisions and coordinate that, you know, from a project management standpoint.
[00:06:11] Speaker C: Thank you. Steve, tell me a little bit about the technology stack of machine systems that you have at bbs because I know it's part of high speed and high accuracy and robot integration. So what's that look like?
[00:06:22] Speaker B: So we really run the gamut from very simple manually loaded benches all the way through high speed continuous solutions. We've got various technology benches that we can leverage, whether they're CAM based systems, rotary linear, servo based systems, robotic solutions.
What we're able to do with the customer is work through what is their preferred solution to meet their requirements. So we don't try and force a customer into a single solution. We really want to understand their needs so that we all win.
[00:07:00] Speaker C: Steve, what are some of the automation trends that you're seeing from like a high level?
[00:07:04] Speaker A: I think one that we're seeing more and more these days is reshoring.
We've been receiving inquiries from companies that used to source from Eastern Europe and Asia and would now like to bring them back to North America. I think with the tariffs that are happening right now as well, I think that is going to be in, in the conversation in the coming months as well.
[00:07:30] Speaker C: How do you share the capabilities between division, Mike? Say between a job between Germany and Italy?
[00:07:37] Speaker B: So we work as a team at every level, whether that's at the management level or whether it's at the technician level.
We move people around to learn about the different capabilities.
We do a lot of cross functional work on individual projects, on R and D projects. It really is a very natural process and it's much more natural than I anticipated when I joined Mike.
[00:08:03] Speaker C: Can you walk us through a recent project where a customer came to BBS with a unique challenge and how your team developed a custom automation solution?
[00:08:11] Speaker B: So global medical device manufacturer approached us with quite a challenge. They needed to scale production quickly due to rising global demand.
But their existing processes lacked precision, efficiency and in some instances knowledge of some of the processes. So our team began mapping out their current workflows, we identified the bottlenecks, we identified technology issues and then really worked with the customer to engineer a custom, fully automated assembly and test line.
From the concept design to commissioning, it was really a very close collaboration with the customer. We worked with their compliance people, their quality people, so that we made sure that any changes that were made maintain the high standard of their product.
And as we went through it together, we both learned a lot about the processes and what was important and that allowed us to develop a very robust scale solution.
It allowed us to cut some cycle times and also allowed us to simplify some of the processes that long term will increase the productivity of their line.
[00:09:28] Speaker C: Thank you for that Steve. I just wanted to ask A little bit about the culture of engineering and innovation. So how do you foster innovation internally at bbs and are there systems in place to encourage new thinking or cross functional collaboration?
[00:09:42] Speaker A: Innovation at BBS is embedded in our DNA. We actually foster a culture where engineers from across the globe collaborate and share expertise through our internal innovation programs and cross functional project teams. We also invest in training, R and D and knowledge sharing platforms that empower teams to be experimental, iterate and challenge convention, turning ideas into tangible, value driven solutions for our customers.
[00:10:13] Speaker C: Thank you for that. Mike, what about some sectors and I got to assume that you're into medical device and that pharmaceutical is of interest to bbs.
[00:10:22] Speaker B: Yes, it is.
There's an awful lot of innovation in this space.
The high quality standards, the integration of validation into the processes that we're developing with the customer.
So it really is a very good platform at the moment to take some of the innovation that Steve just spoke about and really promote it into a living machine.
[00:10:50] Speaker C: Steve, are there any new areas of node happening? And I'm always thinking like nuclear or vision or is it, is it everywhere?
[00:10:57] Speaker A: I mean, I think we're seeing a lot of wearables right now because of the weight loss and you know, insulin pumps that are out there in the marketplace. So I think that's an area that has really been growing and will continue to grow as they come up with new therapies for, you know, people for different diseases and different health issues that, that we're seeing because of the aging population.
[00:11:25] Speaker C: And Mike, you were, you know, you've worked in the electronics area for so long because I know that, because I walked by your booth so many years so you've got lots of specialties in solder and paste and all these like say wearable tech. Is that something that you're excited about too?
[00:11:41] Speaker B: Oh, absolutely. I mean, data is now king and the more information that people can get out of a device, especially medical device, the better it is for the patient. And so now we have devices that are telling the doctor that they've used the device, how much they've actually used.
It's really making sure that the customer in the comfort of their home can get the proper care.
And if they're not using the right drugs or they're not using the right dosage that can be corrected.
So we're really seeing in the near future and going into the future a lot more interaction between the patient and the doctor through electronics.
[00:12:34] Speaker C: I've got two wearable devices, one on me and one on my desk here. So I totally Agree with you, Steve. I wanted to change the conversation a little bit and talk about service and support. You've got a lot of offices, a lot of languages, a lot of stuff going on. And how do you handle service and support at bbs?
[00:12:51] Speaker A: Yeah, James, as you know, supporting machines that are out in the field is critical to your long term success as an automation company. We've got teams here in Chicago and at our Atlanta facility and in Guadalajara, Mexico, so that we can cover North America with resources that are local to most of our customers.
[00:13:17] Speaker C: So I want to talk to you about how data can influence machine design.
[00:13:23] Speaker B: So data is now critical in the production of devices.
When you can collect information about the product, you can basically give it a birth certificate, you can follow how the components are assembled, any critical information coming out of testing, we can now give the end user full information about the history of that component. And this is extremely valuable. It can see how devices perform given different parameters. We can feed that back into what are the critical parts of the assembly system and it really homes in on creating long term sustainable automation.
[00:14:07] Speaker C: So this question is for both of you, you both work deep in the world of automation. What's a piece of technology, a machine, or even a moment in your career that made you stop and think, this is why I do what I do.
[00:14:21] Speaker B: I think anyone who's working in med device automation at some point sees a device being used by a person, you know, whether it's in a hospital, whether it's in day to day life, whether it's at home, maybe it's a family member or even themselves. And you realize that your automation is really impacting people's lives.
That is kind of earth shattering. When you can look at a device and under an NDA, you can't say, I know how that was made, but you're seeing the impact on that person's life.
You know, it really gives you the motivation to keep going.
[00:15:03] Speaker A: I think one of the things that was significant was my mom was having cataracts and she had to have her interocular lens replaced. It happened at the time that I was working on some automation for an eye care company that were making the interocular lens.
We developed a process to handle those lenses and actually do the cutting out of them and making the haptics.
It was, you know, somewhat self rewarding knowing that the work we were doing was helping people and especially people like my mom. So I think that's one of the times that I felt, you know, that I was inspired by the work that we were Doing.
[00:15:48] Speaker C: That's a great story, Steve, and I'm so glad for your mom.
Have we forgotten to talk about anything today?
[00:15:55] Speaker B: I think one area we need to talk about is we need to attract the whole new generation to the automation space. It's a lot of fun to be in automation. It's an extremely difficult space, but it's extremely rewarding. And young kids today are incredibly clever and inquisitive and they really need to explore the world of automation, robotics and all the new computer systems and technology out there. You know, we, we're struggling like any industry, to attract people.
And so, you know, we need to continue as companies to, you know, reach out to colleges, reach out to high schools to make sure people are joining the industry.
[00:16:41] Speaker C: I, some great points there. I remember doing tours at ATS and every. And I would, I'd be like, oh no, I got to go do another tour. But when I look back at it, those are so important to do for attracting kids or students or vice principals or guidance counselors, because those are the, I think some of the people we need to reach for.
[00:17:00] Speaker B: Sure, absolutely.
[00:17:02] Speaker A: Yeah. We need to promote trade schools and you know, so we can get more tool makers and people that actually do do something.
[00:17:11] Speaker C: It's not a dirty job anymore either too. Right. Like these are air conditioned places and it's all data, which is all clean and the robots are cool. So, so I think you're right. I think it has to be. We have to bring sexy back to manufacturing.
[00:17:24] Speaker B: And there's nothing more rewarding than working on a machine and it come into life and making parts and you step back and you watch it run.
The sense of satisfaction from that is incredible.
[00:17:37] Speaker C: I think you're right. I used to walk by the machines at ATS and go, hey, I quoted that. Or you know, or, or I, I sold that, or whatever that has. Steve, I'm sure that happened to you a lot too.
[00:17:47] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:17:48] Speaker C: Thanks Mike and Steve for this update on BBS and what's happening in industrial automation. If somebody wants to find out more and get in touch with you, what's the best way to do that?
[00:17:58] Speaker A: We can be reached a number of different ways, you know, either through our website through LinkedIn or they can call us directly.
[00:18:05] Speaker C: That's great. And I'll put your contact information in the show notes. And I'd like to thank A3 the Association for Automation. They're the leading automation trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control and motors and the industrial artificial intelligence technologies. Visit automate.org to learn more and if you'd like to get in touch with us at the Robot Industry podcast, you can find me Jim Beretta on LinkedIn. Today's podcast was produced by Customer Attraction Industrial Marketing, and I'd like to thank my team, Chris Gray for the music, Jeffrey Bremner for audio production, my business partner Janet, and our help from bbs.
