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In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by Rhein Britz, Turnaround Manager at Contract Resources in Australia. Diving into their mutual passion of automation, Kerry and Rhein discuss the sentiment around automation in areas such as the Middle East, South Africa, and Australia. Rhein shares about his numerous experiences implementing automated solutions, including when he helped a South African company successfully remove all hands from high pressure hoses and lance work. They discuss the safety, productivity, and efficiency benefits of automation, as well as related topics like labor shortages and imported labor. Listen to the episode to learn more about implementing automation in industrial cleaning operations worldwide. Guest:  Rhein Britz, Turnaround Manager at Contract Resources Australia

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins welcomes Dick Hannah, the VP of Learning and Innovation at the Health and Safety Council (HASC). Formerly known as the Houston Safety Council, Dick shares the organization’s new, expanded direction following their rebrand as the HASC. Through hard work and dedication, he has created a learning community of contractors and refinery owner/operators that stretches beyond the Houston area and throughout the country. Building safe workplaces is the vision and goal of the HASC and to create the best possible training that is both worthwhile and effective. Kerry and Dick discuss the importance of learner integrity, and the pitfall of having a “check the box” approach to training that doesn’t result in actual memory and adoption of safety practices. The goal is for the learner to retain the new knowledge they acquired by engaging them after the fact. And, by making sure the training is effective, the methods learned in training come to life in the field. The goal of the HASC is to inspire and facilitate field worker career progression while also addressing learner challenges; such as language barriers. These efforts to build safe workplaces takes into consideration that the learners they are working with are unique; they prefer to get their hands dirty as opposed to sitting in front of a computer. Guest: Dick Hannah, VP of Learning and Innovation at the Health and Safety Council

As the safety supervisor for Kuraray EVAL, Richard Bass talks with Kerry Siggins about the shift in asset owners to incorporate waterblasting and the desire to make positive impactful changes to affect not only revenues, but more importantly the safety of workers. He shares Kuraray’s journey to implement the WJTA’s hydroblasting certification throughout Kuraray and why he sees the relationship between asset owners, service providers, and OEMs. Richard also highlights the work the Houston Business Round Table has done to increase safety at plants across the Gulf Coast. Guest:  Richard Bass is the Safety Supervisor at Kuraray EVAL, Chairperson for the Houston Business Roundtable, Chairperson of the Texas Chemical Council 2023 EHS Seminar, Texas Chemical Council Occupational Safety Committee Vice Chair, 2021 TCC Safety Professional of the Year, Vice Chair of the La Porte, Morgan’s Point and Shoreacres LEPC, consultant to the La Porte Plant Managers Network, Texas Safety Foundation board member, and a member of San Jacinto College CPET EHS advisory board.

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by StoneAge’s director of global sales, Mike Taylor. Mike shares his perspective of the company’s recent acquisition of longtime competitor and industry legend, Terydon. Kerry and Mike discuss the plan for bringing Terydon products to StoneAge dealers and customers worldwide, beginning with the Jack Track cutting system. Mike details the inventors’ motivation to create a versatile cutting system with both flexible and rigid track, plus magnetic and suction attachment options. Mike shares how waterblast contractors can use the Jack Track to cut into door sheets and curved tanks, whether for demolition cuts or highly precise, clean lines for re-welding. Lastly, Mike and Kerry talk about differences between the wired and wireless versions of the Jack Track that contractors should keep in mind when purchasing or renting the system. Guest: Mike Taylor, Director of Global Sales at StoneAge

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins sits down with Sam Smolik to discuss his 50+ years of experience managing energy and petrochem facilities, as well as his new book, “The Daily Pursuit of Excellence.” Reflecting on the evolution of industrial cleaning practices, Kerry and Sam discuss the value of facility owners supporting and engaging with advancing standardized safety training. They dive into the importance of having a strong company culture that also extends to contractors, and the influence Sam’s leadership experience has had in his recent work as an author. Sam also details the message he plans to share at the upcoming Safety Council Summit, that “every job can be done safely.” Guest: Sam Smolik spent his career in a series of global executive leadership roles at The Dow Chemical Company, Shell, and LyondellBasell Industries. His focus during his 50+ year career was on leadership, people development, operational excellence, management systems, sustainable development, and achieving superior performance. Sam has recently authored a new book, “The Daily Pursuit of Excellence,” to share his experiences and leadership techniques for improving personal effectiveness, influencing others, and enhancing organizational performance. Smolik graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves on the board of directors for Axalta Coating Systems, Evergreen Industrial Services, and Ducks Unlimited.

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins welcomes back Jimmy Peck, General Manager of MPW Industrial Services and the podcast’s first-ever guest over three years ago. Kerry and Jimmy discuss what they’re looking forward to at the upcoming WJTA Conference & Expo in New Orleans, LA, including the new asset owner track and operator training opportunities. Expanding on the topic, Jimmy details the value of formalized training and certifications within the industrial cleaning industry— especially for new hires. From networking to education sessions, hear what’s in store for asset owners, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and more at the tradeshow this November 1st – 3rd.

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by Terry Gromes Jr., Product Strategy Manager at Terydon. Terydon is an Ohio-based waterblasting equipment and technology manufacturer that was recently acquired by StoneAge. Learn what this powerful joint venture means for the industrial cleaning industry, specifically for the continued innovation of accessories that optimize water delivery on the job. Kerry and Terry discuss the horizon for computerized, sensor-based cleaning equipment that can help mitigate human error and reduce water and fuel consumption. They also talk about the importance of collaborating with asset owners to plan the facility’s cleaning solution and maintenance schedule concurrent with initial construction. Lastly, Terry details his excitement about the Terydon team joining StoneAge’s employee ownership program.

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins interviews Roger Simonsson, CEO of Aquajet Systems. As a leading manufacturer of hydrodemolition equipment, Aquajet Systems is known for providing user-friendly, environmentally conscious equipment for concrete resurfacing and renovation. Roger details this process and how Aquajet leverages customer feedback to drive their innovation of new hydrodemolition products and techniques. Kerry and Roger dive into team leadership, goal setting, as well as his dedicated focus on developing Aquajet’s team members. They also discuss what it’s like to navigate industry challenges such as labor shortages, globalized supply chains, and the growing pressure to deliver maximum efficiency. Plus, Roger shares his thoughts on the importance of preventative maintenance and conservation versus new (and likely excessive) construction endeavors. Roger Simonsson is the CEO of Aquajet Systems, a Sweden-based manufacturer of hydrodemolition equipment. Founded in 1988, Aquajet Systems serves customers across Europe, Scandinavia, and the U.S. For most of his professional life, Roger has worked with business organization, development, and generation. He has been the market manager or CEO for several companies such as Trivselhus (housing), Asko Cylinda (household appliances), Moelven Töreboda (bearing wood structures), and Aneta belysning (lighting fixtures).

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by Erik Sanderson, Project Manager at OCL Group Inc. in Alberta, CA. Erik discusses how he got started in the industrial cleaning industry after his time in construction. In 2015, Erik suffered a nearly fatal waterjet cut that severed the bottom of his calf up to his stomach. Erik shares his story from beginning to end, including his recovery process following the injury. As a waterjet cut survivor and long-time member of the industrial cleaning industry, Erik elaborates on how his accident inspired him to promote safety to those new to the industry. Erik and Kerry also address novel equipment, such as automated cleaning tools, and the positive impacts they have on enhancing safety and efficiency on the job. In the end, Erik relays his two cents on the growth of access to safety training and the importance of hands-on training to prevent accidents in industrial cleaning. Guest: Erik Sanderson relocated from Ontario to Fort McMurray (Fort Mac), an oil town in Alberta, CA, around the age of eighteen. Here, Erik began his career in industrial and chemical cleaning. Today, Erik is the Project Manager for OCL Group Inc., a company focused on pipeline, construction, and maintenance contracting. OCL Group Inc. also acts as an umbrella company for technical services including industrial high pressure and chemical cleaning.

Resource for Industrial Contractors and Assets Owners: WJTA Hydroblasting Training and Certification by Industrial Theory

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by Philipp Eisenmann, the Exhibition Director of IFAT. Held in Munich from May 30th – June 3rd, IFAT is the world’s largest tradeshow for wastewater, environmental, and industrial technologies. Kerry and Philipp discuss the organization’s 50-year history, from its start in 1966 to becoming a globally recognized brand with major events in Shanghai, Mumbai, Johannesburg, and Istanbul (just to name a few). Philipp shares what visitors can look forward to at the upcoming show, including conference programs specific to the Future of Water, Circular Economies and Resource Efficiency, Sustainable Cities and Municipalities, as well as Intelligent Drives and Zero Emissions. Plus, Philip details a new option for visitors to have a personalized guide help find a specific solution within the nearly 3,000 exhibitors at the event. For more information about IFAT and the upcoming event in Munich, visit https://ifat.de/en/.

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by Peeters Operations Manager, Marco van der Laan. Marco shares how he got started in the industrial cleaning industry and how the work eventually became an enjoyable hobby of his. Kerry and Marco discuss how automation is being adopted by European contractors after they realize it’s safer, less tiring, and can produce far better results than manual cleaning. As an early adopter of Sentinel Automation Technology, Marco details his experience cleaning heat exchangers four times faster than he was able to previously. Kerry and Marco talk about the collaboration between Peeters and StoneAge to further improve the system, as well as their mutual focus on removing industrial cleaning contractors from the line of fire during operation. Marco explains how it took his team just one day to learn how to use the Sentinel effectively. Plus, he shares how Sentinel job data allows him to inform his customers which tubes had the most pollution, the duration of his cleaning, and other competitive insights gathered during operation. Guest: Marco van der Laan is the Operations Manager for Peeters, an industrial cleaning contracting company serving customers across the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Belgium.

Guests: Kelley Crush is the Director of Engineering at StoneAge. Prior to joining the company in 2021, Kelley spent over a decade working in industrial engineering, manufacturing, and leadership. With a passion for problem solving, Kelley takes a customer-centric approach to product development and engineering. Mike Taylor is the Director of Global Sales at StoneAge. With over 15 years of experience in the industrial cleaning industry, Mike has worked in pump manufacturing, equipment rentals, and customer relations. Mike aspired to work for StoneAge because of the company’s passion for advancing the industry and ultimately to keep people safe. Episode in a Tweet: Learn how feedback from StoneAge customers led to the “Swiss Army Knife” of heat exchanger cleaning equipment— the Compass. Quick Background: In this special episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by two familiar faces: StoneAge Director of Engineering, Kelley Crush, and Director of Global Sales, Mike Taylor. Kelley and Mike share exciting news about StoneAge’s latest system, the Compass. Formerly known as the ProPositioner, the Compass is an automated indexing device that articulates in a radial motion from one attachment point to easily clean all tubes in and around a heat exchanger bundle. Kelley details how this reduces the need for contractors to perform dangerous confined space cleaning operations. Explaining the evolution of this product, Mike shares how StoneAge works closely with customers to develop products that drive the industry forward. Learn about the extensive engineering and customer collaboration that produced the Compass’s game-changing ability to clean every tube with precision and ease. Plus, they hint at what’s coming down the pipe for Sentinel Automation Technology.

Guest: Tom Costabile stands at the forefront of innovation and today’s industry developments. As the executive director and CEO of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), he has spent the last three years working to establish the organization as a global leader in the mechanical engineering space while promoting the technical and societal contributions of engineers. A calculated risk-taker with deep industry knowledge, Costabile has championed the facilitation and application of engineering knowledge while advocating for the benefits of engineering education and career development. Focused on the creation of products, services, and programs around key technologies, including manufacturing, bioengineering, robotics, clean energy, and pressure technology, he is also responsible for guiding ASME’s organizational programs in code and standards development, membership, conferences, technical publishing, education, professional development, and public policy. While embracing ASME’s core values, he most recently orchestrated a merger between ASME and Techstreet projected to be ASMEs next giant growth opportunity. This new merger will accelerate opportunities for ASME to incubate new industry events into revenue generating engines. Prior to joining ASME, Costabile served as a consultant for Carlan Advisors and as a partner at 3ssentials, LLC, where he served as a private equity investor. He also held leadership roles in the music distribution industry, which included serving as senior vice president of operations for SONY Music, WEA Manufacturing-Warner Music Group, and CBS Records where he led the development of the company’s compact disc and distribution operations. Costabile has built a reputation for developing business strategies, incubating new business models, and building out channel programs. He is a licensed professional mechanical engineer and began his career in the nuclear power industry. Costabile holds a Finance MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and has served on numerous advisory boards including his current position on the Montgomery Academy’s Board of Trustees. Episode in a Tweet: “If you have a passion for science, if you have a passion for improving our global environments, engineering is a quick path to making a difference.” – Tom Costabile Quick Background: In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins interviews Tom Costabile, the executive director and CEO of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Tom details the mission, history, and impact of the ASME, along with his vision for the future of the organization. He explains their efforts to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in the engineering community, including educational outreach and various scholarship offerings. Kerry and Tom discuss why engineering matters and the creativity and technology that goes into manufacturing products. They examine the roles of artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies, detailing how data collection and predictive analytics are improving maintenance and inspection efforts across industries. Most importantly, Kerry and Tom discuss how engineering standards and technology advancements function to save and improve lives all around the world. Tom shares his passion for progressing sustainability goals, including engineering solutions that support food supply chains and access to clean water. To hear more from Tom Costabile, listen to his podcast, Unconventional Engineering, featuring co-host Roy Firestone.

Guest: TJ Suiter is the president of Hydro Products Corporation and the inventor of the Vanguard System, safety equipment for jet trucks, jet/vac combo units, and CCTV maintenance vehicles. Based in Denver, Colorado, Hydro Products Corp. helps protect wastewater workers by reducing the level of dangerous pathogens workers are exposed to while on the job. Episode in a Tweet: TJ Suiter, president of Hydro Products Corp., is on a mission to protect the health of wastewater workers by keeping sewage in the sewer where it belongs. Listen to learn more! Quick Background: In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by TJ Suiter, president of Hydro Products Corporation. Listen as they discuss the Vanguard system, a defence system TJ invented to keep dangerous pathogens away from wastewater workers, community citizens, and the environment. TJ shares his experience working with occupational hazards and pathogens beginning as a volunteer in hospice settings, to later testing manholes, maintenance closets, jet trucks and other equipment for the presence of highly infectious material. Kerry and TJ discuss his transition from being a service provider to a product business, as well as generational differences he faces surrounding sanitary knowledge and practices on the job. Plus, TJ details his upbringing and how his parents fostered a strong passion for invention and entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Industrial Theory, host Kerry Siggins is joined by Dr. Francesco Coletti, the CEO of Hexxcell Ltd., a London based technology and consulting company that provides predictive analytics and prescriptive maintenance solutions for industrial heat transfer systems, primarily in refineries and petrochemical plants. Hexxcell’s technology helps predict and assess fouling to optimize asset operations and minimize the impact of fouling on plant productivity and profits. Francesco shares about his past research into exchanger fouling with crude oil distillation units and how this served as an early source of inspiration towards the creation of Hexxcell. Now, Hexxcell is developing software that will eventually guide condition-based cleaning by detecting the status of an asset, how much fouling is occurring inside the unit, the type of deposits present, and what those conditions require for continued operation. Kerry and Francesco also discuss advancements taking place with heat exchanger design that aim to reduce fouling, as well as to provide retrospective models for potential outcomes of different exchanger designs. Guest: Dr. Francesco Coletti is the co-founder and CEO of Hexxcell Ltd., a London based technology and consulting company providing predictive analytics and prescriptive maintenance solutions for industrial heat transfer systems to major international oil, gas, and petrochemical companies. He is also a part-time Associate Professor at Brunel University London where he contributed to the launch of a new Chemical Engineering Department. Prior to Hexxcell, Francesco worked as a Development Specialist at the Praxair Technology Center (now Linde) in Buffalo, NY. Francesco has over a decade of experience in development of hybrid AI-deterministic models for predictive maintenance and operations optimization. He is also the Executive Editor of Heat Exchanger Design Handbook, the Secretary of the UK National Heat Transfer Committee, an elected member of the Scientific Committee for the International Heat Transfer Conferences, and a Director of the AIChE Fuels & Petrochemical Division. He holds a Laurea degree in Chemical Engineering from Padova University, Italy, an MSc in Process Systems Engineering and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, UK.

Guest:   John Wolgamott is the  co-founder of StoneAge Inc. Established in 1979 in Durango, Colorado,  StoneAge has grown to be the world’s leading provider of high-pressure waterblasting equipment, automated solutions, and services. John is a charter member of the Waterjet Technology Association and served on its Board of Directors since its founding in 1983 until 2011. He is a co-inventor of several patented tools, has authored numerous research papers, and has presented instructional sessions on waterjet applications at WJTA conferences. John graduated from the University of Colorado’s School of Engineering and did graduate work at the Colorado School of Mines. Episode in a Tweet:  Kerry Siggins  interviews  John Wolgamott,  co-founder of StoneAge Inc., about the company’s journey from a garage in 1979 to becoming the world’s leading provider of high-pressure waterblast equipment, accessories, and automated solutions. Summary:   Host Kerry Siggins is joined by John Wolgamott,  co-founder of StoneAge Inc. John details starting the company alongside co-founder, Jerry Zink, with a “waterjet rock drill” used for uranium mining, and its subsequent pivot towards manufacturing rotary tools and automated equipment for the industrial cleaning industry. He describes how their mutual focus on taking care of customer needs has helped guide the business’s growth internationally as well as its product development evolution. John explains why StoneAge became an employee-owned company and his passion for growing the Employee Stock Ownership Program further. Kerry and John discuss frequently asked questions including where the name “StoneAge” came from, why the company has never developed a pump, and why its headquarters is firmly located in Durango. Plus, John shares his vision for the industry and the role StoneAge plays in delivering the next generation of smarter, safer industrial cleaning equipment.

Host Kerry Siggins is joined by Jerry Carter, Vice President of Sales for Spir Star USA. Headquartered in Germany, Spir Star produces advanced hoses and fittings, as well as valves, adapters, and quick disconnects for various high-pressure applications. Jerry shares his experience starting on Spir Star’s production team, to taking part in expanding the company’s customer markets and product lines over the past two decades. Kerry and Jerry detail the engineering that goes into designing, manufacturing, and assembling hoses, including Spir Star’s innovation efforts like experimentation with new materials. Jerry also shares his insight on hose care, common assumptions about hose failure, and the advancements he’s most excited about in the industrial cleaning industry. Guest: Jerry Carter is the Vice President of Sales for Spir Star, a global leader in the production of high-pressure hoses designed with spiralized support of high-tensile steel wires. Jerry has over 20 years of experience with Spir Star, beginning his career in production and now overseeing the company’s sales, marketing, and commercial endeavors in North and South America.

Guest: Adam Markham is the Director of Engineering and Technology at StoneAge. With a strong passion for engineering, Adam previously spent over a decade in government telecommunications and has extensive experience making complex systems work in technically complex markets. Adam earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from The Johns Hopkins University and a BSE in Mechanical Engineering. Episode in a Tweet: Listen as Kerry Siggins and Adam Markham discuss Sentinel Automation Technology – how it was built, how it changes the way heat exchangers are cleaned, and how the technology marks a new era for the industrial cleaning industry. Quick Background: Host Kerry Siggins is joined by Adam Markham, Director of Engineering and Technology at StoneAge for a conversation about Sentinel Automation Technology. Adam explains the journey that has led to Sentinel Automation Technology, including how his experience engineering products for the U.S. military influenced Sentinel’s rugged and extremely reliable design. Adam and Kerry discuss the advanced technology features that make Sentinel different from anything in the industrial cleaning market today. Plus, Adam previews what StoneAge has in store for the technology, including expanding the functionality to applications like confined spaces cleaning.

Guest: Lance McKay is the Business Development Manager of industrial services for Cleanaway, an industrial cleaning contractor based in Australia. Lance has served on the board of AusJet, the safety organization for industrial cleaning activities in Australia and New Zealand, for the past three years. He also represents the Australasian High-Pressure Waterjetting Association (AUSJET / ADCVA) on the Global Industrial Cleaning Coalition (GICC) Steering Committee. Lance has 20 years of experience with high pressure waterjetting and vac loading in the industrial services industry, servicing contracts in municipal councils, water authorities, refinery, mining, offshore and CSG oil and gas. Episode in a Tweet: Listen as Kerry Siggins and Lance McKay discuss industrial cleaning in Australia and New Zealand, the vision of AusJet, and their work together in the Global Industrial Cleaning Coalition. Quick Background: Host Kerry Siggins is joined by Lance McKay, the Business Development Manager of industrial services for Cleanaway, an industrial cleaning contractor based in Australia. Lance shares what’s happening in Australia and New Zealand’s industrial cleaning markets, as well as the biggest advancements he’s seen over the past 20 years, including safety practices and automation. Lance and Kerry discuss AusJet and the Global Industrial Cleaning Coalition, and how the two organizations are working to drive advanced safety and training standards throughout the industrial cleaning industry. They also detail their shared passion to ensure that hydroblasting gains formal classification as a craftsmen trade.