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…
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