Jagler: Rockwell CEO cites 7 virtues of automation

Steve Jagler | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

During the nasty presidential election of 2016, the word “automation” was tossed around derisively with other words such as “China,” “Mexico” and “illegal immigrants” as scapegoats that were taking away American jobs.

Given all that hyperbole, when the word “automation” is half of your company’s name, you'd better be ready to defend the concept.

Blake Moret is up for the task.

Moret is the chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation.

Rockwell is the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information. Through its flagship Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software product brands, the company’s mission is to make its industrial customers more productive and the world more sustainable.

Moret acknowledges that many American jobs can be lost with industrial automation.

“But I think it’s a net creator of jobs. By becoming more productive, those manufacturers are more competitive, and in turn, they need more people. It’s going to require a great set of skills,” Moret said. “Manufacturing is very important to the American economy. We are a U.S. company, and we’re proud of that.”

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The impact of automation extends beyond manufacturing, Moret said.

“Automation may start in the manufacturing plant, but it benefits many aspects of society and impacts everyone in the world today,” Moret said.

I asked Moret to document the seven most redeeming virtues of automation.

It allows businesses to stay competitive. “Technology is advancing at a rapid pace. … When U.S. businesses combine skilled labor with automation, the company is able to do more with less, enabling the financial means to grow — resulting in new lines of business, which in turn require additional people,” Moret said. It fuels the economy. “As businesses become more productive and competitive, the employment multiplier increases, creating a ripple effect through the indirect creation of jobs in the industries that supply, support and service these companies. According to National Association of Manufacturing, for every one worker in manufacturing, there are another potential four employees hired elsewhere.” It makes delivery of products faster, cheaper and safer for consumers. “Automation increases the quality of life by being able to provide goods to people that they need, such as more food choices or access to safer medicine,” Moret said. It creates higher-skilled, more-rewarding and durable jobs that are in high demand. “Advancements in automation increase the demand for skilled labor and new job opportunities. Over the next decade, millions of manufacturing jobs will need to be filled because of retirements and U.S. economic expansion. However, half will go unfilled since fewer than 10% of the younger generation are entering this field because of misconceptions that they are low-tech jobs.” It can make an impact on all sizes of businesses. “Technology is leveling the playing field that provides competitiveness to any size business creating more agility for the rapidly changing business environment,” Moret said. It conserves water, reduces energy use and creates less waste. “If you are able to produce products at a consistent quality, then it reduces the scrap, reduces the amount of the product that you have to throw away.” Automation creates a safer world. “Not only does automation keep people out of harm’s way by reducing some of the physical labor that could result in injury," Moret said. "It enables companies to manufacture safer products. Whether it's pharmaceuticals mixed perfectly or providing clean drinking water, automation is ensuring our world is a safer place.”

Steve Jagler is the business editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. C-Level stands for high-ranking executives, typically those with “chief” in their titles. Send C-Level column ideas to him at steve.jagler@journalsentinel.com.

Blake Moret

Title: Chief executive officer

Company: Rockwell Automation

World headquarters: Milwaukee

Employees: 22,000, including 6,000 in Milwaukee

Age: 54

Family: Wife, Cheryl; four children; and Cade, a Bernese mountain dog

Education: Bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineering, Georgia Tech

Best advice ever received: “The importance of managing your energy in the job is even more (important) than managing your time.”

Favorite movie: “Saving Private Ryan”

Favorite music: Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Father John Misty

Favorite Wisconsin restaurant: Buckley’s Restaurant & Bar, Milwaukee