The Downtime | Episode 32: Running It Back

On The Downtime podcast, co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak take a look at the most popular headlines of the year.

Courtesy: WTWH Media

This week on The Downtime, co-hosts Sarah Wynn and Sheri Kasprzak jump right into a lively episode filled with industry news, year-end reflections, and a thoughtful conversation on women in manufacturing. The energy is high as the duo breaks down Ohio State’s massive victory over Michigan and recaps the recent holiday festivities. Their trademark banter sets the tone for a dynamic episode that balances technical insight with timely conversation.

Sarah and Sheri preview what listeners can expect throughout December: a spotlight on 2025’s top storiesfrom both Packaging OEM and Plant Engineering. These year-end episodes will revisit the biggest trends, innovations, and engineering shifts of the past year—offering a perfect wrap-up for professionals looking to stay informed heading into 2026.

Sheri dives into the first major highlight with a Plant Engineering story written by Ron Widup of Shermco Industries. The article focuses on NFPA 70E requirements, offering critical safety insights for electrical workers and facility managers. Sheri emphasizes the importance of strong electrical safety practices and how Widup’s expertise helps clarify evolving requirements for the industry.

She follows that by sharing one of her favorite topics — variable frequency drives. Sheri details an article by Shannon Chiles from WEG Electric Corp. on VFDs with integrated PLCs designed to deliver safer, more reliable pumping systems. As a self-proclaimed VFD enthusiast, she explains how these hybrid technologies simplify controls architecture while enhancing precision and protection across pumping applications.

Next, Sarah brings in two compelling features from Packaging OEM. She highlights coverage of Zebra Technologies’ scan tunnel paired with RFID solutions from software partner Xemelgo. These systems aim to streamline traceability, inventory monitoring, and automated identification for packaging and logistics operations — key technologies for plants seeking smarter material movement.

Sarah discusses Packaging OEM’s story on PaperWrap, a recyclable pallet wrap introduced to the U.S. market in spring 2025. The sustainability-focused solution, developed through collaboration between PaperWrap green by orange, Ranpak, and Mondi Group, represents a major step forward in reducing single-use plastics in packaging and warehousing environments.

The co-hosts then turn to this week’s interview with Amber Fritz, engineering systems and configuration manager at Reliance Worldwide. Fritz’s conversation begins by exploring support for women and allies in manufacturing, highlighting the importance of advocacy, inclusive leadership, and programs that help strengthen representation in technical fields.

At (18:11), Fritz walks through her pathway to engineering, sharing how mentorship, perseverance, and hands-on experience shaped her career trajectory. She concludes with thoughtful advice for women entering the manufacturing trades, along with reflections on what she loves most about her work — problem-solving, collaboration, and the tangible impact of engineering solutions.

The episode shifts into the spirited game segment “Naughty or Nice: Manufacturing Edition.” Sarah and Sheri debate which industry trends, technologies, and habits earned a place on this year’s nice list — and which landed squarely on the naughty side.

The co-hosts close out another engaging episode of The Downtime, capping off an hour filled with technical insight, end-of-year perspective, and thoughtful discussions on the future of manufacturing.

Timestamps for The Downtime Episode 32

00:17 – The co-hosts start the show

00:55 – The dynamic duo talks about Ohio State’s massive victory over Michigan and the recent holiday

02:11 – The co-hosts preview this week’s episode and share that they’ll highlight top stories from Packaging OEM and Plant Engineering from 2025 on the December episodes of The Downtime podcast

03:13 – Kasprzak goes over a Plant Engineering story by Ron Widup from Shermco Industries on NFPA 70E requirements

04:37 – Kasprzak explains she’s a big fan of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and presents an article on VFDs with integrated PLCs for safe and reliable pumping systems, written by Shannon Chiles from WEG Electric Corp.

06:10 – Wynn showcases Packaging OEM’s coverage on Zebra Technologies scan tunnel and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology solutions with software partner Xemelgo

07:00 – Wynn talks about Packaging OEM’s story on PaperWrap, a recyclable pallet wrap that was brought to the United States in Spring 2025 through a collaboration with PaperWrap green by orange, Ranpak, and Mondi Group

08:16 – The hosts present this week’s interview with Amber Fritz, engineering systems and configuration manager at Reliance Worldwide

10:16 – Fritz explains support for women and allies in manufacturing

18:11 – Fritz describes her pathway to engineering

22:31 – Fritz offers advice to women entering manufacturing, and her favorite part about working in the trades

24:35 – Interview with Fritz concludes

25:14 – The co-hosts start the game time segment called “Naughty or Nice: Manufacturing edition”

31:45 – The co-hosts wrap up the show