E818 – Transforming Tool & Die with Jeff Umlor, Walker Tool & Die
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Release Date: 07/07/2026
E818 – Transforming Tool & Die with Jeff Umlor, Walker Tool & Die
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Jeff Umlor, president of Walker Tool & Die, joins the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to explore why the next five years will be both stable and transformative for the tool and die industry. He discusses evolving product mixes, the rise of upfront simulation engineering, the growing role of AI and how data-driven decision-making is reshaping operations. Jeff also shares his personal journey into the trade, the value of technical education and how collaboration across shops—especially through —is strengthening the industry. About the Guest: Jeff Umlor, President, Walker Tool & Die...
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E817 - AI, Agility and the Next Era of Manufacturing with Sunny Han, Fulcrum
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
In this episode, Fulcrum founder and CEO Sunny Han joins the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to explore how AI, automation and smarter decision‑making are reshaping the industry. Sunny explains why the real bottleneck in modern manufacturing is no longer machine throughput but human coordination—and how AI can unlock massive productivity gains for shops of every size. He also shares his personal journey into technology, the importance of understanding the “why” behind innovation, and why small manufacturers remain essential to a resilient supply chain. About the Guest: Sunny...
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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...
info_outlineJeff Umlor, president of Walker Tool & Die, joins the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to explore why the next five years will be both stable and transformative for the tool and die industry. He discusses evolving product mixes, the rise of upfront simulation engineering, the growing role of AI and how data-driven decision-making is reshaping operations. Jeff also shares his personal journey into the trade, the value of technical education and how collaboration across shops—especially through PMA’s Tool & Die Division—is strengthening the industry.
About the Guest: Jeff Umlor, President, Walker Tool & Die
Jeff Umlor is the president of Walker Tool & Die and brings 36 years of experience in the sheet metal tooling industry. With a background spanning operations, engineering and business development, Jeff has successfully led organizational growth, improved operational efficiency and expanded customer relationships across multiple industries.
Jeff is passionate about leadership, continuous improvement and developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals. He is an active member of the PMA West Michigan District board and supports initiatives that connect manufacturing with education.