The Secret to Breaking Down Silos in Manufacturing Teams

Silos in manufacturing teams are one of the biggest barriers to productivity, efficiency, and collaboration. When teams operate in isolation – whether it’s between departments, shifts, or even locations – critical information can be lost, miscommunication can thrive, and innovation can stagnate.

In a fast-paced and increasingly digital world, the question is: how can manufacturing companies break down these barriers and foster better communication? One key solution lies in video communication. Studies show that video content is far more engaging than text-based communication.

In fact, a study of 777 million Facebook posts found that videos elicit 60%
more engagement than any other content, and within the workplace,
59% of executives prefer watching videos over reading text
(Forbes Insights).

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Why Manufacturing Teams Struggle with Communication

Manufacturing environments are unique in their structure. Unlike office-based teams that can rely on email and chat tools, manufacturing teams often consist of workers on the factory floor, engineers, and leadership spread across multiple locations. Key challenges include:

• Limited access to traditional communication tools – Many employees don’t sit at desks all day.
• Different shifts and time zones – Important messages may not reach everyone in a timely manner.
• Technical and language barriers – Manufacturing involves complex processes that can be difficult to explain through text alone.

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How Video Can Help Break Down Silos

Video provides a universal way to communicate across these barriers, making information clear, engaging, and easy to retain. Two companies that have successfully used video to improve communication and engagement in manufacturing include SKF and Jet Pulverizer.

SKF: The World’s Largest Bearing Manufacturer Turns to Video

SKF, a century-old company specialising in bearings and seals, recognised the need to enhance its communication strategy. With a global presence spanning 130 markets and 10-12 languages, they faced significant challenges in delivering clear and effective messages to their teams and customers.

To bridge the gap, SKF integrated video into its social media and internal communications. According to former Head of Social, Sarah Larsson Bernhardt, video helped them break through language barriers, making technical topics accessible and engaging. By embracing video, SKF ensured that information was delivered in a way that resonated across different cultures and languages, strengthening connections both internally and externally.

Jet Pulverizer: Video as a Sales and Education Tool

Jet Pulverizer, a manufacturing company specializing in milling technology, leveraged video to enhance both internal and external communication. The company’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Fred Surville, reported that video has not only improved SEO and engagement but also led directly to increased sales.

“We’ve actually sold about five different services thanks directly to the videos,” Surville stated.

Beyond sales, video has helped Jet Pulverizer create a more transparent and engaging workplace culture. Rather than replacing in-person sales relationships, video has strengthened them by making technical explanations more accessible and allowing employees and customers to gain a better understanding of the company’s capabilities before direct engagement.

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The Business Case for Video in Manufacturing

If your manufacturing team struggles with internal communication, it may not be a content problem—it’s likely a delivery problem.

Video can:

• Enhance engagement – Employees are more likely to engage with video compared to text-based communication.
• Improve clarity – Complex processes and instructions can be demonstrated visually.
• Boost information retention – People retain 95% of a message when delivered through video, compared to just 10% with text.
• Ensure consistency – Video guarantees that every employee receives the same clear message, eliminating misinterpretation.

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Breaking down silos in manufacturing teams starts with improving communication.

Traditional methods like emails, reports, and memos are no longer enough to ensure clarity and engagement. By integrating video into your internal communications strategy, you can foster collaboration, streamline knowledge sharing, and ultimately improve efficiency across your workforce.

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Want to explore how video can help your manufacturing team break down silos and communicate more effectively?

Book a free strategy call with Tale Productions today!