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Factory of the Future Podcast

Factory of the Future Podcast

By: AW Schultz & Alexandria Burek
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About this listen

Welcome to Factory of the Future brought to you by AW Schultz and Alexandria Burek.


This podcast is focused on the intersection of technology and manufacturing, discussing emerging trends across multiple industries. You will find the topics covered are far reaching and are created to inspire everyone from the factory floor worker up to the executives running the organizations.


AW has spent 20+ years helping organizations transform maintenance and reliability programs, hosting workshops and training events across the globe. He is passionate about researching and helping large organizations bridge the gap between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 over the next decade.

Alexandria has built a robust career in Supply Chain and Logistics, with a primary focus on transforming private fleet compliance and operations; she is passionate about empowering women in male industries and leveraging neuroscience to level up personally and professionally.


Together, they bring unique individual flair and practical life experiences that will challenge leaders to rethink the way they run their businesses.

© 2026 Factory of the Future Podcast Economics Management Management & Leadership Politics & Government
Episodes
  • #59: The Peak of American Manufacturing: How Automation and Globalization Forever Changed Manufacturing in the US

    #59: The Peak of American Manufacturing: How Automation and Globalization Forever Changed Manufacturing in the US
    Feb 10 2026

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    Welcome to Factory of the Future, E59, The Peak of American Manufacturing: How Automation and Globalization Forever Changed Manufacturing in the US
    Join us as we discuss:
    - The evolution of manufacturing from the 50s to present
    - Post-World War II industrial changes
    - The rise of the automotive industry's "Big Three" (GM, Ford, and Chrysler), the introduction of the V8 engine and muscle cars, and the significant role of Pittsburgh in steel production
    - How automation and unionization played crucial roles in shaping the industry
    - The downstream impacts of NAFTA on American manufacturing
    And so much more.

    Register Now for our Upcoming Industry 4.0 Workshop - Spots are limited!

    Connect with A.W. Schultz

    Email: aw@awschultz.org

    Personal Website: https://www.awschultz.org/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awschultz/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awschultz_Industry5.0/featured

    X: https://twitter.com/visual_controls

    A.W’s Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKcBb6hGFjk


    Connect with Alexandria Burek
    Cell Phone: 708-262-2648

    Email: alexandria@vigorinvestments.co

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriaburek1992

    Instagram: @unapologeticallyalexandria

    Threads: @unapologeticallyalexandria


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    19 mins
  • #58: Climate Control Pays Off: How Temperature-Regulated Factories Boost Productivity and Cut Defects

    #58: Climate Control Pays Off: How Temperature-Regulated Factories Boost Productivity and Cut Defects
    Feb 3 2026

    Send us a text

    Welcome to Factory of the Future, E58, Climate Control Pays Off: How Temperature-Regulated Factories Boost Productivity and Cut Defects

    Join us as we discuss:

    - Benefits of temperature-controlled factories

    - Why climate control not only improves comfort, but also efficiency and reliability

    - How temperature-regulated facilities reduce production defects and downtime

    And so much more.


    Register Now for our Upcoming Industry 4.0 Workshop - Spots are limited!

    Connect with A.W. Schultz

    Email: aw@awschultz.org

    Personal Website: https://www.awschultz.org/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awschultz/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awschultz_Industry5.0/featured

    X: https://twitter.com/visual_controls

    A.W’s Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKcBb6hGFjk


    Connect with Alexandria Burek
    Cell Phone: 708-262-2648

    Email: alexandria@vigorinvestments.co

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriaburek1992

    Instagram: @unapologeticallyalexandria

    Threads: @unapologeticallyalexandria


    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • #57: From Smart to Dark Factories

    #57: From Smart to Dark Factories
    Jan 28 2026

    Send us a text

    Welcome to Factory of the Future, E57, From Smart to Dark Factories

    Join us as we discuss:

    - The concept of dark factories

    - Maturity levels of automated factories

    - Why dark factories result in improved energy efficiency and output

    - The art of balancing supply and demand with nearly unlimited capacity

    - Why we think shared factories are the future

    And so much more.


    Register Now for our Upcoming Industry 4.0 Workshop - Spots are limited!

    Connect with A.W. Schultz

    Email: aw@awschultz.org

    Personal Website: https://www.awschultz.org/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awschultz/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awschultz_Industry5.0/featured

    X: https://twitter.com/visual_controls

    A.W’s Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKcBb6hGFjk


    Connect with Alexandria Burek
    Cell Phone: 708-262-2648

    Email: alexandria@vigorinvestments.co

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriaburek1992

    Instagram: @unapologeticallyalexandria

    Threads: @unapologeticallyalexandria


    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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