In this episode of Automation Nation: Inside Barnum, we sit down with Jeff Brandt, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Tolomatic, to talk about the importance of strong manufacturer and distributor relationships. Jeff shares why Tolomatic values distribution, what local partners like H.H. Barnum bring to customers, and how local technical support and factory expertise work together.

We also discuss trust, communication, getting involved early in applications, and what makes Tolomatic’s people and culture stand out.

Topics include:

• Why Tolomatic values distribution

• Local support + factory expertise

• Building strong manufacturer/distributor partnerships

• Technical knowledge vs. simply selling products

• What makes Tolomatic different

• The future of distribution in automation

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

Learn more about Tolomatic: https://www.tolomatic.com/

H.H. Barnum Podcast “Automation Nation: Inside Barnum”

Applied System Technologies TruLink Aluminum Piping and the New Stainless Steel TruPress System

In this Product Spotlight episode, we sit down with the team from Applied System Technologies to discuss TruLink, their complete aluminum piping system designed for compressed air, inert gas, vacuum, and other industrial applications.

We explore how TruLink provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and modular alternative to traditional black iron, steel, and copper piping. The conversation covers its push-to-connect and clamp-to-connect fitting options, installation advantages, system flexibility, and how it can help facilities create cleaner and more reliable compressed-air distribution systems.

We also take a closer look at Applied System Technologies’ new stainless steel TruPress offering. TruPress uses press-fitting technology to create durable connections for industrial fluid and gas systems without welding, threading, or open flames. The team explains where the stainless-steel system fits, how the installation process works, and how it can help contractors and manufacturers save installation time while improving workplace safety.

Learn more about TruLink and Applied System Technologies: https://appliedsystemtech.com/trulink/

https://appliedsystemtech.com/trupress-tubing-and-fittings/

For more information about the products discussed in this episode, contact H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

H.H. Barnum Podcast “Automation Nation: Inside Barnum”

Product Spotlight: SMC EQ Series with IO-Link

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Arnold, SMC Product Manager at H.H. Barnum, to talk through the SMC EQ Series electric actuator and how it helps bridge the gap between traditional pneumatic cylinders and more advanced electric motion.

We cover how the EQ Series simplifies electric actuator integration with an onboard controller, battery-less absolute encoder, IO-Link communication, and easy setup for common point-to-point motion applications. Mark breaks down where the EQ fits best, including pick and place, clamping, pressing, transfer, indexing, and other applications where customers want the benefits of electric motion without the complexity of a full servo system.

We also discuss the value of IO-Link for actuator diagnostics, remote parameter changes, recipe-based adjustments, data storage, and faster replacement during downtime. For machine builders and manufacturers looking to move from pneumatics to electric, this Product Spotlight is a great look at where the SMC EQ Series can make that transition easier.

Learn more about SMC: Electric Actuators

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: H.H. Barnum Company | Controls for Factory Automation | H.H. Barnum

H.H. Barnum Podcast “Automation Nation: Inside Barnum”

Belden Customer Innovation Center and Validation Lab Showcase.

In this episode, we are on-site at Belden’s Customer Innovation Center, also known as the CIC, joined by Julia and Pete at their facility.

Julia walks us through what the CIC is, how customers use the space, and how Belden’s experts help bring real-world solutions to life. The CIC is designed to help customers collaborate with technical experts, explore hands-on solutions, and build a roadmap for their digitization journey, from industrial networks to data-driven operations.

From there, Pete gives us a deeper dive into one of the major showcases inside the CIC: the Validation Lab. We discuss how the lab is used to develop, customize, and validate solutions before they are deployed, helping reduce risk and giving customers a better understanding of how their network and infrastructure can perform in real-world applications.

This episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how Belden supports customers beyond the product itself, using the CIC, Proof-of-Concept spaces, and Validation Labs to help customers test, validate, and confidently move forward with their industrial automation and networking projects.

Learn more about Belden’s Customer Innovation Center: Customer Innovation Center

Learn more about Belden: Belden | Network Infrastructure & Connectivity Solutions

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: H.H. Barnum Company | Controls for Factory Automation | H.H. Barnum

In this episode of Automation Nation: Inside Barnum, we sit down with Nikki the Director of Business Development from Weintek USA to talk about who Weintek is, how they approach the industrial automation market, and why their HMI and gateway solutions have become such a strong fit for real-world machine builders and manufacturers.

We cover Weintek’s product lineup, including their operator interface technology, remote access capabilities, communication options, and the flexibility they bring when connecting different devices, controllers, and networks on the plant floor. We also talk through what makes Weintek stand out from a usability, support, and value standpoint.

Beyond the products, this conversation highlights the importance of strong partnerships between manufacturers, distributors, and customers. We discuss how working with a distributor like H.H. Barnum helps bring application knowledge, local support, and hands-on experience into the conversation when selecting and applying automation technology.

If you’re a controls engineer, machine builder, integrator, or anyone looking to better understand where Weintek fits in the automation space, this episode is a great overview of the company, the technology, and the partnership behind it.

Learn more about Weintek USA: https://www.weintekusa.com/

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

Kicking off the 2026 Automation Trailer Tour, this episode of Automation Nation: Inside Barnum features Scott Tessier, the driver and application specialist behind the trailer as it hits the road for another busy season.

We talk about what goes into preparing the trailer for tour, the kinds of automation solutions and demos people can expect to see this year, and what it’s like bringing hands-on technology directly to customers, distributors, and events across the region. Scott also shares some behind-the-scenes insight on life on the road, common questions he gets during stops, and why the trailer continues to be such a valuable way to showcase real automation solutions in action.

If you’ve ever wondered what the trailer tour is all about, how it comes together, or what makes it such a unique part of what we do at Barnum, this is a great episode to start with as we launch the 2026 season.

Learn more about the Automation Trailer: https://www.hhbarnum.com/services/factory-automation-tours/

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

H.H. Barnum Podcast “Automation Nation: Inside Barnum”

In today’s episode of Automation Nation: Inside Barnum, we’re putting the spotlight on what’s new from Contrinex. First up is the Contrinex Smart 3D Camera, built to make 3D sensing more approachable for common automation tasks like presence verification, measurement, and part inspection, without turning your project into a science experiment. We’ll walk through what it is, how it fits into a typical controls architecture, and the kinds of applications where 3D vision can shine.

We’ll also demo the upgraded Double Blank Sensor, now fully IO-Link controlled, which opens the door to easier setup, cleaner diagnostics, and more flexibility when you need reliable double-sheet detection. We’ll cover what’s improved, how IO-Link changes the way you commission and troubleshoot it, and what to pay attention to when you’re selecting and integrating it, as well as other uses for this unique sensor.

If you’re looking for practical takeaways on applying Contrinex sensing in the field, this one’s for you.

Learn more about Contrinex and the products featured today: https://www.us.contrinex.com/collections/smart-camera-3d

https://www.us.contrinex.com/

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/

H.H. Barnum Podcast "Automation Nation: Inside Barnum"

In this week’s episode of Automation Nation: Inside Barnum, we’re joined by Hannah McPhee, one of the representatives behind Barnum Cares. This conversation comes nearly one year after our first Barnum Cares episode, so we’re checking back in on what’s grown, what’s changed, and what’s next. We talk about how Barnum Cares supports our employees and communities, what kinds of initiatives and events have made the biggest impact over the last year, and how team members across the company can get involved, contribute, or bring new ideas to the table.

Hannah also shares how people can connect with the group, where to learn more, and the best ways to support future efforts. If you listened to the first episode, this is the update you’ve been waiting for. If you’re hearing about Barnum Cares for the first time, it’s a great introduction to the heart behind the program.

Learn more about H.H. Barnum: https://www.hhbarnum.com/