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E0809 - State of the Industry and Association, David Klotz, President, PMA

Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA

Release Date: 08/20/2025

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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:

  1. Industry Trends: The manufacturing sector is currently flat or down, with industries like automotive and agriculture experiencing slowdowns. Recovery is expected to pick up around 2026.
  2. PMA's Strategic Initiatives:
    • Improved member engagement processes.
    • Implementation of a new association management system (AMS) to enhance the member experience online.
    • And more.
  3. Workforce Development: PMA is focusing on training, both in-person and virtual, to help members upskill their workforce. The association also is developing apprenticeship programs to address skill gaps.
  4. International Collaboration: PMA is part of ICOSPA, an international association that connects global metalworking associations. Upcoming events include PMA hosting the Congress in Chicago in 2027 and a presidents meeting in Mexico in 2026.
  5. Advocacy Efforts: PMA is actively lobbying on issues such as tariffs, workforce development and OSHA regulations to support its members.

About the Guest: David Klotz
David Klotz became president of PMA in February 2019. Prior to that, he was president and executive vice president of sales and marketing for Tebis America, a developer of CAD and CAM software for the tool, die and mold manufacturing industries. He also previously served as senior manager of the Plex Automotive & Industrial Mid-Market sales team for eight years, and was a manager at Dallas Industries, Inc., for 12 years.

As a metalforming industry professional, Klotz served as a member of PMA’s Board of Directors, a member of the Executive Committee, and as chair and treasurer of the PMA East Michigan District. He also served as chair of PMA’s Tool & Die Division, was a founding member of PMA’s Next Generation networking group, and was actively engaged in PMA’s programs and services in many other capacities.