Manufacturing may be stabilizing but its workforce is at a turning point.

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Amara Rozgus, editor-in-chief of Plant Engineering, breaks down insights from the 2026 Plant Engineering Salary Survey. The data shows a highly experienced, well-paid and satisfied workforce, but one that’s rapidly nearing retirement, with too few junior engineers coming up behind them.

We discuss the growing skills gap, declining entry-level salaries, the risk of institutional knowledge loss and how AI is being viewed on the plant floor. Is it a helpful tool or a potential threat?

If you’re thinking about workforce strategy, digital transformation or the future of manufacturing talent, this episode is for you.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Manufacturing Challenges
• (00:01:29) - Stephanie Gets Catfished Over a Dog
• (00:05:12) - The State of the Plant Engineering Workforce
• (00:07:12) - Insights from the 2026 Salary Survey
• (00:10:25) - The State of Manufacturing Engineering
• (00:15:15) - The Aging Workforce and Skills Gap
• (00:23:13) - The Role of AI in Manufacturing
• (00:27:08) - Conclusion and Future Outlook

Digital transformation remains a top priority for manufacturers, but many initiatives still stall between strategy and execution.

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Dan Furrow, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. industrial, global accounts and international markets, at Wesco, and Luis Atencio, solutions architect for Wesco’s smart manufacturing team, join the podcast to explore what separates modernization from true digital transformation.

They discuss:

• Why modernization is only the foundation
• How data silos undermine enterprise-wide visibility
• The importance of orchestration when integrating hardware, software and systems
• How AI can support workforce continuity and reduce unplanned downtime
• Why successful initiatives begin with business outcomes, not technology trends

With real-world examples and practical best practices, this episode provides a grounded look at how manufacturers can unlock value from the data they already have.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
• (00:05:37) - Understanding Modernization vs. Digital Transformation
• (00:10:12) - The Role of Friction in Transformation
• (00:14:57) - Breaking Down Silos in Manufacturing
• (00:18:30) - The Importance of Orchestration
• (00:20:44) - Data as a Critical Asset
• (00:25:07) - Real-World Applications of Data Integration
• (00:29:21) - Common Themes in Successful Projects
• (00:32:31) - Best Practices for Manufacturers
• (00:34:55) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to IT systems. They’re now crossing into the physical world, with real consequences for manufacturing, supply chains and critical infrastructure. In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil are joined by Ian Bramson, vice president of global industrial cybersecurity at Black & Veatch, to unpack what this shift means for industrial organizations.

The conversation explores why the industrial attack surface is expanding, how supply chains and legacy systems create hidden vulnerabilities and why cybersecurity needs to be built in early through concepts like clean build, not bolted on after startup. Bramson also dives into how attackers are using AI, what “AI vs. AI” means for defenders and the unique challenges of securing OT environments as operations move to the cloud. HIs takeaway is to keep it simple, start early and focus on building a resilient cybersecurity foundation that can adapt as technology — and threats — continue to evolve.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
• (00:05:47) - The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks
• (00:09:25) - Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
• (00:13:34) - The Concept of Clean Build
• (00:17:43) - Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
• (00:23:06) - AI in Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Threats
• (00:27:04) - Cloud Security Challenges
• (00:29:47) - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways