Episode
Facing the Future: Automation Truths from 40 Years on the Shop Floor with Mike Gamache, Ep #29
- Published
- Nov 28, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3761
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Summary
As we dive into this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with someone who's seen automation evolve from pencil drawings and flame-cut templates to fully integrated robotic systems: our friend and longtime industry leader, Mike Gamache. For decades, Mike has lived at the intersection of machining, fabrication, automation, and continuous improvement, and we couldn't be more excited to bring his experience to our listeners. We reflect on how we first met Mike—a mix of Germany trips, delayed flights, Delta drink tickets, and a little tough love that eventually turned into friendship and collaboration. But what really makes this conversation valuable is the unfiltered truth Mike brings about automation. We explore what makes it succeed, why it fails, and how shops can avoid the painful mistakes that come from chasing trends instead of defining real problems. Throughout our conversation, we pull back the curtain on how companies like Metalcraft of Mayville use automation to transform throughput, stabilize processes, and eliminate the dirty, dull, dangerous, and demanding work no one wants. Mike walks us through identifying bottlenecks, understanding ROI, choosing between prefab and custom solutions, and overcoming the cultural resistance that keeps shops stuck in the past. We also talk about the mindset behind automation—how lean thinking, stable processes, and leadership alignment create the foundation for truly running lights out. And in a powerful shift, we explore Mike's "Create Holy Moments" philosophy, a reminder that continuous improvement isn't just for machines—it's for people, teams, and communities as well. This episode blends humor, hard-earned wisdom, and practical guidance you can use right away. If you're serious about improving your shop and moving toward ligh…