Connected Shopfloor

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, host Marco Tschan welcomes a specialist who truly understands what happens when the high-level theory of the boardroom meets the gritty reality of the machine.
Mike Lane is a veteran of the manufacturing world with over 17 years spent in the trenches of management consulting. Having optimized operations for global giants like Accenture and Hitachi, Mike’s expertise spans across aerospace foundries, paper mills, and international food and beverage plants. While he is a master of the "nuts and bolts" of performance, focusing on OEE, Lean, and Root Cause Analysis, his secret weapon is actually his background in HR and Sales. This unique combination gives him a distinct edge in tackling the most difficult part of any industrial transformation: changing human behavior.
The conversation dives deep into the "hard truths" of operational change, beginning with a provocative look at why so many "perfect" Lean systems eventually fail. Mike shares his perspective on whether manufacturing actually suffers from technical problems, or if these are simply leadership issues disguised as technical ones. Drawing from his extensive experience conducting DILO (Day In The Life Of) studies, Mike reveals the most common "lies" we tell ourselves about how we spend our time on the shop floor and discusses how much an employee’s behavior truly changes the moment they know they are being observed.
As the episode unfolds, Marco and Mike explore the sensory side of consulting, discussing how a seasoned expert can judge the health of a factory by sound alone. They also tackle the tension between traditional methods and the digital frontier, questioning if the psychological power of a physical whiteboard is being lost in the era of iPads and "Smart Factories." This episode is a masterclass in practical manufacturing wisdom. It concludes with a powerful reflection on Industry 4.0, examining why, even 20 years into the future, we might still be struggling with the same basic human communication issues despite our advanced AI.

In this episode, we sit down with Miguel Félix, Production Director at Prenso-Metal, to explore the front lines of industrial transformation. From its roots in 1992 to becoming a Tier 1/Tier 2 powerhouse in the automotive sector, Prenso-Metal represents the pinnacle of Portuguese precision engineering.
With a background in International Trade and a Master’s in Business Management, Miguel brings a strategic perspective to the technical world of metal forming. He plays a pivotal role at Prenso-Metal, a company specializing in fine blanking, progressive stamping, and high-speed welding for the global automotive industry.
We dive into how AI and IoT are moving from buzzwords to the factory floor, revolutionizing the way production is managed in real-time. Miguel breaks down how digital tools are the secret to cutting delays and costs, providing a practical roadmap for innovation in an industry that’s traditionally been a bit more conservative. We also talk about the "balancing act"— keeping quality and speed high while navigating the red tape and cultural barriers that often slow down new tech.
But it’s not just about the machines. We get into the human side of manufacturing, with Miguel sharing raw insights on leadership, resilience, and staying authentic. We explore what it’s really like to manage generational shifts and family dynamics in a 100% Portuguese-capital business, and how European manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve when competing with Asian markets through smart innovation and vertical integration.

Masha Vis-Mertens, currently CHRO at Corbion, is a "Career Chameleon" with over 20 years of leadership at Cargill and Barry Callebaut. Her expertise spans the high-pressure world of Global Sales to the complexities of Supply Chain and HR across the EMEA region. With an academic background in International Supply Chain Management and European Studies, she bridges technical strategy with human-centric leadership. Beyond the office, Masha is a chocolate enthusiast who finds balance through manual activities and gardening at her home in France.
In this episode of the podcast, Marco Tschan sits down with Masha Vis-Mertens for an insightful exploration of leadership and career evolution within the global food industry. Drawing from her extensive experience across diverse corporate landscapes, Masha reflects on the "Career Chameleon" mindset, the ability to adapt across functions, from the high-stakes pressure of sales to the strategic complexities of human resources. The conversation highlights how cultural nuances and company size fundamentally shape corporate identity, offering a rare look at the differences between managing public quarterly demands and private sector growth.
The dialogue shifts toward the future of work, specifically addressing the dual impact of AI and automation on both the office and the factory floor. Masha provides a nuanced perspective on how technology is blurring traditional professional lines while simultaneously increasing the value of genuine human interaction. She emphasizes that while digital tools can optimize processes, the core of successful customer relationships and organizational health remains rooted in authentic, unpolished communication and curiosity.
Furthermore, the episode tackles the evolving expectations of the modern workforce. Masha discusses the challenge of managing a new generation of talent that seeks rapid progression and purpose, sharing valuable strategies for balancing technical expertise with leadership development. By focusing on the intersection of people, processes, and international perspectives, this conversation provides a roadmap for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven, globalized market while remaining grounded in human-centric leadership.

Masha Vis-Mertens, currently CHRO at Corbion, is a "Career Chameleon" with over 20 years of leadership at Cargill and Barry Callebaut. Her expertise spans the high-pressure world of Global Sales to the complexities of Supply Chain and HR across the EMEA region. With an academic background in International Supply Chain Management and European Studies, she bridges technical strategy with human-centric leadership. Beyond the office, Masha is a chocolate enthusiast who finds balance through manual activities and gardening at her home in France.
In this episode of the podcast, Marco Tschan sits down with Masha Vis-Mertens for an insightful exploration of leadership and career evolution within the global food industry. Drawing from her extensive experience across diverse corporate landscapes, Masha reflects on the "Career Chameleon" mindset, the ability to adapt across functions, from the high-stakes pressure of sales to the strategic complexities of human resources. The conversation highlights how cultural nuances and company size fundamentally shape corporate identity, offering a rare look at the differences between managing public quarterly demands and private sector growth.
The dialogue shifts toward the future of work, specifically addressing the dual impact of AI and automation on both the office and the factory floor. Masha provides a nuanced perspective on how technology is blurring traditional professional lines while simultaneously increasing the value of genuine human interaction. She emphasizes that while digital tools can optimize processes, the core of successful customer relationships and organizational health remains rooted in authentic, unpolished communication and curiosity.
Furthermore, the episode tackles the evolving expectations of the modern workforce. Masha discusses the challenge of managing a new generation of talent that seeks rapid progression and purpose, sharing valuable strategies for balancing technical expertise with leadership development. By focusing on the intersection of people, processes, and international perspectives, this conversation provides a roadmap for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven, globalized market while remaining grounded in human-centric leadership.

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, Marco Tschan welcomes Luis Moreno, the Plant Manager at Megapack in Peru, for an in-depth discussion on the transformation of the flexible packaging industry. The conversation centers on a significant milestone for the sector: the successful remote digitization of a manufacturing plant located thousands of miles away from the technical support team. Luis provides a detailed account of how they managed this overseas implementation, proving that geographical distance is no longer a constraint for industrial modernization when supported by clear communication and robust digital tools.The dialogue extends beyond technical implementation to explore the broader industrial landscape in South America. Luis shares his perspective on the essential shift toward automation and the growing pressure to balance operational efficiency with the global demand for sustainable packaging solutions. He examines the complexities of these transitions, particularly regarding cost management and the integration of artificial intelligence into daily production workflows.Furthermore, the episode addresses the critical human element of plant management. Luis discusses the challenges of leading a new generation of talent and the importance of creating a workplace culture that values rapid growth and purposeful career paths. A key highlight of the interview is the focus on organizational agility, specifically how viewing mistakes as learning opportunities can accelerate a factory’s path to excellence. This conversation serves as a comprehensive case study for leaders looking to scale their operations and embrace the future of global manufacturing.