Manufacturing Mavericks with John Barnes
Step inside the world of modern manufacturing through candid conversations with the people driving it forward. In each episode, advanced manufacturing industry pioneer John Barnes spotlights a leader shaping the future of the industry. He explores their journeys, lessons, and leadership (with some dad jokes along the way). Powered by The Barnes Global Advisors.
Manufacturing Mavericks with John Barnes
S1 E03 - Championing the Future: Alex Champion on Additive Manufacturing and Innovation at the UK MOD
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Additive manufacturing is changing the way militaries around the world maintain readiness, sustain equipment, and solve problems in the field. No one understands this better than Alex Champion.
In this episode, John Barnes speaks with Alex Champion, Additive Manufacturing Lead at the UK Ministry of Defence, one of the most prominent voices driving AM adoption across allied defense organizations. Alex shares what got him into the world of additive, how the UK MOD is approaching technology adoption, and what true understanding of additive manufacturing actually looks like in a defense context.
Manufacturing Mavericks goes international in this one, and the lessons apply far beyond the UK.
In this conversation, you'll hear:
- How the UK MOD is integrating additive manufacturing into defense sustainment and operations
- The barriers to AM adoption inside large government organizations and how to overcome them
- What allied nations can learn from each other's approach to advanced manufacturing
- Why Alex believes deep technical understanding is non-negotiable for AM leaders
Essential listening for anyone working at the intersection of defense, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Connect with John Barnes and The Barnes Global Advisors at barnesglobaladvisors.com