How Welding Automation Drives Profitability, Worker Engagement, Operational Efficiency
Discover how proven welding automation strategies—paired with the right partner—can boost revenue, attract talent, improve quality, and reduce costly rework. Go beyond ROI. Learn how to make money with automation.
Understanding and avoiding risk when considering welding automation is important but so is understanding its ROI potential. This roundtable will feature Miller experts as they dig deeper into automation ROI. They’ll share insights on how to evaluate ROI beyond the bottom line, including workforce impact, operational efficiency and long-term scalability. Attendees will hear real-life examples and gain practical guidance on the following topics:
Recognizing the need for a shift in mindset to think in automation because good hand welding doesn’t always translate to good robotic welding. One manufacturer struggled with this transition, leading to inefficiencies and retraining.
Understanding how automation affects your entire process, including upstream part prep, tooling and layout. A shop that didn’t account for these factors saw limited ROI despite new equipment.
Overcoming fear of failure and investment risk by starting smart, aligning expectations and planning for scalability. A job shop hesitant to automate due to talent concerns discovered that modern tech attracted younger workers and improved retention.
Viewing ROI through a broader lens, including consistent quality, productivity gains and the ability to grow without relying on a shrinking pool of skilled welders.
Whether you're just beginning to explore automation or looking to optimize your current setup, this webinar will help you think holistically about ROI and encourage you to confidently move forward.
Speakers
David Schaefer
Automation Specialist
Miller Welding Automation
David Schaefer is an Automation Sales Specialist for the Southeast with over 20 years of robotic welding sales experience. He began his career as factory representative selling all types of welding equipment prior to focusing on robotic welding.
He holds an engineering degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Campbell University. At Miller Electric, David focuses on enhancing the customers’ welding productivity and quality through automation.
Ty Lattimore
Product Manager
Miller Welding Automation
Ty Lattimore is a product manager of automation at Miller Electric Mfg., LLC. Over the past seven years, Ty has held progressive roles at ITW, including roles at Hobart Filler Metals and Miller spanning engineering, field support and product management. To every role, he brings a passion for advancing the welding industry and sharing insights that bridge new technology with practical applications.
Ty holds a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and an MBA from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, equipping him with a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to serve the welding industry.
Joe Bailey
Automation Application Specialist
Miller Automation Welding
Joe Bailey is an Automation Applications Specialist for ITW/Miller in one of the largest automation regions in the US, the Mid-South Region. Joe has 40 years of experience in designing, building and successfully implementing automation systems and strategies for a broad range of manufacturing and fabrication sectors with a significant focus on welding automation and tooling.
He has a real-world understanding of how manufacturing and fabrication companies generate revenue and a successful track record of helping those who are new to automation or have struggled with automation in the past become successful and profitable with proven, low risk automation strategies and solutions.
