As industries worldwide navigate the intersection of sustainability, efficiency, and workforce transformation, Rockwell Automation continues to lead the conversation with actionable insights and technology-driven strategies. In a recent series of video interviews hosted at ROKStudios, three leaders from the manufacturing and automation sectors shared their perspectives on key challenges facing today’s manufacturers—and how automation is helping address them.
1. Energy Monitoring as a Catalyst for Sustainability
In the first discussion, Stan Miller speaks with Marcus Behrens, CSO of The Packaging Group, to explore how energy monitoring plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability across manufacturing operations. Marcus highlights the value of gaining detailed insights into energy consumption across production lines, allowing companies to identify inefficiencies and benchmark performance. He also sheds light on the complexities of Scope 3 emissions and offers practical advice for manufacturers on how to begin tackling this critical area. The key takeaway: transparency and data are foundational to both sustainability and cost efficiency.
2. Modularity and Workforce Optimization at Hawaiian Host
The second conversation features Chris Rabago, Director of Manufacturing at Hawaiian Host, and Billy Goodman, Managing Director at KAMA North America. Together, they discuss how modular automation solutions are helping Hawaiian Host overcome labor shortages while upskilling and engaging their existing workforce. The modular approach allows for gradual adoption of automation, minimizing disruption and building workforce confidence. Integration of digital tools and intuitive interfaces has proven essential in attracting younger talent and improving operational efficiency—all while maintaining a focus on employee empowerment rather than replacement.
3. Rethinking Packaging for a Sustainable Future
In the third video, Stefan Kune, Managing Director at Optima, joins Stan to discuss how sustainability and efficiency can be balanced in packaging processes. Stefan outlines how customer expectations and regulatory pressures are accelerating the shift from plastic to paper-based packaging and highlights Optima’s commitment to developing innovative, scalable solutions in this space. He also discusses the role of AI and digital technologies in optimizing packaging lines and enhancing usability. With an emphasis on collaboration and long-term thinking, Stefan advocates for a holistic approach—rethinking not only packaging formats but entire production ecosystems.
A Unified Vision: Innovation with Purpose
Across all three discussions, a common theme emerges: the importance of marrying innovation with sustainability and human-centric design. Whether through advanced monitoring, flexible modular systems, or new packaging materials, Rockwell Automation and its partners are helping manufacturers build smarter, more resilient operations. These conversations provide a window into how digital transformation, when thoughtfully applied, can deliver real environmental and business value.
To watch the full interviews and learn more about Rockwell Automation’s sustainability and workforce solutions, visit https://www.rockwellautomation.com/