Andrew Winson, CEO of Sample Automation – Interview Series

As the cannabis industry expands and large-scale processing and manufacturing technology becomes more widely utilized, given the yield sizes and expected production numbers, topics and discussions surrounding automation and its impacts on both employment and efficiency have also arisen. While the usage of these machines is initially understandable given the aforementioned production factors, the concerns about automation taking over such a young industry remain present as well. For a better understanding of these technologies and the worries that some industry experts have brought up, mycannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Winson, CEO of Sample Automation.

So what subjects did you primarily study while attending the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and what went into getting a degree in Sustainable Studies? That sounds like quite an interesting and very topical degree to receive. 

I primarily focused on Engineering and Mechanical Engineering while attending UMass Dartmouth. I was working throughout school, so after completing my associate’s degree, I decided to transition into full-time work as a Service and Maintenance Engineer.

How would you say that obtaining such a unique degree sparked your professional interest in process instrumentation? How did achieving that milestone help you better understand the relevant machinery that goes into process instrumentation as well?

Not directly — I began working in process instrumentation at a young age since my family has long been involved in NIR Analytical Measurement. However, my sustainability studies enhanced my understanding of efficiency, system redundancy, and design optimization, which has proven valuable in engineering and product development.

Prior to founding Sample Automation, what other relevant roles did you first hold, and how would you say those roles strengthened your grasp and experience with these types of machinery? 

Before starting Sample Automation, I worked as a Service and Maintenance Engineer, supporting a wide range of products used in industrial manufacturing. These systems focused on monitoring parameters such as temperature, pressure, moisture, color, and more — all of which fed data into logging systems, process controls, and compliance frameworks. This hands-on experience built a strong foundation for my later work.

Before producing machinery that assisted in efficient cannabis extraction and post-harvest processes, what industries and products did you mainly work with? How did the manufacturing processes and machinery needs change depending on the industry that you were working with? 

Before working in cannabis, I supported a wide range of industries including pet food, horse feed, snack foods, tobacco, protein powders, agricultural products like wheat, rice, and corn, olive oil, paper, coatings, and more. The greatest advantage I gained from this exposure was understanding the diversity of manufacturing processes and learning how unique solutions are developed for each industry’s challenges.

What in particular inspired you to found Sample Automation? What gaps in the manufacturing side of the cannabis/hemp industry and the then-current machinery did you hope to fill with Sample Automation’s equipment?

I founded Sample Automation after recognizing a significant gap in the industry: many larger manufacturers had the capacity to scale their operations but lacked the knowledge and resources to identify optimal solutions from existing equipment providers. Often, off-the-shelf solutions weren’t sufficient, and customizing equipment required significant investment. We aimed to bridge that gap by providing agile, tailored process solutions that balance scalability with cost-effectiveness, particularly within the cannabis industry.

In the last decade or so since Sample Automation was founded, how have both the machinery itself and the company as a whole evolved along with industry trends and needs? 

As the industry has matured, companies increasingly seek unique, scalable solutions that give them a competitive advantage. Simply purchasing the same equipment as competitors is no longer enough. Our focus has shifted toward helping clients develop custom, differentiated processes and IP-based solutions that position them to stand out in the marketplace.

How does Sample Automation customize and alter its bespoke services to best fit the individual manufacturing processes of its clients? What would you say have been the most challenging ways that Sample Automation has had to alter their machinery and operations based on a client’s needs? 

The biggest challenge is always understanding the client’s ultimate process goals. In some cases, clients want to replace an existing process with something bespoken to fit their facility. In others, they want to completely rethink and redesign their workflow. When a client has a clear vision, we can build solutions efficiently — but when their objectives are uncertain, it creates some of the most complex challenges for us.

How did Pohanka Extracts come into creation, and how did cannabis brands from three different nations and two different American coasts unite to form the group? Despite great geographical distances and differences, what are some valuable ways that the brands can collaborate to strengthen each other?

We first met at an event in the UK and stayed in contact over the years, frequently reconnecting at industry conferences. Over time, we began working more closely together as we shared mutual clients and identified opportunities to integrate our solutions. Eventually, we formalized our collaboration, combining our expertise to offer customers a complete, start-to-finish process based on equipment needs. By working together, we strengthen each brand while delivering greater value to our clients.

As a producer of automation technology for the cannabis industry and other sectors, how do you address the concerns of many about automation machinery displacing jobs across various sectors?

Automation won’t eliminate as many jobs as people fear — especially within the cannabis industry, where many roles are still difficult or impossible to automate. Most of the impact will be on administrative tasks, such as manual data collection and reporting, which will increasingly become digitized and streamlined. Equipment will always require skilled professionals for operation, maintenance, repairs, and performance optimization. Automation changes job functions more than it eliminates them.

As the American cannabis industry and some European markets evolve and expand, how will Sample Automation’s machinery evolve alongside them? 

Our focus is continuous innovation on a global scale. The cannabis industry evolves rapidly, and new technologies are constantly emerging. As more advanced industrial and digital solutions become available, we expect European demand to rise significantly. Sample Automation is committed to staying ahead of these trends, ensuring our equipment and processes remain at the forefront of industry.

Thank you for joining us, Andrew! For more information on Sample Automation, please visit its website.