All-Axis

Get ready for a high-energy discussion about manufacturing technology and IMTS 2024. Our host, Michael Thiessen, is joined by Stephen LaMarca, senior technology analyst at the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), the group behind IMTS. As expected, they talk about why you should attend IMTS 2024, including some of the unexpected companies you’ll see there (e.g., Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon Web Services). Outside of that, M...

We’re thrilled to welcome back Joe McCabe from AutoForecast Solutions (AFS) to The All-Axis Podcast. Once again, Joe lends his expert insight into the automotive industry. He and Michael Thiessen cover a number of topics, including OEMs approach to trim levels and subscriptions, how they have and should react to the slow adoption of EVs, the future labor force, China’s desire to have a NA footprint and what that means for suppliers...

We’re thrilled to have Laurie Harbour of Harbour Results, Inc. join us once again. In this episode, she and Michael talk about key issues related to the manufacturing and tooling industries. Topics include where we’re at, where we’re going and what needs to be done to get there, as well as automation, expanding into new industries, EVs and hydrogen powertrains. 

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As a follow up to a January 2023 episode, Michael Thiessen and Marty Chaput take a deeper dive into MES software, including why manufacturers’ interest in it is growing, the biggest utilization of it within manufacturing operations, how it brings the shop floor to a digital environment (along with the benefits of doing so) and what they believe the future holds.  

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If you have a small- to mid-sized job shop, you don’t want to miss this episode. Michael sits down with Brent Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Modern Machine Shop Magazine for an informative discussion about the trends machine shops are facing, including:

• Workforce challenges, education/training, attracting employees, antiquated perceptions of manufacturing and more
• Automation, its impact on the workforce and company culture, the ro...

If you are in machining, you don’t want to miss this episode! Michael is joined by Cullen Morrison from Hermle USA Inc. for a discussion on all things machining, including getting the perfect part and automation. They also talk about Hermle machines and the company’s 5-Axis Summit (Oct. 3-5, 2023) featuring 5-axis demos, in-person and virtual seminars and networking with industry experts.  

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In this episode, Michael is joined by Tony Vernaci, president/founder of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) to talk everything aerospace. The duo touch on the aerospace industry (e.g., various segments, growth), the similarities and differences between aerospace and automotive manufacturing, the history, purpose and annual AeroOne event of AIAM, and how to get into the aerospace manufacturing industry. They cover...

Change is all around us - and who better to talk about the changes in the mold making industry than someone who has been engrained in it for 25 years! In this episode, Michael is joined by Christina Fuges, editorial director of MoldMaking Technology Magazine. They touch on topics ranging from COVID's impact on the industry and the magazine, the evolution of mold manufacturing, the current state of the industry, labor shortages...

In this episode, Michael is joined by Marion Wells, Founder and Managing Partner of Human Asset Management, to talk about a topic relevant to everyone - talent.  What worked in the past to attract and retain talent, probably won't work today.  Today's workers want to make a difference and know their voice is being heard. Marion and Michael talk through all this and what business owners need to do to bring and keep talent ...

Marketing is the name of the game for this episode. Michael is joined by Shelly Otenbaker, President of WayPoint Marketing Communications.  In this valuable conversation for any manufacturer, Michael and Shelly cover a range of topics, including:

• The difference between sales and marketing
• The importance of a website
• How marketing can help all manufacturers, including mold and die makers
• COVID's impact on marketing
• The evolution...

Our host, Michael Thiessen is joined by Tebis team member, Marty Chaput to talk about Pro-LeiS MES, which enables manufacturing companies to improve their processes and increase production capacity.  They discuss everything from what it does and how it benefits your business to the differences between ERP and MES.  Also, during their chat, Michael and Marty mention a whitepaper, which you can find here.   

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In this not-to-be-missed episode, Michael is joined by Laurie Harbour of Harbour Results, Inc. Laurie shares her valued and respected thoughts and insights on manufacturing for automotive tooling shops. Michael and Laurie take a look at what happened in 2022 and what to expect in 2023 and beyond. If you are in automotive tooling, you don't want to miss this episode!

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In this bonus episode, Michael Thiessen talks about the upcoming IMTS show in Chicago. In addition to why you should go and what you’ll see there, Michael highlights what you can see and experience in the Tebis booth (#133230). If you are planning to be in Chicago, Sept. 12-17, 2022, this episode will tell you what to expect. If you are on the fence about attending, this might be just the nudge you need to pack your bags and head t...

Michael Thiessen is joined by Joe McCabe from AutoForecast Solutions. With more than 25 years of automotive industry experience, Joe has his fingers (and data) on the pulse of the industry and where it’s going. Michael and Joe have an interesting conversation about the future of the industry. focusing on the impact of electric vehicles and technology. If you are in the auto industry, you want to hear this discussion – it’s full of ...

In June, Tebis AG hosted an Open House for suppliers, customers and industry colleagues. The key themes around presentations and exhibits focused on automation, digitalization and the skilled labor shortage. In this special podcast episode, Michael Thiessen talks to John Kowalczyk and Mickey Gukian who attended the event to get insight on exactly what took place, including the Tebis Challenge, what’s expected in release 4 and 5 of ...

In this episode, Michael Thiessen is joined by Ken Seawell from Sandler Training by EAM Consulting Group to talk about selling in this competitive market.  The two have an informative and fun discussion about everything from balancing your outreach methods (nope, it’s not a one-and-done approach) to the importance of having an “it’s not about me, it’s about you” mindset and everything in between (including  how breaking patterns he...

As the Tebis team prepares to attend the American Mold Builders Association's (AMBA) conference May 11-13, 2022, Michael takes the opportunity to talk about the importance and benefits of industry organizations and associations. When you combine all the benefits - expanding your network, problem solving, enhancing your reputation, staying updated on industry trends, gaining political influence and more - association/organizati...

In his role at the Franklin Partnership, Omar Nashashibi provides updates to the current administration on the real status and challenges manufacturers face and works with Congress and the White House on a variety of topics. He joins Michael to talk about many of today’s hot topics, including technology, tariffs, the war in Ukraine and talent, specifically some tactics manufacturers need to consider to attract the next generation o...

The manufacturing industry is facing a labor shortage. In this episode, Michael is joined by Julian Odeh, team manager of international consulting at Tebis AG, who has worked with companies in several companies to bring an interesting perspective and ideas on how to attract people to manufacturing jobs. From automation to training and more, Julian and Michael talk about the factors influencing this labor shortage and what companies...