The Downtime | Episode 30: Material Girls

The Downtime podcast co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak dish on conveyance – and Thanksgiving dishes.

Courtesy: WTWH Media

This week on The Downtime, co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak take listeners on a deep dive into material handling and smart conveyance—a timely topic as manufacturers continue to invest in more efficient, connected systems across their production lines.

The episode begins with the co-hosts setting the stage for a conversation focused on the evolving world of conveyance technology. Wynn notes that this installment will unpack how smart conveyors and accumulation systems are driving greater throughput, flexibility and energy efficiency in modern manufacturing environments.

Kasprzak starts things off by spotlighting a recent Control Engineering story on Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning Creator, a tool that helps engineers implement machine learning models directly into automation systems. The story highlights how integrated machine learning capabilities are transforming real-time process control — something that ties closely to today’s theme of smarter, data-driven movement on the plant floor.

Next, Wynn turns to Packaging OEM’s latest research report on smart conveyors and material handling, available for download on the publication’s website. The report explores the role of sensors, predictive analytics, and intelligent control in helping manufacturers reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Building on that research, Wynn introduces this week’s guest: Bill Reese, general manager of accumulation and senior director of engineering at Columbus McKinnon Conveyance. Reese joins to discuss the company’s innovation in accumulation systems and how collaboration between Columbus McKinnon’s brands — Garvey, Dorner and montratec — is shaping the future of smart conveyance.

When the interview begins, Reese shares an overview of Columbus McKinnon’s conveyance portfolio, explaining how these brands collectively deliver complete material handling solutions from precision accumulation to modular transport. He then introduces Garvey’s new aluminum Bi-Flo accumulation table, developed in collaboration with Dorner to bring a lighter, more cost-effective solution to market.

Reese highlights the cost savings achieved by switching from stainless steel to aluminum construction, noting that manufacturers benefit from both reduced material costs and easier installation. Wynn follows up by asking about the Bi-Flo’s single motor design, which Reese says improves energy efficiency by simplifying power requirements and reducing the number of components needed to drive the system.

The discussion continues with Reese describing the various configurations of the aluminum Bi-Flo accumulation table and how each setup can be tailored to optimize production line layouts. He also offers tips for managing multi-line setups, emphasizing how flexibility and scalability are key to efficient facility design.

One of the most compelling use cases, Reese shares, comes from a nutraceutical line where the Bi-Flo has been seamlessly integrated to improve product handling and minimize bottlenecks. Reese expresses excitement about working with new customer segments, particularly those seeking agile, energy-conscious solutions for fast-paced production environments.

After wrapping the interview, Wynn and Kasprzak remind listeners that The Downtime will take a brief break over Thanksgiving but encourage fans to revisit previous episodes featuring industry experts. Then it’s time for some lighthearted fun as the co-hosts launch into their “Convey or Slay” game segment, where they debate which Thanksgiving dishes deserve a place on the holiday table.

The show closes with plenty of laughs — and a reminder that whether it’s smart conveyors or mashed potatoes, efficiency and balance are always key.

This episode of The Downtime delivers both insight and entertainment, proving that the future of manufacturing — and the Thanksgiving table — runs best when everything flows smoothly.

The Downtime | Episode 30 Timestamps

00:17 – The co-hosts begin the show

00:25 – Wynn notes that this episode will focus on material handling and smart conveyance

03:13 – Kasprzak covers a recent Control Engineering story about Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning Creator

04:15 – Wynn discusses Packaging OEM’s research report on smart conveyors and material handling. Available to download here

05:05 – Wynn outlines Columbus McKinnon’s conveyance brands and introduces this week’s guest: Bill Reese, general manager of accumulation, senior director of engineering at Columbus McKinnon conveyance

05:55 – Interview with Bill Reese begins

06:07 – Reese introduces himself and explains Columbus McKinnon’s conveyance portfolio, including Garvey, Dorner, and montratec

06:45 – Reese introduces Garvey’s new aluminum Bi-Flo accumulation table and details the collaboration with Dorner

07:55 – Reese notes the cost savings from switching to aluminum from stainless steel construction

08:30 – Wynn asks how the Bi-Flo’s single motor design impacts energy efficiency

10:55 – Reese describes the configurations of the aluminum Bi-Flo accumulation table and how they help manufacturers optimize production lines

13:44 – Reese offers tips for multi-line setups and layout challenges

16:49 – Reese explains how the aluminum Bi-Flo has been integrated into a nutraceutical line

19:30 – Reese expresses excitement to work with a new segment of customers, interview wraps up

20:15 – The co-hosts mention that there will be no new episode of The Downtime on Thanksgiving and encourage listeners to listen to previous episodes

21:01 – Convey or Slay game time segment begins with the co-hosts debating Thanksgiving dishes

25:28 – The co-hosts wrap up the show