Hardware Podcasts

275: Building a Brand New Manufacturing Company in the US with Andrew Johnson, Co-Founder of HeavyTech

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 17 Feb 2026 · 53m

What this episode covers

Andrew Johnson, co-founder of HeavyTech and CEO of ShelfAware, explains how he and his partners built a hybrid and electric heavy machinery manufacturer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, while maintaining his O-ring distribution business and VMI software company, ShelfAware. Johnson details the decision to crowdfund HeavyTech rather than pursue traditional venture capital to maintain creative control and engage future customers directly. He discusses the technical challenges of designing a diesel-electric hybrid compact trackloader from scratch, including developing proprietary hydraulic and thermal management systems, and emphasizes the importance of timing and diversification within the industrial sector.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
HeavyTech, ShelfAware, Everywhere Beer Co, Joe's KC, Moxa
Products
Toyota Prius, Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere

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