E816 – Future of Automotive Manufacturing, Josh Forquer, KIRCHHOFF Automotive
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Release Date: 03/31/2026
E816 – Future of Automotive Manufacturing, Josh Forquer, KIRCHHOFF Automotive
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, hosts welcomes , Chief Technical Officer at , 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 crises, he explains that the industry hasn’t seen a “normal year” in quite some time, noting that the future hinges on people, product and place. In the episode they discuss: Attracting and developing the next-generation workforce,...
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E815 – Press Technology, Productivity Trends and the Future of Forming, George Morant, Autokiniton
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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 shares insights on hydraulic press maintenance, oven technology and the importance of diagnostics in high-volume hot-stamping operations. Whether you’re in stamping, automation or plant leadership,...
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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
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
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...
info_outlineIn 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 crises, he explains that the industry hasn’t seen a “normal year” in quite some time, noting that the future hinges on people, product and place.
In the episode they discuss:
- Attracting and developing the next-generation workforce, including modernizing shop‑floor experiences and using intuitive technologies to support training.
- Process innovation that drives product quality, such as guided assembly tools that help new operators build with confidence.
- Strategic collaboration with customers, including KIRCHHOFF’s 18‑month development effort to produce parts in Gen 3 steel after a major OEM identified the need.
- Diversification and resilience, from balancing customer portfolios to preparing for supply-chain shifts, tariffs and equipment contingencies.
Josh also reflects on the importance of sticking to a clear core strategy while still branching out enough to mitigate risk in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
About the Guest: Josh Forquer, Chief Technology Officer, KIRCHHOFF Automotive
As Chief Technology Officer at KIRCHHOFF Automotive, Josh Forquer contributes to delivering complex components for passenger and commercial vehicle markets. With extensive expertise in manufacturing and contract negotiation, Josh supports the organization in addressing technical challenges and meeting customer needs.
With more than 20 years in the metalforming sector, Josh has developed strong skills in team leadership and fostering innovation. Collaborating with R&D and operations teams, Josh focuses on advancing new products and processes that align with market trends and enhance KIRCHHOFF’s competitive position. His mission remains centered on creating value and driving growth in the automotive industry.