217: The Intersection of Energy, Automation, and Construction with FTI's Kevin Senn

FTI are at the center of some of the most important macro trends taking place in manufacturing today. From building biodigesters to driving innovations in energy solutions, they are helping companies optimize production systems, use automation, and address sustainability challenges. So how do they do it? In this episode, we’re joined by FTI’s Kevin Senn to discuss trends in manufacturing and automation, the growth of data centers, AI, and more. Kevin highlights how FTI differentiates from their competitors by offering comprehensive end-to-end solutions, from high-concept development and engineering consultation to full design services, in-house manufacturing, and automation packages. We also cover FTI’s unique approach to industrialized construction, including their approach to offsite prefabrication, and explore Kevin’s transition from a solutions architect to Director of Automation. Finally, we discuss how energy is the common thread that binds the seemingly diffuse sectors in which FTI operates.In this episode, find out:FTI’s ‘pathway to smarter energy’ - a stepwise approach to helping customers become energy independentWhy energy resilience is something that every company can enjoy and be customized to fit individual needsHow FTI capitalized on emerging markets thirty years agoWhat the manufacturing industry looks like going into 2025 with regards to automation and sustainabilityThe trend towards prefabricated buildings and why this is happeningWhy FTI has seen such growth in the data center space, especially with electric vehicle infrastructureWhy automation is integral to creating efficient and scalable solutions Why a level of responsibility and ownership is needed when using AI, especially considering sustainabilityEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“A lot of the growth that the company is seeing at the moment is tied to that data center market growth.”“There were some really conscious decisions that the leadership team of this company made looking at these emerging markets.”“Resilience, I think, is something that every company can achieve.”Links & mentions:Rockwell Automation, an American provider of industrial automation and digital transformation technologiesFTI, a dynamic organization leveraging unified growth to create unparalleled possibilities and shape the future of energy Raised Grain Brewing, located in Waukesha, WI, this brewery has an extensive beer lineup that often pays tribute to local guitar hero Les PaulMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.