Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Future of Manufacturing with insight and new technology is discussed on this podcast featuring guests from leading companies and technology experts. Among the topics are automation, smart, iot, Metalforming, workforce, and key performance indicators to give you the best chance to succeed!
Episodes
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 on automation, ERP software and lu...
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 Detroit, Shanghai and Germany.
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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 retaining skilled talent remains the...
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 technology but also as a valuable recruiting...
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 newcomer to an industry voice showcasing ...
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 importance of feedback loops, dynamic ...
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 insights on how companies are navigating c...
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 must support employees throug...
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 and accountability in building stron...
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 competitive in a rapidly changing global m...
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 on press brakes and robotic welding ...
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 slowdowns. Recovery is expected to ...
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 Guest: Connie King
Connie King is PM...
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”...
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 compliance initiatives among many ...
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 Opportunities: Discover how the indust...
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.
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 man...
Host Dean Phillips is joined by Mike Devereaux from Wipfli for a deep dive into the future of manufacturing, navigating economic uncertainty, and key tax strategies that could impact your business in 2025 and beyond. From R&D tax credit to critical tax law changes, Mike breaks it all down to help you stay ahead.
“…A partner in shaping the future of our company and our industry."
In this special PMA District Leadership episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Tom Boss, Senior Manager at Termax Corporation and Past Chair of PMA’s Chicago District. Tom shares his forward-looking perspective on the next five years in manufacturing, stressing the need for flexibility in response to shifting policies, trade i...
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