PMMI has, once again, recognized 10 individuals who are quickly advancing in the industry in its sixth annual PMMI ON THE RISE AWARDS 2023 developed by the Emerging Leaders Committee. The winners were honored in October 2023 at PMMI’s Annual Meeting in Stone Mountain, Georgia. But there’s a lot to learn about these forward-thinking problem-solvers. So, OEM took some time to get to know these outstanding rising stars. Here are their stories.
Kyle Seitel embarked on a journey with Norwalt at the age of 14 doing the basic tasks of floor sweeping, screw sorting, and cleaning and painting machine frames. He transitioned through various departments, acquiring skills in machine assembly, design engineering, and eventually, vision programming. Post-graduation, Seitel was entrusted with the responsibility of elevating Norwalt's vision programming domain—a major milestone.
This past year marks a decade with the company that specializes in crafting bespoke assembly machinery catering to the pharmaceutical and consumer product sectors. And Seitel is now the company’s vision engineering manager and coordinator.
His role is akin to helming a business within a business, Seitel said, noting that he manages client relations through every stage—from quoting to service arrangements—ensuring their needs are met. He also oversees the daily operations of the vision department, striving to enhance efficiency and quality of in-house vision projects. In parallel, he coordinates marketing initiatives, ranging from social media engagement to website optimization, contributing to Norwalt's digital presence and client outreach.
With all of these ongoing concurrent projects, it’s no surprise that Seitel has been in the center of some big initiatives, including spearheading an integrated digital marketing strategy that led to the successful development and execution of a dynamic LinkedIn campaign and cutting-edge SEO techniques. He also initiated and guided the creation of a product line, the Norwalt Vue, which leverages the power of AI vision technology to provide unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. And he continues to immerse himself in the ever-evolving landscape of vision systems—demonstrating a deep commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements by actively pursuing training in the latest 2D, 3D, and AI-based vision systems.
The evolution of Norwalt’s Vision Department under Seitel’s stewardship marks a significant step in innovation. “We instituted a vision lab, expediting evaluation processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” Seitel said. “Our collaborative approach, involving cross-functional meetings to streamline machine design and programming, has notably reduced project timelines. Moreover, the development of standard inspection platforms epitomizes our commitment to innovation and efficiency.”
While these past few years have been directed toward advancing his career, Seitel does admit that transitioning into a managerial role early on presented a steep learning curve. Initially, the pressure to master every facet of vision technology was overwhelming, he said, but he quickly learned the value of collaborative problem-solving and leveraging the expertise within his team and network. To that end, he has a strong support network to keep him on track.
“I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and opportunities provided by Keith Harman [director of business development], who introduced me to the realm of vision technology and provided invaluable guidance throughout my journey. His mentorship has been a cornerstone of my success in this domain. Similarly, I cannot overlook the dedication and expertise of my vision team, whose collective efforts have significantly eased the process of leading the department to achieve our goals,” he said.
Outside the professional sphere, Seitel credits his girlfriend Sophia “for her unwavering support and understanding that have been a source of immense strength, enabling me to focus and excel in my endeavors at Norwalt.”
