Hardware Podcasts

166: How Canvus Turns Wind Turbines into Functional Art with Brian Donahue

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 2 Jan 2024 · 49m

What this episode covers

Brian Donahue, VP of Corporate Affairs at Canvus, explains how the company upcycles retired wind turbine blades into functional art like park benches, tables, and planters. He details the unique manufacturing process that combines heavy automation for cutting fiberglass fillets with handcrafted finishing by artisans, and discusses the strategic importance of hiring skilled craftspeople and strong leadership for a novel production line. Donahue also describes Canvus’s community-focused business model, which includes partnering with local artists for custom finishes and offering 'Legacy Benches' and sponsored spaces that connect products to personal or brand stories via QR codes.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Canvus, Great Lakes Brewing, Granger, Ford, Aston Martin, Rivercap
Products
Canvas World

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