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Jeff Umlor, president of Walker Tool & Die, joins the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to explore why the next five years will be both stable and transformative for the tool and die industry. He discusses evolving product mixes, the rise of upfront simulation engineering, the growing role of AI and how data-driven decision-making is reshaping operations. Jeff also shares his personal journey into...

In this episode, Fulcrum founder and CEO Sunny Han joins the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to explore how AI, automation and smarter decision‑making are reshaping the industry. Sunny explains why the real bottleneck in modern manufacturing is no longer machine throughput but human coordination—and how AI can unlock massive productivity gains for shops of every size. He also shares his personal...

In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, hosts Dean Phillips welcomes Josh Forquer , Chief Technical Officer at KIRCHHOFF Automotive , to explore the forces shaping the next five years of metalforming and automotive manufacturing. Josh shares how a 241‑year‑old family-owned company approaches long‑term strategy in an era defined by disruption. From workforce shortages to chip crise...

George Moran, senior press and hydraulics specialist at Autokiniton, joins the podcast to break down the real-world trends shaping the next five years of press technology, including why OEMs are returning to link-motion mechanical presses, where servo presses fall short in day-to-day production, and how hot stamping continues to evolve for crash structures and high-strength components. He also sha...

Join host Dean Phillips as he sits down with Chris Zuzick, vice president at Waukesha Metal Products, to explore the future of metalforming and fabrication. Chris shares his vision for the next five years of manufacturing, emphasizing the critical importance of workforce development, AI integration, and the growing role of fabrication in providing nimble, value-added services to customers. Drawing...

In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Stephanie Lowry, CEO of Dayton Rogers, for an in-depth discussion on how technology is reshaping the manufacturing landscape. Stephanie shares her outlook for the next five years—emphasizing that now is the time for manufacturers to prepare for 2030, as AI, robotics and automation rapidly transform the shop floor....

In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Mike Lauber, CEO of TuscoMFG, for a forward-looking conversation about what lies ahead for American manufacturing. Mike shares insights on the industry's most pressing challenges such as attracting and retaining a new generation of workers, navigating global supply chains, and staying ahead of rapid automation and...

In this special Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, the MetalForming magazine team—Mike Vohland, Damon Wolf and Brad Kuvin—share updates from the FABTECH show floor and latest happenings with the magazine.  They discuss MetalForming's growing reach in the fabrication market, new marketing tools like MetalForming Live and digital retargeting campaigns, and upcoming editorial projects including eBooks...

AI, Workforce Development and the Future of Manufacturing In this engaging episode, host Dean Phillips sits down with manufacturing technology expert Will Healy III to explore the rapid transformation of the industry. From AI-driven vision systems revolutionizing shop floors to the critical workforce challenges facing manufacturers, Will shares insights from his global travels visiting fabricators...

In this episode of Destiny of Manufacturing, host Dean Phillips sits down with Chris Highfield, president, Pennant, to discuss the future of U.S. manufacturing. With more than 35 years in the industry, Chris shares his perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead, from rising costs and workforce shortages to the transformative role of automation and AI. Chris explains why recruiting and r...

Live from the show floor at FABTECH 2025, Dean Phillips sits down with Gene Lambert, 2025 chair of the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and VP of Sales at Batesville Tool & Die, to discuss the future of manufacturing and the power of industry collaboration. Gene shares his perspective on the latest innovations in AI and automation, and how FABTECH serves not just as a showcase of technolog...

Building Connections and Growing Manufacturing Through Storytelling In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips sits down with Andy Melang, vice president of global stamping operations at Ultratech Tool & Design, live from the FABTECH 2025 show floor. Andy shares his journey of growing Ultratech's presence through the power of LinkedIn—transforming from a shy newcom...

Live from FABTECH 2025, the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast welcomes Lew Hurlbert, Senior Engineering Manager at Vollrath. In this insightful conversation, Lew explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping tool and die manufacturing, from creating adaptive "large die models" to driving faster, more cost-effective program management. Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlights the imp...

Challenges and Opportunities Shaping the Tool and Die Industry Live from FABTECH 2025, Dean Phillips sits down with Jeremy Edson, Marketing Manager at Impax Tooling Solutions, to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the tool and die industry. From tariffs and global uncertainty to reshoring, workforce development and the future of apprenticeship programs, Jeremy shares insight...

Navigating Workforce Shifts  Live from the FABTECH 2025 show floor, host Dean Phillips sits down with Marion Wells, founder of Human Asset Management. Marion shares insights from her latest white paper on how "life habit moments"—from aging parents to health challenges—will reshape workforce productivity as baby boomers retire and younger generations step up. Dean and Marion discuss: Why companies...

Lisa Ryan on Gratitude, Culture and Retention in Manufacturing Live from the FABTECH show floor, Dean Phillips sits down with Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy, and author of The Six Gears of Gratitude. In this episode, Lisa shares insights about transforming toxic workplace cultures into thriving, engaged environments. She discusses the importance of recognition, acts of service a...

The Future of Manufacturing with Jake Hall & Will Healy Live from the FABTECH 2025 show floor, host Dean Phillips sits down with The Manufacturing Millennial Jake Hall and automation expert Will Healy III to explore the biggest trends shaping the industry today. From AI and automation to workforce development and community collaboration, the conversation dives into how fabricators can stay competi...

In this special episode recorded live from the FABTECH show floor, host Dean Phillips is joined by Brad Kuvin ( MetalForming magazine), Jeff Dec (Laystrom Manufacturing Company), and John Axelberg (General Stamping and Metalworks). Together, they dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities of automation in metal fabrication. From running "lights-out" laser operations to deploying cobots...

Host Dean Phillips welcomes David Klotz, president, Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), to the podcast. Dean and David discuss the current state of the manufacturing industry, challenges and PMA's initiatives to support its members. Dean and David highlight: Industry Trends: The manufacturing sector is currently flat or down, with industries like automotive and agriculture experiencing slowd...

In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips speaks with Connie King, PMA's workforce development director, about the evolving challenges and opportunities in manufacturing workforce training, nearshoring and apprenticeship programs. They explore strategies for standardizing training, attracting new talent and leveraging technology to meet industry needs. About the G...

In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Laurie Harbour of Wipfli for a deep dive into how manufacturers can build resilient, profitable businesses amid constant change. Laurie shares key insights on: The importance of short- and long-term strategy for navigating economic shifts and policy changes. Using "swim lanes" and data-driven decision-making to bo...

Mike Brattain, account executive at Systems X, joined host Dean Phillips on the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to discuss cybersecurity in the manufacturing space. Mike emphasized the critical need for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity rather than relying on outdated, reactive measures. He noted key industry challenges, including weak security infrastructure and a lack of...

In this special edition episode, host Dean Phillips welcomes PMA Tennessee District Chair Perry Hytken and Education Chair Tom Kelly. Dean, Perry and Tom discuss a variety of topics in this episode about the growth of the district over the years, partnerships that have been created and the impact the district has made on the local manufacturing community.   Key Topics Discussed: Reshoring Opportun...

Join host Dean Phillips on the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast as he speaks with Tom Alongi, partner at UHY. They discuss how disruption is reshaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. From lessons learned during COVID-19 to the impacts of geopolitical turbulence, Tom highlights key factors pushing businesses to rethink supply chains, adopt cutting-edge technology and attract skilled talent. Disco...

This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities that define the manufacturing landscape today.   Dean and Mike discussed: Automation Revolution : Discover how automation is not just a tool for maximizing efficiency but a necessity in the face of labor shortages and increasing demands. Fabrication in Focus : How manufacturers are using innovation to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving i...