Facing the Future: Automation Truths from 40 Years on the Shop Floor with Mike Gamache, Ep #29

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 lights-out operations, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (0:22) Partner with Verdant Commercial Capital for a smooth process
• (1:53) Introducing Mike Gamache (and how Eric met him)
• (7:24) Mike’s manufacturing and engineering origins
• (11:07) Growing value-added steel work and machine shops
• (13:38) Cornerstone Design: sales, marketing, and leadership
• (16:44) Starting Gamache Systems and eventual acquisition by Metalcraft
• (18:08) Overview of Metalcraft’s automation investment and Skag product line
• (20:10) How ROI is measured and how projects are selected
• (21:27) Case studies: rearranging facilities and implementing robotic processes
• (23:12) What shops should automate first (and why processes must be stable beforehand)
• (26:24) Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog
• (27:40) How to prioritize automation (start at shipping, work upstream)
• (29:36) Common blockers: legacy thinking, unclear processes, poor flow
• (31:14) Value of fresh eyes and cross-industry solutions
• (33:13) Lean foundations as a prerequisite for automation success
• (34:05) Strategic conviction vs short-term ROI thinking
• (37:30) Fear of automation and overcoming failed attempts
• (39:18) Leadership alignment as the key to adoption
• (40:42) Global competition and why automation is mandatory
• (44:06) Custom vs prefabricated automation: when to choose each
• (48:50) Sticker shock, engineering hours, and ROI evaluation
• (49:58) Mike’s “Create Holy Moments” movement
• (57:58) Mike’s five-step process for improvement
• (1:01:36) Why you need to listen to Machine Shop Mastery

Resources & People Mentioned

• Partner with Verdant Commercial Capital for a smooth process
• Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog
• The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity
• The Toyota Way

Connect with Mike Gamache

• Metalcraft Automation Group
• Connect on LinkedIn

Connect With Lights Out

• LinkedIn
• MakingChips.com

Subscribe to Lights Out

On Apple and Spotify

Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK