Ep. 253 | Winds of Change: Robert Linder and the Future of Manufacturing in Florida

Small Biz Florida

Welcome to a special episode of Small Biz Florida, broadcasting live from the heart of downtown Orlando at the illustrious Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. We're on the scene at the 2023 Florida MakesMore Manufacturing Summit, where industry leaders converge to explore innovations, collaborations, and the future of manufacturing in the Sunshine State.

Today, we're joined by Robert Linder, Senior Operations Manager at GE Renewable Energy, with a remarkable background from military service to manufacturing leadership. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the summit, we dive into Robert's journey from the Navy to GE and explore exciting developments in renewable energy, specifically the production of onshore wind turbines in Pensacola, FL.

In this engaging conversation, we touch upon GE's commitment to green power, the significance of onshore wind in the energy landscape, and the unique role that the Pensacola plant plays in producing every GE wind turbine in North America.

The focus then shifts to the Florida Makes event, where Robert is a featured presenter. He delves into the pivotal role of digital transformation in lean manufacturing, emphasizing the need for a laser-focused approach to technological advancements. The discussion covers the challenges of managing a global supply chain, the importance of real-time data in daily operations, and the positive impact of digital transformation on safety, quality, and productivity.

Robert shares insights into fostering a culture of innovation within GE, where every team member is encouraged to contribute ideas for continuous improvement. From the importance of staying agile in the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape to the exciting prospects of creating a robust ecosystem in Florida, this episode is a deep dive into the dynamics of modern manufacturing.

As we wrap up this enlightening conversation, we encourage you to connect with GE Vernova at GEVernova.com for career opportunities and partnerships.

Recorded live at the 2023 Make More Manufacturing Summit, hosted at the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A special thanks to the conference hosts for having Small Biz Florida attend, and a shoutout to the Dr. Phillips Center for being an outstanding venue for this event.