E814 - Building Manufacturing’s Future Workforce, Chris Zuzick, Vice President, Waukesha Metal Products
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Release Date: 11/04/2025
E814 - Building Manufacturing’s Future Workforce, Chris Zuzick, Vice President, Waukesha Metal Products
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 from his unique career journey—from hands-on manufacturing to investment banking and back—Chris offers insider perspectives on what makes manufacturing companies successful. He discusses how...
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E813 - The Future Is Now: AI, Automation and Manufacturing with Stephanie Lowry of Dayton Rogers
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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. She highlights how AI-driven machine learning and preventive maintenance models are improving efficiency, quality and uptime, while servo press technology and energy-efficient systems are driving...
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E812 - Building the Future Workforce, Mike Lauber, CEO, TucsoMFG
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 AI adoption. He also highlights how Tusco is taking action locally, partnering with nearby schools, creating hands-on opportunities for students, and redefining what a manufacturing career looks...
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FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with the MetalForming Magazine Leadership Team
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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 lubrication. Brad also previews the , a new event focused on leadership, automation, and smart manufacturing. Plus, the team reaffirms the continued...
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E811 – The Future of Manufacturing, Will Healy III, Global Industry Manager – Fabricated Metals, Teradyne
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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. Key topics include: How AI and image processing are changing manufacturing faster than anticipated Why Asia's adoption of robotics is accelerating innovation The...
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E810 – Retaining Talent and Embracing Technology, Chris Highfield, President, Pennant
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 biggest concern for manufacturers—and how building talent from within can provide long-term stability. He also highlights how Pennant is using collaborative...
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FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Gene Lambert
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 tool for the industry. He also dives into Batesville’s workforce development journey, including partnerships with Ivy Tech to create apprenticeship and degree...
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FABTECH Special: On the Shop Floor with Andy Melang
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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 real shop-floor stories. They discuss how authentic content builds relationships, why “seeing is believing” in manufacturing and the importance of...
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FABTECH Special: On the Shop Floor with Lew Hurlbert
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 simulation and real-world press conditions in building the next generation of AI-driven manufacturing. Tune in to learn how AI is set to transform the die-making...
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FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Jeremy Edson
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 change while preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy in Washington, D.C., investing in hands-on...
info_outlineJoin 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 from his unique career journey—from hands-on manufacturing to investment banking and back—Chris offers insider perspectives on what makes manufacturing companies successful. He discusses how Waukesha Metal Products approaches fabrication as a "cradle to grave" partner for customers, helping them navigate product development through flexible processes before scaling to full production stamping.
The conversation dives deep into workforce challenges and solutions, with Chris making a compelling case that companies need to stop "recruiting" and start "selling" the value of manufacturing careers. He emphasizes that workforce development should be treated as a leadership function, not just an HR checkbox, and that every person in an organization plays a role in attracting and developing talent. Chris also addresses the rising cost of education and how manufacturing offers viable, debt-free career paths for the next generation.
About the Guest: Chris Zuzick
Chris Zuzick is vice president of Waukesha Metal Products (WMP) and has been with WMP since 2016. He has more than 36 years of experience in various areas including manufacturing, investment banking, private equity, education, youth sports and various communication organizations.
Chris is results-orientated and has a track record of building effective teams with empathy to grow, achieve success, maximize results, drive results and provide a roadmap for success for all members of the team.
Waukesha Metal Products has more than 50 years of experience in high-quality precision metal stamping, metal fabrication, component assembly, and tool and die manufacturing. An agile, reliable provider of full-service solutions for its customers, WMP has operations located in Sussex, WI, Grafton, WI, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Chris is an active PMA member, currently serving on the PMA finance committee and as PMA’s 2025 vice chair and treasurer.