Speaker Interview: Brandy Herrmann, Sikora
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 by Karla Stock

Next up in our speaker interview series, we are joined by, Brandy Herrmann, Senior Business Development Engineer for the Hose and Tube Division of SIKORA International Corporation. 

SIKORA is a world-renowned leader in providing quality assurance measurement systems for the production of wires, cables, hoses, tubes, pipes and sheets, optical fibers and plastics. Their experts develop intelligent measuring and control technologies, inspection, analysis and sorting systems for many areas of industrial production. They focus on analyzing existing and potential markets to identify a need for SIKORA’s technologies in the US and Canada. 

 

What are the biggest challenges facing the market today, and how can this be overcome?

Automation and updating equipment to work in a fully automated manufacturing environment is a prevalent challenge. With labor shortages and the need for more data, it is clear that most industries are moving toward a fully automated process. With that comes the need for inline quality and process control that SIKORA offers. Integrating all pieces of equipment needed for an automated line can be complex, but it is the way of the future and a challenge SIKORA fully embraces. 


In your opinion, what do you consider to be the greatest development in your industry in the last decade?


For me, the most exciting development in this industry has been the deep-dive into developing sustainable products and processes. Addressing the needs of the consumer without damaging the environment, health and economy is simply the responsible alternative. Developing these technologies, resins, processes, etc. are advantageous for everyone. 

 

How do you see the sector developing in the next five to ten years?

Technology is the future of this industry, and in the next 5 to 10 years, you will see a large influx of new technologies entering the manufacturing world. With the challenges across the industry for higher quality, customer demand for more data and a decreased labor force, investments in technology will be essential for many manufacturers. 

 

You will be speaking at the AMI Plastics World Expos in North America, could you give us a preview on what you will be talking about?

I will be discussing the ins and outs of using RADAR technology for quality inspection and process control in the plastic extrusion industry. 

 

Brandy Herrmann will be speaking at the AMI Plastics World Expos in North America.